Columnist Peter Benton: LVCC president wins his own Cup event

Peter Benton

Wednesday, April 16, 2003 | 9:05 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

I am certainly not inferring that last week's President's Cup Tournament at the Las Vegas Country Club was rigged, or that everyone laid down so that Dave Smith could be crowned men's overall champion.

After a great deal of investigating and some rather super sleuthing, it has been confirmed that Smith, the club's president, and a truly terrific fellow, won this event fairly and squarely. So, Mister President, hearty congratulations on your victory and your score of 134 in the 36-hole stroke play event (with full handicap).

Also to be complimented is Charlotte Ashworth, who was crowned overall women's champion. Her winning score of 130 was by far the best recorded all weekend.

Charlie's husband, Bruce Ashworth, shot a 139 to win the senior club championship. Ken Land (171) was victorious in the super-senior bracket.

Flight leaders were:

First flight -- Bruce Ashworth 139; Victor Cohen, 140; Frank Larsen, 142.

Second flight -- Mike Small, 136; Glenn Raynes, 138; Mike Pizzola, 141.

Third flight -- Allen Vogel, 141; Paul Stutzman, 142; Bill McKown, 144.

Fourth flight -- Dick Colquitt, 139; Larry Fernandez, 145; Emilio Muscelli, 146.

Ladies flight -- Halina Vergiels, 136; Tammy Gephardt and Larren Buckley, 141; Dianne Jett, 142.

Greg Norman's ship has finally come in.

"The Shark," known to be somewhat extravagant with his toys, has taken delivery of his new aluminum motor yacht.

Built in Australia and three years in the making, the yacht is named "Aussie Rules." Depending on what report you read, it cost somewhere between $33 million and $70 million, and again depending on what you read, it measures anywhere between 220 and 285 feet.

The craft has seven auxiliary boats, two hyperbaric diving chambers, a $1 million home theater, a gym, innumerable jet skies, an outdoor spa and a tackle room with 200 fishing rods -- to name just a few of the extras.

Qualifying for the Women's Southern Nevada Golf Association's Silver Cup Team will be at the Sienna Golf Course June 3. The top five low gross and top five low net scores will qualify.

The entry fee of $88 includes green fees and cart, with entries being open to women with a verifiable USGA handicap administered by the SNGA.

For further information, call Laurie Johnson at 304-0404.

This year's Silver Cup competition will be at the Sierra Nevada layout near Carson City Oct. 5-8 against the Women's Northern Nevada team.