2026 TULLYMORE
After 35 years of WACOFF gatherings with mostly the same people at mostly the same time of year in mostly places we have gathered before, and for the same purpose, one might be forgiven for thinking that our annual bacchanal might grow old, tiresome, and maybe even boring. But each year the WACOFFs are pleasantly surprised to find that for whatever reason each new year brings an energy, and enthusiasm and a karma that seems to flow simply from the fact that we have gathered together once more. Each year we are reminded of the fun, comfort and satisfaction that comes from doing something that you love with people you love over and over again. We are reminded that after family there are very few things in life more precious than friendship and brotherhood. We gathered, we drank, we ate, we paid homage to our past, and honored those who have passed, We saw to it that all present had a story to tell and a reason to come back again. We left Tullymore with a renewed appreciation for and dedication to the importance of these friendships and this annual gathering. Long may it be so.
The weekend began with a visit to the unimaginitively named Kaufman Golf Course in Grand Rapids, which turned out to be a delightful experience in every respect. Even though most of us have played or at least heard of almost every golf course in Michigan, no one had crossed paths with this gem before. Set in a highly industrial/commercial part of Grand Rapids, we found ourselves in the middle of a parkland course that could have been Up North. Playable, pretty and challenging yet fair and playable, the Committee hopes that we will have an opportunity to return here in the future.
It was then off to Tullymore Resort, where we last visited in 2014. On Friday the boyz encountered a lovely setting at the Tullymore Lodge and an irascible and pesky golf challenge in the form of Saint Ives. For a variety of reasons, it tested everyone from the best and worst of golfers, and left everyone desperate for a drink afterwards. The Two Man Best Ball event for AB and CD teams was a fun format despite the impossible challenge of St. Ives. The AB flight was captured in a runaway by Paul and Sam Coughenour, two players who should never be paired together again for the sake of all that is fair and decent. The CD flight was won by two Ds, Gary Bice and Charlie Moss who conspired to post an amazing 8 under par highlighted by a birdie, par, eagle finish by Mr. Bice. Well done boys.
The following two rounds at Tullymore were significantly better received by the boyz. Trepidation and despair stemming from a weather forecast promising a near 100% chance of rain during the Scramble Championship dissolved into grateful delight as the weather gods were instructed by our new patron Saint Stanley to take it easy on us on Saturday, letting us get through the majority of the round with little precipitation to dampen the ground or our spirits.
The Scramble Championship resulted in an outstanding victory by the Dan Bretz led Cowbird team (S Coughenour, J. Stelmark, C Moss), made even more satisfying for Dan as it took place on his 70th birthday. The competition was close, with the Nick Guerriero Catbird team (Paul Nielsen, G Voshel, M Mantey) finishing just one stroke behind. Lots of bitching and moaning by the BCD contingent relating to "unfair tee assignments" and "impossible carries", but we've heard it before haven't we. The Scramble is supposed to be hard, or so they say.
With victory and glory reserved to the top finishers in the Scramble Championship, one team quickly realized it had little to gain other than to carve a place in the record books for itself at the other end of the spectrum. Accordingly, Randy Moss' team Mockingbird (T Guerriero, R Palmer, JMantey), dedicated themselves to assuring they finished with the worst score in WACOFF history. To be remembered for anything must be better than not being remembered at all.
Sunday brought the usual desertions from the field of combat as booze, lack of sleep, or other matters interfered and 20 souls set out for the individual competition. Decent weather and a second look at Tullymore resulted in some tight races in the individual flights and some big payouts in the parimutuel betting. Results of all events will follow below. All in all an outstanding weekend of golf, booze,food, bullshit, and fun.
The Committee notes some further highlights and special moments of the 35th annual:
-The heartfelt and moving remembrances from many for our dear friend Skip on Friday night.
-The preternaturally competent Friday skins presentation by Joe Mantey. You’ve set a new standard Joe. Don’t fall back.
-The cameo appearance by Joe LaBarge on Thursday, only to disappear as quickly as he appeared. We miss you Joe.
-The absence of Andrew Baran this year due to back surgery was noticed and sad. We know we will see you next year.
-It can’t be said enough: The amazingly comprehensive and deep WACOFF archive, compiled and curated by John Stimson, shines as a loving testament to our culture and history. The addition of what looked like over 1000 pages of documentary history and records laboriously compiled by Paul C will make this collection even more significant to future historians. Bravo men.
-On a similar note, on Saturday Paul and Tim presented some WACOFF trivia highlighting the scope and extent of our 35 year Michigan golf odyssey as well as interesting records and highlights of the events themselves.
-The boyz liked the food at Tullymore, which is good because an ill fed group of men can turn into an ugly Mob very quickly.
-The discovery of a set of casino quality poker chips led to two outstanding nights of Texas Hold em participation mostly by the youths. The money went back-and-forth faster than you could see it. No doubt fortunes were made and lost.
-Our annual team shirts were augmented this year by an outstanding souvenir ball marker and hoodie organized by Ron Hardesty. Loved by all, including even Randy Moss. Well done Ron.
-A couple of organizational fuck ups by The Committee relating to which course we are playing at and at what time proved mettlesome but were resolved quickly. However, it was later determined by an independent select investigative panel that the fuck ups were the fault of Tullymore thus the Committee's infallibility remains intact and the apology issued by The Committee is hereby withdrawn,
-The emergence of a new A scramble captain in the person of Dr Joon Kim, who was universally recognized as an able and capable Scramble leader (under the wise tutelage of crafty vet John Stimson) and the declaration by the Golf Committee that Sam Coughenour with henceforth be designated as an A. It's a heavy load boys but someone has to carry it.
-The universal disappointment that due to a nasty cold, John Stimson had to go to bed every night at 8:30 thus depriving the boyz of his pleasant company and companionship. Find some better pharmaceuticals John.
-When it came to brown liquor, we used to be mostly a Scotch drinking group but the slow migration to bourbon came to a peak this year. There were a dozen bourbons on offer and most of them were empty by Saturday night.
Finally, The Committee wishes to thank the following for their contributions to the success of the 35th Annual:
-To the aforementioned John Stimson and Paul Coughenour for their work gathering and putting together the outstanding archival collection which displays our impressive collective history.
-To Ron Hardesty for a boffo year of shirts, fobs and hoodies. The ball marker will be another outstanding WACOFF keepsake for all of us for years.
-To Randy Moss for selecting Kaufman and booking the Thursday game. It was an outstanding choice.
-To all the meal captains who assisted in cleaning up after ourselves. Your work kept the inevitable pigsty somewhat at bay.
-To Glenn Coughenour for managing the pari mutuel betting, even when he had to create the betting sheet from scratch at the last minute. Kudos Glenn.
-To our Golf Committee chairman Paul Coughenour, for his tireless work in setting up and managing the competitions, including his masterful presentation of the Scramble results on Saturday night. We were all on the edge of our seats.
-Finally, to each of you, for having the faith and determination to come back every year to make your contribution to the vibe by your presence. Collectively, we all make this the special event that it is.
The results for the competitions are set forth below. The Committee will be in touch with everyone in the next several weeks with a save the date and a venue for the 36th invitational in September, 2027. Until then, stay healthy, be safe and hit 'em straight. And maybe practice a bit too?
YrObtSvts
THE COMMITTEE
RESULTS 35TH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL
THURSDAY GAME @ KAUFMAN GOLF COURSE (30/40 Game)
1st Place NET -19/-25 Adjusted
Randy Moss Gross 95
Joe LaBarge Gross 86
Charlie Moss Gross 95
2nd Place NET -22
Aaron Pruss Gross 81
John Stimson Gross 82
Char Stimson Gross 94
Gary Bice Gross 101
3rd Place NET -12/-16 Adjusted
Paul Coug Gross 81
Glenn Coug Gross 87
Gary Voshell Gross 97
4th Place NET -15
Tim G Gross 97
Nic G Gross 74
Joon Gross 91
Marsh Gross 112
5th Place NET -8
Dan Bretz Gross 82
Ron Hardesty Gross 91
Jim Bretz Gross 95
D Hardesty Gross Infinite (Est. 120+)
6th Place NET -1
Paul Nielsen Gross 96
Phil Nielsen Gross 98
Bob Palmer Gross 94
Chase Poole Gross 124
Notable holes: Nic G had an eagle 3 on the par 5 seventh hole (#1 handicap hole) for a net 2!
FRIDAY BEST BALL OF TWO FLIGHTED
A/B Results
1st Place Paul C (79)/Sam C (85) Net -10
2nd Place Joon K (90)/Glenn C (86) Net -6
3rd Place Randy (86)/Ron Hardesty (97) Net -3
4th Place Nic G (81)/Phil Nielsen (96) Net -1
5th Place Aaron P (88)/Tim G (97) Net +2
6th Place Dan B (89)/J Stimson (101) Net +7
C/D Results
1st Place G Bice (102)/C Moss (99) Net -8
2nd Place J Stelmark (96)/J Mantey (104) Net -6
3rd Place C Stimson (100)/Marshal (142) Net +5
4th Place J Bretz (112)/Mitch Mantey (121) Net +6
5th Place G Voshell (100)/Chase Poole (112) Net +7
6th Place B Palmer (106)/D Hardesty (XXX) Net +13
SCRAMBLE CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place Cowbird @ 64* (8 Under Par)
ABCD: D Bretz/Sam C/Joe Stelmark/Charlie Moss
2nd Place Catbird @ 65* (7 Under Par)
ABCD: Nic G/Paul Nielsen/Gary Voshell/Mitch Mantey
3rd Place Hummingbird @ 68 (4 Under Par)
ABCD: Paul C/Ron Hardesty/Phil Nielsen/Chase Poole
4th Place Lovebird @ 70 (2 Under Par)
ABCD: Aaron Pruss/Glenn C/C Stimson/D Hardesty
5th Place Bee Eater @ 70** (2 Under Par)
ABCD: Joon Kim/J Stimson/J Bretz/Gary Bice
6th Place Mockingbird @ 78*** (6 Over Par)
Randy Moss/Tim G/Rob Palmer/Joe Mantey
*Ties multiple teams with no bogeys in Scramble
**Lost tiebreaker on 17 with bogey; both teams birdied 18
***New futility record at both 78 and 6 over par
Other Notables:
Catbird started with 3 birdies
B Player on winning team had 6 drives
C Player on Lovebird had 6 drives
Team Bee Eater had 6 birdies; notable for a first time Captain (Joon Kim)
SUNDAY INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
A Flight Results Gross/Net
1st Place Paul C 77/71
2nd Place Nic G 73/73*
3rd Place Aaron Pruss 84/77
4th Place Dan Bretz 90/82
5th Place Joon Kim 94/83
6th Place Randy Moss 94/84
B Flight Results
1st Place Glenn C 92/80
2nd Place Tim G 92/82
3rd Place Sam C 98/83
4th Place Joon Kim 94/83
5th Place Paul Nielsen 97/86
6th Place Ron Hardesty 97/88
A/B Parimutuel Winner: Paul C Net 71
C Flight Results
1st Place Joe Stelmark 100/82
2nd Place Phil Nielsen 100/82
3rd Place Gary Voshell 102/85
4th Place Jim Bretz 105/87
D Flight Results
1st Place Gary Bice 107/81**
2nd Place Charlie Moss 108/81
C/d Parimutuel Winner: Gary Bice Net 81
*Scored an eagle 3 on Hole 8, 3rd Handicap Hole for Men, but also a double bogey on Par 4 14th hole (Men’s Handicap 6)
**Won tiebreaker with a 5, Net 4 on Par 5 18th hole; C Moss had an 8 Net 7
After 35 years of WACOFF gatherings with mostly the same people at mostly the same time of year in mostly places we have gathered before, and for the same purpose, one might be forgiven for thinking that our annual bacchanal might grow old, tiresome, and maybe even boring. But each year the WACOFFs are pleasantly surprised to find that for whatever reason each new year brings an energy, and enthusiasm and a karma that seems to flow simply from the fact that we have gathered together once more. Each year we are reminded of the fun, comfort and satisfaction that comes from doing something that you love with people you love over and over again. We are reminded that after family there are very few things in life more precious than friendship and brotherhood. We gathered, we drank, we ate, we paid homage to our past, and honored those who have passed, We saw to it that all present had a story to tell and a reason to come back again. We left Tullymore with a renewed appreciation for and dedication to the importance of these friendships and this annual gathering. Long may it be so.
The weekend began with a visit to the unimaginitively named Kaufman Golf Course in Grand Rapids, which turned out to be a delightful experience in every respect. Even though most of us have played or at least heard of almost every golf course in Michigan, no one had crossed paths with this gem before. Set in a highly industrial/commercial part of Grand Rapids, we found ourselves in the middle of a parkland course that could have been Up North. Playable, pretty and challenging yet fair and playable, the Committee hopes that we will have an opportunity to return here in the future.
It was then off to Tullymore Resort, where we last visited in 2014. On Friday the boyz encountered a lovely setting at the Tullymore Lodge and an irascible and pesky golf challenge in the form of Saint Ives. For a variety of reasons, it tested everyone from the best and worst of golfers, and left everyone desperate for a drink afterwards. The Two Man Best Ball event for AB and CD teams was a fun format despite the impossible challenge of St. Ives. The AB flight was captured in a runaway by Paul and Sam Coughenour, two players who should never be paired together again for the sake of all that is fair and decent. The CD flight was won by two Ds, Gary Bice and Charlie Moss who conspired to post an amazing 8 under par highlighted by a birdie, par, eagle finish by Mr. Bice. Well done boys.
The following two rounds at Tullymore were significantly better received by the boyz. Trepidation and despair stemming from a weather forecast promising a near 100% chance of rain during the Scramble Championship dissolved into grateful delight as the weather gods were instructed by our new patron Saint Stanley to take it easy on us on Saturday, letting us get through the majority of the round with little precipitation to dampen the ground or our spirits.
The Scramble Championship resulted in an outstanding victory by the Dan Bretz led Cowbird team (S Coughenour, J. Stelmark, C Moss), made even more satisfying for Dan as it took place on his 70th birthday. The competition was close, with the Nick Guerriero Catbird team (Paul Nielsen, G Voshel, M Mantey) finishing just one stroke behind. Lots of bitching and moaning by the BCD contingent relating to "unfair tee assignments" and "impossible carries", but we've heard it before haven't we. The Scramble is supposed to be hard, or so they say.
With victory and glory reserved to the top finishers in the Scramble Championship, one team quickly realized it had little to gain other than to carve a place in the record books for itself at the other end of the spectrum. Accordingly, Randy Moss' team Mockingbird (T Guerriero, R Palmer, JMantey), dedicated themselves to assuring they finished with the worst score in WACOFF history. To be remembered for anything must be better than not being remembered at all.
Sunday brought the usual desertions from the field of combat as booze, lack of sleep, or other matters interfered and 20 souls set out for the individual competition. Decent weather and a second look at Tullymore resulted in some tight races in the individual flights and some big payouts in the parimutuel betting. Results of all events will follow below. All in all an outstanding weekend of golf, booze,food, bullshit, and fun.
The Committee notes some further highlights and special moments of the 35th annual:
-The heartfelt and moving remembrances from many for our dear friend Skip on Friday night.
-The preternaturally competent Friday skins presentation by Joe Mantey. You’ve set a new standard Joe. Don’t fall back.
-The cameo appearance by Joe LaBarge on Thursday, only to disappear as quickly as he appeared. We miss you Joe.
-The absence of Andrew Baran this year due to back surgery was noticed and sad. We know we will see you next year.
-It can’t be said enough: The amazingly comprehensive and deep WACOFF archive, compiled and curated by John Stimson, shines as a loving testament to our culture and history. The addition of what looked like over 1000 pages of documentary history and records laboriously compiled by Paul C will make this collection even more significant to future historians. Bravo men.
-On a similar note, on Saturday Paul and Tim presented some WACOFF trivia highlighting the scope and extent of our 35 year Michigan golf odyssey as well as interesting records and highlights of the events themselves.
-The boyz liked the food at Tullymore, which is good because an ill fed group of men can turn into an ugly Mob very quickly.
-The discovery of a set of casino quality poker chips led to two outstanding nights of Texas Hold em participation mostly by the youths. The money went back-and-forth faster than you could see it. No doubt fortunes were made and lost.
-Our annual team shirts were augmented this year by an outstanding souvenir ball marker and hoodie organized by Ron Hardesty. Loved by all, including even Randy Moss. Well done Ron.
-A couple of organizational fuck ups by The Committee relating to which course we are playing at and at what time proved mettlesome but were resolved quickly. However, it was later determined by an independent select investigative panel that the fuck ups were the fault of Tullymore thus the Committee's infallibility remains intact and the apology issued by The Committee is hereby withdrawn,
-The emergence of a new A scramble captain in the person of Dr Joon Kim, who was universally recognized as an able and capable Scramble leader (under the wise tutelage of crafty vet John Stimson) and the declaration by the Golf Committee that Sam Coughenour with henceforth be designated as an A. It's a heavy load boys but someone has to carry it.
-The universal disappointment that due to a nasty cold, John Stimson had to go to bed every night at 8:30 thus depriving the boyz of his pleasant company and companionship. Find some better pharmaceuticals John.
-When it came to brown liquor, we used to be mostly a Scotch drinking group but the slow migration to bourbon came to a peak this year. There were a dozen bourbons on offer and most of them were empty by Saturday night.
Finally, The Committee wishes to thank the following for their contributions to the success of the 35th Annual:
-To the aforementioned John Stimson and Paul Coughenour for their work gathering and putting together the outstanding archival collection which displays our impressive collective history.
-To Ron Hardesty for a boffo year of shirts, fobs and hoodies. The ball marker will be another outstanding WACOFF keepsake for all of us for years.
-To Randy Moss for selecting Kaufman and booking the Thursday game. It was an outstanding choice.
-To all the meal captains who assisted in cleaning up after ourselves. Your work kept the inevitable pigsty somewhat at bay.
-To Glenn Coughenour for managing the pari mutuel betting, even when he had to create the betting sheet from scratch at the last minute. Kudos Glenn.
-To our Golf Committee chairman Paul Coughenour, for his tireless work in setting up and managing the competitions, including his masterful presentation of the Scramble results on Saturday night. We were all on the edge of our seats.
-Finally, to each of you, for having the faith and determination to come back every year to make your contribution to the vibe by your presence. Collectively, we all make this the special event that it is.
The results for the competitions are set forth below. The Committee will be in touch with everyone in the next several weeks with a save the date and a venue for the 36th invitational in September, 2027. Until then, stay healthy, be safe and hit 'em straight. And maybe practice a bit too?
-
YrObtSvts
THE COMMITTEE
RESULTS 35TH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL
THURSDAY GAME @ KAUFMAN GOLF COURSE (30/40 Game)
1st Place NET -19/-25 Adjusted
Randy Moss Gross 95
Joe LaBarge Gross 86
Charlie Moss Gross 95
2nd Place NET -22
Aaron Pruss Gross 81
John Stimson Gross 82
Char Stimson Gross 94
Gary Bice Gross 101
3rd Place NET -12/-16 Adjusted
Paul Coug Gross 81
Glenn Coug Gross 87
Gary Voshell Gross 97
4th Place NET -15
Tim G Gross 97
Nic G Gross 74
Joon Gross 91
Marsh Gross 112
5th Place NET -8
Dan Bretz Gross 82
Ron Hardesty Gross 91
Jim Bretz Gross 95
D Hardesty Gross Infinite (Est. 120+)
6th Place NET -1
Paul Nielsen Gross 96
Phil Nielsen Gross 98
Bob Palmer Gross 94
Chase Poole Gross 124
Notable holes: Nic G had an eagle 3 on the par 5 seventh hole (#1 handicap hole) for a net 2!
FRIDAY BEST BALL OF TWO FLIGHTED
A/B Results
1st Place Paul C (79)/Sam C (85) Net -10
2nd Place Joon K (90)/Glenn C (86) Net -6
3rd Place Randy (86)/Ron Hardesty (97) Net -3
4th Place Nic G (81)/Phil Nielsen (96) Net -1
5th Place Aaron P (88)/Tim G (97) Net +2
6th Place Dan B (89)/J Stimson (101) Net +7
C/D Results
1st Place G Bice (102)/C Moss (99) Net -8
2nd Place J Stelmark (96)/J Mantey (104) Net -6
3rd Place C Stimson (100)/Marshal (142) Net +5
4th Place J Bretz (112)/Mitch Mantey (121) Net +6
5th Place G Voshell (100)/Chase Poole (112) Net +7
6th Place B Palmer (106)/D Hardesty (XXX) Net +13
SCRAMBLE CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place Cowbird @ 64* (8 Under Par)
ABCD: D Bretz/Sam C/Joe Stelmark/Charlie Moss
2nd Place Catbird @ 65* (7 Under Par)
ABCD: Nic G/Paul Nielsen/Gary Voshell/Mitch Mantey
3rd Place Hummingbird @ 68 (4 Under Par)
ABCD: Paul C/Ron Hardesty/Phil Nielsen/Chase Poole
4th Place Lovebird @ 70 (2 Under Par)
ABCD: Aaron Pruss/Glenn C/C Stimson/D Hardesty
5th Place Bee Eater @ 70** (2 Under Par)
ABCD: Joon Kim/J Stimson/J Bretz/Gary Bice
6th Place Mockingbird @ 78*** (6 Over Par)
Randy Moss/Tim G/Rob Palmer/Joe Mantey
*Ties multiple teams with no bogeys in Scramble
**Lost tiebreaker on 17 with bogey; both teams birdied 18
***New futility record at both 78 and 6 over par
Other Notables:
Catbird started with 3 birdies
B Player on winning team had 6 drives
C Player on Lovebird had 6 drives
Team Bee Eater had 6 birdies; notable for a first time Captain (Joon Kim)
SUNDAY INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
A Flight Results Gross/Net
1st Place Paul C 77/71
2nd Place Nic G 73/73*
3rd Place Aaron Pruss 84/77
4th Place Dan Bretz 90/82
5th Place Joon Kim 94/83
6th Place Randy Moss 94/84
B Flight Results
1st Place Glenn C 92/80
2nd Place Tim G 92/82
3rd Place Sam C 98/83
4th Place Joon Kim 94/83
5th Place Paul Nielsen 97/86
6th Place Ron Hardesty 97/88
A/B Parimutuel Winner: Paul C Net 71
C Flight Results
1st Place Joe Stelmark 100/82
2nd Place Phil Nielsen 100/82
3rd Place Gary Voshell 102/85
4th Place Jim Bretz 105/87
D Flight Results
1st Place Gary Bice 107/81**
2nd Place Charlie Moss 108/81
C/d Parimutuel Winner: Gary Bice Net 81
*Scored an eagle 3 on Hole 8, 3rd Handicap Hole for Men, but also a double bogey on Par 4 14th hole (Men’s Handicap 6)
**Won tiebreaker with a 5, Net 4 on Par 5 18th hole; C Moss had an 8 Net 7
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