Submitted by Gary Traynham
Arbuckle Golf Club’s annual Almond Blossom Tournament became a “Blast from the Past” last weekend.
Ft. Bragg resident Will Johnson, who spent much of his youth at the course, joined with former club champion Thomas Steinhoff to easily win the overall title, while longtime WIlliams pals James Pearson and Boise State booster Marty Lane renewed acquaintances to dominate the handicap divisions.
Johnson, a former UC Davis standout, and Steinhoff shot 9-under (65-70) 135 in a dominating show.
“Arbuckle will hold its own with anywhere,” said Johnson, a Sacramento native who spent much of his youth on the course with his brother Tom, who played at Northwestern before a year (2007) on the PGA Tour.
“I played here so much as a kid I know how to putt here,” said Johnson, now a PG&E lineman. “I played here hundreds of times.”
Steinhoff interjected, “The greens were very firm and as tough as ever. “We ham-and-egged it yesterday.”
Similarly, Pearson was brimming with confidence despite a knee replacement in October.
“We just get so many strokes you shouldn’t get beaten,” he said. “We’re old and high handicappers.”
Lane journeyed from Idaho to renew his friendship with Pearson. The latter felt quite confident with a 29 handicap and Lane at 25, which was considerably higher than in the past.
“We used to play as partners before but never won,” Pearson said.
That was before Lane moved to Idaho and became a full-fledged Boise State booster.
“He lives and breathes Broncos,” Pearson joked.
Pearson recalled their youth where Lane played football for longtime UC Davis coach Johnny Pappa at Williams High, and Pearson played for Pappa at Yuba College. It was a memorable reunion.
The winners took home $600 as a team.
Willy Travis and Kevin Wood earned $450 for second at 67-64-131, followed by defending net winners Pete Rominger and Eloy Garcia at 71-65-136 for $300 and Tyler and Ken Crandall at 68-69-137.
Jason Sweet and Tyler Sharp shot 134 to win the $450 net prize in the first flight, followed by Tyler Ward and Nic Weber at 137 and Tom Messner and Mark Champas at 138.
A total of 60 players participated. ■