BELLA VISTA — The Scotsdale team took the lead on the first day of the 2009 Village Cup golf tournament and didn’t give it up until clinching the win.

“They were the leader from day one. It usually goes back and forth. That is the first time that’s happened,” said John Wiewel, tournament organizer.

Three days of competition on Oct. 19, 21 and 23 featured three different formats on three courses. Monday’s matches were played at the Scotsdale Golf Course using a modified alternate-shot format. Wednesday’s play at the Kingsdale Golf Course used a modified best-ball format, and Friday’s individual matches were played at the Bella Vista Country Club Golf Course.

The players saw fine fall weather on the first two daysof the tournament, but Friday had a high of only 48 degrees, according to the Weather Channel.

Team Scotsdale took the trophy from the Highlands team, which had won the village’s past two tournaments - the 2008 Village Cup and the 2009 Cooper Cup. Team Highlands finished in last place this time around.

Team Kingswood took sec-ond place, and the Country Club team finished third.

The Scotsdale team roster will remain unchanged at the Cooper Cup next spring. Members of other teams rotate, but defending champions remain together.

The Scotsdale players were led by captainsJohn Bunch and Mike Stout. Other members of the winning team are Jef Latzer, Jim Rosso, Jeff Knapstein, Dean Collins, Lowell Brown, Gene Young, James Marshall, Don Berke, Terry Dewey and Tom Prout.

Andy Mar, golf operations manager with the Bella Vista Property Owners Association, used a computer to match pairings for each day’s competition and make the teams as even as possible, Wiewelsaid.

Wiewel invites qualified players to submit their names for placement on a waiting list for next year’s events. To qualify, POA members must have a valid Bella Vista handicap of 14 or less.

New competitors are needed every year to replace those who drop out for various reasons. Anyone interested can contact Wiewel at 855-6476 or by e-mailing to jpwiewel@cox.net.

Sports & Recreation, Pages 13 on 10/28/2009

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