AMBOY — It was a team effort for Shady Oaks who won the 2019 annual Senior Men’s Rock River Classic golf tournament hosted by Lake Erie and Deer Valley. 

Paced by Medalist and Best Against Bogey James “Spark” Larkin 2nd  Flight +37, Flight winner Dave Kemp 1st Flight +32 and Flight winner Steve Jacobs 7th flight +17, followed by John Klausen 4th flight +22, Greg Ohlendorf  3rd flight +16, Mark Summers 6th flight +13, Jeff Lovgren 5th flight +12 and Bob Smith 8th flight +3.    

The format is best against bogey, plus (+2 Birdie),(+1 par), zero(0 bogey) or minus(-1 over bogey), plus being good.  Up to eight clubs in the Rock River area field a team of their best eight players to compete for the Team Trophy.  This year eight clubs where involved. Shady Oaks, Sunset, Emerald Hill, Deer Valley, Prophet Hills, Lake Erie, SandBurr Run and Story Brook. The tournament also recognizes the overall medalist (low score to par) and Flight winners using the best against bogey format.  

The last time Shady Oaks held the title was just two years ago in 2017. 

“Spark led us to the Championship this year, shooting 68 Saturday 1 stroke less than his age,” said Kemp. “Not many golfers have ever accomplished that. He was a true leader for our Team and has done so for many years. Shooting a combined score of 1 under par for the 36 hole event is outstanding. Congratulations to Spark and our Shady Oaks Senior Rock River Champions, Shady Oaks is alive and vibrant with young and older talent.”   

Picture order, Left to right:

John Klausen, James “Spark” Larkin, Greg Ohlendorf, Mark Summers, Steve Jacobs, Jeff Lovgren, Dave Kemp, Bob Smith