Piping Rock Invitational Won by Dick Sullivan

15-18 May 2008
Piping Rock Club, Locus Valley, NY
story by Bob Kroeger, Co-Director
scores by John Osborn, Co-Director

The 2008 Piping Rock Invitational took place from Thursday May 15 to Sunday May 18. The weather was extraordinary except for one "Classic Piping Rock May Day" — cold rain!!!! All the players had GREAT attitudes and all games commenced without delay.

The tournament featured four flights of singles and three flights of Waterford doubles. The social events featured a reception party at the club, a delicious out door buffet dinner Thursday night at the club, and a spectacular Saturday night dinner at the Piping Rock Beach Club featuring a gorgeous view of Long Island Sound overlooking the Connecticut shore. Friday evening was off but a number of Piping Rock members hosted out of town players for dinner.

Now on to the play. All flights had block play leading to a playoff. All but championship flight had a comprehensive plate event. Most players played many games throughout. Championship flight featured two players from Louisville, KY who had played against each other informally many times before. Dick Sullivan (–1) dominated over Tyler Thomas (2) to take the championship however Tyler picked up 48 tracking points for his overall great performance.

Championship A Flight singles (sometimes known as Championship B), had a player who played in First Flight last year win this years event. Tim Rapuano (5) beat Ron Shiftan (4.5). For his hard work Tim picked up 23 tracking points with Ron getting 10. Another big tracking point gain in this flight was Dick Wyrough (6) picked up 27 points.

First Flight singles had a player who had played many years in Second flight who played breaks but couldn't put games away. He doesn't have that problem anymore — Jim Wyer (8) beat the rapidly improving player Conrad Rugard (8) to take top honors. Both of them picked up 32 tracking points with Peter Oleson picking up 19.

Second Flight singles had the highest seed Joe Quintillian (12) beating Ralph Charles (10) in the finals. Joe picked up 52 tracking points which will likely get him to a 10 handicap. Peter Timmins (11) picked up 22 tracking points.

The Waterford doubles format had the following winners:
1) Rufus Bayard — Championship Flight
2) Steve Ely from Piping Rock — First Flight
3) Joe Quintillian — Second Flight

Tournament Chair — Ellie Perkins
Equipment — Jane Simonds
Co Directors — Bob Kroeger and John Osborn
Scheduling — John Osborn

Final Order