October 1, 2007

ALPINE LAKE, WV — Friday is traditionally referred to as moving day at Golfapalooza and this year was no different.  Mark Kaniecki and JT Thomas were positioned solidly in the middle of the field after the day one MELC scores had been tabulated.  But on Friday, they were Smokin' (in more ways than one).  After being paired for the 2 man Best Ball event, JT declared a new dynasty had been born and Mark agreed.  The rest of the Loozers didn't take heed, thinking it was just another twosome talking smack on Thursday night through alcohol enduced confidence.

The two of them were put out first as a twosome and JT blasted a drive just short of the green on the first hole.  JT declared, "That seals the deal on the Beat Boland bet" and promptly lit a victory cigar.  After collecting $20 from Pat, the boys proceeded to the second and promptly recorded two more pars.  Mark then lit a victory cigar himself and JT declared the day Stogie Friday.  "We are going to light a victory cigar for every good hole we have" said JT.  The boys played so well they required a stop back at the cabin to pick up more cigars.  JT went on to record a personal best on the front with a blistering 40 (having missed 3 putts within 5 feet).  Groups behind the two red hot linksters could see the carnage at every tee where boys left behind each cigar Butt.  They could also hear the celebrations with every joyous cheer of "It's Stogie Friday!!"

The blistering pace continued on the back nine where JT finished amen corner in 19 strokes (par 22 according to Mr. Long).  Mark nearly birdied the treacherous 12th needing only one more revolution of the golf ball only to have his skin cancelled by JT's up and down par save.  The Stogies (22 of them) were finished off by the 14th and the beer began to flow.  The two of them stayed on course both finishing strong with 78 MELC points apiece.  JT carded a PR 79 shooting the low round of tourney.  

Finishing nearly an hour and a half ahead of the field, the boys rode around in their cart drinking and smoking some dried up stogies found in the bottom of JT's bag declaring to all who would listen, "these are victory cigars!"  When asked about the experience, Mark offered the following,"I didn't think it possible to get hammered on stogies, but I'm a believer now."  Mark could be found hours later trying to stave off elimanation from the Cornhole tournament while puking up smoke and grilled something.  "I was hurt real bad by the stogies but wouldn't trade it for the world.  I look forward to Stogie Friday next year because a Dynasty has been born."

Smoke 'em if ya got 'em Boys.