As I reach the end of my first year as President, I start by saying, “Thank you.” I am grateful for the great support of all our Member Clubs and their respective memberships. I have truly enjoyed seeing old friends and making many new ones this season. I really appreciate those of you who have reached out to offer words of support and encouragement. A special thanks to all the Member Clubs that hosted our events; our army of volunteers; and especially our dedicated and passionate staff. Thanks to our sponsors: BMW, Provident Bank and Callaway Golf. This was a great year for golf in GAP. Our mantra, “Celebrating Amateur Golf Since 1897,” only happens because of all of you. Let’s all take a well-earned moment to be proud and to celebrate. Cheers!
The end of the year provides us the opportunity to celebrate this year’s top performers. In this issue, you will read about the 2021 Players of the Year. You will also see a listing of club champions at GAP Member Clubs. Furthermore, we welcomed back our dedicated volunteers for the 2021 tournament season and awarded a Volunteer of the Year in Tom Bogia. Congratulations to all!
From yearlong accomplishments to years’ worth of accomplishments. I must take a moment to celebrate a great friend, Chris Lange, who was inducted into the GAP Hall of Fame during our Player’s Dinner on Oct. 20 at Coatesville Country Club. Knowing Chris for nearly 50 years, I was fortunate to hold a front row seat to the awesome play that created his Hall of Fame résumé. He was the first player in GAP history to secure the GAP Grand Slam (BMW Philadelphia Amateur, Middle-Amateur, Open Championship and Patterson Cup). In this issue, you will read about his success in GAP, PAGA (Pennsylvania Golf Association) and USGA events. In an individual sport, Chris has always been a team player. He made it a priority and took pride in representing GAP in team events/honorary matches. Chris took as much pride in his 25 Compher Cup appearances and 20 Mason-Dixon Match appearances as he did in his 21 USGA appearances. Chris, I appreciate your pride and lifetime of loyalty for GAP and for Overbrook Golf Club. Well done. I am so happy and proud of you.
Another Overbrook member bearing a successful résumé is Jay Wright, Villanova University men’s basketball coach and 2021 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. “Attitude determines Altitude” has always been one of my favorite sayings, and it was great to listen and learn how Jay Wright has made attitude part of his Villanova winning teams’ DNA when GAP Magazine Editor-in-Chief Marty Emeno interviewed him. Thanks to Jay for sharing his time with us.
This issue shares the inner workings of a pro shop. Step inside and learn more about the services offered and the special within. Pro shops are essential to our clubs. Grab some handwarmers for those frosty rounds this time of year. Or warm your heart anytime with some good golf conversation in the pro shop.
As I conclude, I and all at GAP would like to wish you and your families much health and happiness during this holiday season. Looking forward to celebrating GAP’s 125th year anniversary in 2022.
I hope to see you on the course soon.
Oscar L. Mestre
