We just finished up our annual Sider Cup at Harbor Hills this past weekend, so here’s some information about The Sider Cup…
The Sider Cup is a Harbor Hills tradition that was started back in 1993 as a way for us to have our own version of the Ryder Cup right here at Harbor Hills. The goal from the beginning was to include as many golfers as possible in an event that would provide fellowship, friendship, and camaraderie for existing Club Members and integrate new members into the club.
The format is based around the Ryder Cup format, both play and dress. Since Payne Stewart was at the height of his career and popularity, the “uniform” for the Sider Cup was based on his signature look – knickers, socks, suspenders, and a cap.
Just like the Ryder Cup, handicaps are not complicated.
- All handicaps ranked away from the low handicap player in the field;
- All handicaps then reduced to 75%;
- All players using same tees (“official handicap tees”);
- All matches playing off handicap of lowest handicap player in match;
- Matches
- Day 1 – Fourball (better ball of partners);
- Day 2 – Alternate shot;
- Day 3 – Individual head to head.
- All players play with 9 different players with reasonably similar handicaps during 3-day period.
Participants were ranked in order from lowest to highest handicap. A coin was flipped and the odd numbered ranking players were picked from the read Red Team and the even numbered ranking players were picked for the Blue Team – Once Red, always Red – once Blue, always Blue.
The Cup itself was sponsored and purchased in Scotland in 1994 by Bram Dekker.
Over the years, as old members have departed and new members were added, a sophisticated computer program was put in place to handle assignment of new players to keep the teams’ handicaps as equal as possible.
The first Sider Cup competition took place in 1994 with 16 players on each team. By 2000 the field has grown to 64 players per team, which is close to the maximum.
Our Sider Cup event has been a great success here at Harbor Hills. It’s completely different from all other games, it’s a real “team competition” and has created great team spirit on both sides, it’s a great way to introduce new members and it’s preceeded by an outstanding event – our annual Oktoberfest.
Thank you to all 2014 Sider Cup participants! It was a great event and congratulations to the Blue Team on a great win, 33-31! Way to go Blue!
If you weren’t able to play this year, make sure to sign up for next year – it is truly an enjoyable experience.
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