The Greater Cleveland Skins Game season came down to dramatics on the final Thursday night at Pleasant Hills in Chardon. The top four players on the season-long money list played together in the last group - and on “Double Down” night, no less, where the pot entry was doubled.

At stake was claim to the Thompson Cup for 2008.

Steve Blackburn, Jr. led the money list at the start of the night (and for most of the season). Chasing were John Niedzialek, Mark Foss and Paul Kish.

Kish of Painesville Township made the strongest effort to take the Cup, posting birdies at both the second and seventh holes. But both birdies were tied by other players.

Niedzialek and Foss had great opportunities to overtake Blackburn’s lead and grab the Cup on par-3s: Niedzialek won the pin shot on the third hole and Foss took the pin shot on the eighth hole. Had either player made the close-range birdie putt, he would have won enough money to overtake the season long lead. But neither did. Both players also had birdie putts on the ninth green — the final hole of the season — and again a make would have won the Cup. But neither player converted.

In the end, Steve Blackburn, Jr. of Willowick held on and won the 2008 Greater Cleveland Skins Game Championship. Blackburn Jr. took home $1,318 for the season with 8 skins and 3 pin shots. Blackburn was awarded “The Thompson Cup” after the round, his second in the last three seasons.

Thursday’s final “Double Down” Skins Night at Pleasant Hills had some big winners: Steve Blackburn Sr. earned one skin with a birdie on #1, and Rob Shustrich earned the other with a birdie on #4. The skins paid $247.50 each.

Pin shot winners were John Niedzialek on #3, Geoff Nicely on #5, and Mark Foss on # 8, worth $55.00 each.

Shustrich’s big night moved him all the way up to fourth place, and Blackburn Sr. moved to the eighth position in the final standings.

After the round, Blackburn Jr. stated, “My hot play in the beginning of the season gave me enough momentum to hang on to the lead and allow me to take home the Thompson Cup again.”

Skins Game Director John Niedzialek added, “Hats off to Steve Jr.; it was great to come down to the last night with a chance to win it all and compete with all these great payers from the region. A big thanks to all six courses that hosted the Greater Cleveland Skins Game this year, with many of them offering reduced rate sponsorships for the players. And thanks to Northeast Ohio Golf for posting the weekly results on the website all season long.”

Mark Foss summed it up with, “Every season, the Greater Cleveland Skins Game gets better and the competition gets tougher. I enjoyed this season and look forward to 2009.”

The 2008 Greater Cleveland Skins Game events were played at Pleasant Hills, Fowlers Mill, Thunder Hill, Chardon Lakes, Powderhorn, and Little Mountain. Over $12,000 was paid out in prize funds this year.

. . . . .

FINAL RESULTS: 2008 Greater Cleveland Skins Game Leaderboard

– Allen Freeman & John Niedzialek

Johnny Distefano kept his hot hand going at Pleasant Hills GC on Thursday, capturing two skins with birdies at #2 and #7. Mike Angie notched the other skin with a birdie on #6. Skins were worth $37.50 each.

Angie also took two pin shots and Geoff Nicely grabbed the final pin shot on #8, worth $12.50 each.

Distefano works his way up to the eighth spot on the leaderboard, while Angie moves into the 5th position.

Steve Blackburn was shut out on Thursday but still sits at the top of the season-long Greater Cleveland Skins Game Leaderboard. However, with the stakes being doubled for the upcoming final night, the race for the Thompson Cup is still up for grabs!

This coming Thursday, October 23rd  at Pleasant Hills Golf Course in Chardon, the Greater Cleveland Skins Game Champion will be crowned. This final night will be a “Double Down” event, with the stakes set at $60 per player plus greens fees. (Please note that only players that have participated in at least 2 events this year can play.) The Thompson Cup will be awarded to the season-long winner and everyone is invited to pay respects to the champion as the champagne will be poured at approximately 6:30 pm!

Greater Cleveland Skins Game Leaderboard Through Week 27

1) Steve Blackburn Jr.    $1,318.17
2) John Niedzialek          $1,171.81
3) Mark Foss                   $1,126.34
4) Paul Kish                      $817.80
5) Mike Angie                 $706.17
6) Rob Schustrich           $699.13
7) Geoff Nicely                 $626.33
8) John Distefano            $431.80
9) Nick Anagnost             $429.33
10) Steve Blackburn Sr.        $397.50
11) Joe Tasca                    $386.90
12) Ryan Stefanski           $345.00
13) Dave Sotka                  $340.33
14) Al Freeman                 $316.00
15) George Martin            $268.20
16) Brian McGinty            $264.50
17) Anthony Maenza        $224.20
18) Russ Rybka                 $201.00
19) Phil Bojc                    $180.50
20) Corey Iacofano           $168.66
21) Garry Zehe                $166.50
22) Jim Lebzelter              $151.83
23) Josh Krause              $144.83
24) Dan Lanese                  $136.50
25) Bob Delcocco              $99.66
26) Jeff Ettinger                $84.00
27) John Zook                   $77.00
28) Tom Evans                   $74.64
29) Clint Paxson                $45.50
30) Tom Bond                    $45.50
31) Cliff Lawrence              $36.00
32) Ron Rositani                 $33.00
33) Matt White                   $33.00

– John Niedzialek

Rob Shustrich found Thunder Hill Golf Club in Madison to be “easy pickings” on Thursday, making three birdies (#4 and # 9 held up for skins worth $64.40 each) plus the pin shot on the ninth hole, worth $49. Shustrich earned $177.80 for the night’s triple-dip, moving him up to the fifth spot on the season-long leaderboard.

There were five skins total: Joe Tasca birdied the fifth hole for a skin; John Distefano birdied #6 for a skin; and Steve Blackburn Jr., the Greater Cleveland Skins Game leader who has not made a skin in 17 weeks, finally cashed in again with a PAR SKIN on the 7th hole!

Mike Angie took the other pin shot of the evening, on the third hole.

Only two more weeks to go in the Greater Cleveland Skins Game 2008 season, culminating at the “Double Down” at Pleasant Hills on October 23 and the presentation of the Thompson Cup trophy.

The Skins Game moves to Pleasant Hills GC this coming Thursday, October 16 starting at 4:00 pm sharp due to daylight concerns.� Any player that wants to play a “warm up 9 hole round” before the scheduled skins game must call the course first to make such arrangements.

Greater Cleveland Skins Game Leaderboard Through Week 26

1) Steve Blackburn Jr.     $1,318.17
2) John Niedzialek      $1,171.81
3) Mark Foss     $1,126.34
4) Paul Kish     $817.80
5) Rob Schustrich     $699.13
6) Mike Angie     $643.67
7) Geoff Nicely     $613.83
8) Nick Anagnost     $429.33
9) Steve Blackburn Sr.     $397.50
10) Joe Tasca     $386.90
11) John Distefano     $356.80
12) Ryan Stefanski     $345.00
13) Dave Sotka     $340.33
14) Al Freeman     $316.00
15) George Martin     $268.20
16) Brian McGinty     $264.50
17) Anthony Maenza     $224.20
18) Russ Rybka     $201.00
19) Phil Bojc     $180.50
20) Corey Iacofano     $168.66
21) Garry Zehe     $166.50
22) Jim Lebzelter     $151.83
23) Josh Krause     $144.83
24) Dan Lanese     $136.50
25) Bob Delcocco     $99.66
26) Jeff Ettinger     $84.00
27) John Zook     $77.00
28) Tom Evans     $74.64
29) Clint Paxson     $45.50
30) Tom Bond     $45.50
31) Cliff Lawrence     $36.00
32) Ron Rositani     $33.00
33) Matt White     $33.00

– John Niedzialek

John Distefano of Munson Township finished strong at Fowlers Mill: he nearly aced the 17th hole capturing a pin shot and a skin with a birdie, and then he birdied the 18th hole as well for a second skin! Distefano’s big night earned him $152.40, moving him up eight spots on the season-long leaderboard.

Anthony Maenza captured the pin shot on the 13th hole worth $42.00 and also took home a skin on the 16th hole with a birdie, worth $55.20. His double-dip moved him up eight spots on the leaderboard as well.

Paul Kish, who is currently in fourth place on the leaderboard, had a chip-in birdie on the13th hole earning a skin.

And Mark Foss came out of the gate with a birdie on the 10th hole and earned a $55.20 skin to add to his third place position.

All of this movement only further tightens the race for the Greater Cleveland Skins Game Championship and the Thompson Cup. Steve Blackburn Jr. was shut out yet again, but still holds onto the season lead. Only three weeks to go, with the season culminating at the “Double Down” event at Pleasant Hills on October 23 with the Thompson Cup trophy presentation.

The Skins Game moves to Thunderhill GC in Madison on Thursday, October 9 starting at 4:15 pm sharp due to daylight concerns. Green Fees will be $15 riding! Please thank the course management for extending skins game players such a great rate. Any player looking to play a “warm up 9 hole round” before the scheduled skins game must call the course first to make such arrangements.

Greater Cleveland Skins Game Leaderboard Through Week 25

1) Steve Blackburn Jr.     $1,253.77
2) John Niedzialek     $1,171.81
3) Mark Foss     $1,126.34
4) Paul Kish     $817.80
5) Geoff Nicely     $613.83
6) Mike Angie     $594.67
7) Rob Schustrich     $521.33
8) Nick Anagnost     $429.33
9) Steve Blackburn Sr.     $397.50
10) Ryan Stefanski     $345.00
11) Dave Sotka     $340.33
12) Joe Tasca     $325.50
13) Al Freeman     $316.00
14) John Distefano     $292.40
15) George Martin     $268.20
16) Brian McGinty     $264.50
17) Anthony Maenza     $224.20
18) Russ Rybka     $201.00
19) Phil Bojc      $180.50
20) Corey Iacofano    $168.66
21) Garry Zehe      $166.50
22) Jim Lebzelter     $151.83
23) Josh Krause     $144.83
24) Dan Lanese     $136.50
25) Bob Delcocco     $99.66
26) Jeff Ettinger     $84.00
27) John Zook     $77.00
28) Tom Evans     $74.64
29) Clint Paxson     $45.50
30) Tom Bond     $45.50
31) Cliff Lawrence     $36.00
32) Ron Rositani     $33.00
33) Matt White     $33.00

– John Niedzialek

Seven birdies were recorded at Powderhorn GC in Madison on Thursday — and all seven held up as skins!

Mike Angie had the most fun, coming out of the gate and sinking a 40-foot downhill putt on the long par-4 10th hole. Mike also birdied the par-5 16th hole and took home the pin shot on #14. Skins were worth $36.14 and the pin shots were worth $38.50, so Angie earned $110.78.

Geoff Nicely birdied the 12th hole, Mark Foss birdied 13, and Paul Kish birdied 15. Tom Evans stuck it close on the par-3 17th hole and made the putt for birdie to capture both the pin shot and skin on that hole. And finally, John Niedzialek made a skin on the 18th hole with a birdie.

Steve Blackburn Jr. took the week off but still holds onto the lead of the Greater Cleveland Skin Game in quest of the “Thompson Cup.”

Only six more weeks to play culminating in the “Double Down” event at Pleasant Hills on October 23, and the “Thompson Cup” trophy presentation.

The Skins Game moves to Fowlers Mill next Thursday, September 18 starting at 5:00pm sharp due to daylight concerns.  Green Fees will be $22.00 riding, which includes a beverage. Any players that want to play a “warm up 9 hole round” before the scheduled skins game must call the course first to make such arrangements.

Greater Cleveland Skins Game Leaderboard Through Week 22

1) Steve Blackburn Jr.   $1,253.77
2) John Niedzialek         $1,079.31
3) Mark Foss                $1,071.14
4) Paul Kish                     $762.60
5) Mike Angie                  $549.17
6) Geoff Nicely                 $467.64
7) Nick Anagnost             $429.33
8) Rob Schustrich           $421.66
9) Ryan Stefanski           $345.00
10) Dave Sotka               $340.33
11) Steve Blackburn Sr.   $340.00
12) Al Freeman                $316.00
13) George Martin            $268.20
14) Brian McGinty            $264.50
15) Russ Rybka               $201.00
16) Phil Bojc                    $180.50
17) Corey Iacofano           $168.66
18) Garry Zehe                $166.50
19) Jim Lebzelter              $151.83
20) Josh Krause               $144.83
21) John Distefano            $140.00
22) Dan Lanese                 $136.50
23) Anthony Maenza          $127.00
24) Joe Tasca                    $122.83
25) Jeff Ettinger                $84.00
26) John Zook                   $77.00
27) Tom Evans                  $74.64
28) Clint Paxson                $45.50
28) Tom Bond                   $45.50
30) Cliff Lawrence              $36.00
31) Ron Rositani                $33.00
32) Matt White                  $33.00

– John Niedzialek

John Niedzialek and Joe Tasca, both of Concord, made the most of their trip south to Chardon Lakes for the Greater Cleveland Skins Game on Thursday.

Niedzialek had two skins with birdies on the par-4 third and seventh holes, worth $84.33 each.

Joe Tasca took the pin shot on the par-3 fourth hole (worth $38.50) and then made the putt for birdie for the other skin.

Dan Lanese had the other pin shot on #8. (Dan made the putt as well but was tied by a bomb putt by Steve Blackburn Jr.)

With his two skins, Niedzialek passes Mark Foss on the leaderboard for second place in the standings. Leader Steve Blackburn Jr. made 3 birdies on Thursday, but was shut out again.

For the first time in Greater Cleveland Skins game history, three players have now moved over the $1,000 mark for the season.

The Skins Game moves to Powderhorn GC in Madison on Thursday, September 11 starting at 5:00 pm.  Green Fees will be $13.00 riding and $6.00 walking! Please thank the course for extending these great rates to our players. Any players looking for a “warm up 9 hole round” before the scheduled skins game must call the course first to make such arrangements.

Only six more weeks to play before the season-finale “Double Down” event at Pleasant Hills GC on October 23, and the “Thompson Cup” trophy presentation. Who will buy the champagne this year? It’s still up for grabs!

Greater Cleveland Skins Game Leaderboard Through Week 21
1) Steve Blackburn Jr.    $1253.77
2) John Niedzialek    $1043.17
3) Mark Foss   $1035.00
4) Paul Kish   $726.46
5) Mike Angie   $438.39
6) Geoff Nicely   $431.50
7) Nick Anagnost   $429.33
8) Rob Schustrich   $421.66
9) Ryan Stefanski   $345.00
10) Dave Sotka   $340.33
11) Steve Blackburn Sr   $340.00
12) Al Freeman   $316.00
13) George Martin   $268.20
14) Brian McGinty   $264.50
15) Russ Rybka   $201.00
16) Phil Bojc   $180.501
17) Corey Iacofano   $168.66
18) Garry Zehe   $166.501
19) Jim Lebzelter   $151.831
20) Josh Krause   $144.831
21) John Distefano   $140.00
22) Dan Lanese   $136.50
23) Anthony Maenza   $127.00
24) Joe Tasca   $122.83
25) Jeff Ettinger   $84.00
26) John Zook   $77.00
27) Clint Paxson   $45.50
27) Tom Bond   $45.50
29) Cliff Lawrence   $36.00
30) Ron Rositani   $33.00
31) Matt White   $33.00

– John Niedzialek

It wasn’t always pretty and the winning score was 38-38=76, but even in pain Ryan Stefanski of Brunswick got the job done.

Stefanski endured pain from a kidney stone on the 16th hole, waited on the 18th tee bent over and clutching his side, yet somehow finished the round spectacularly, playing the last three holes in 1-under par to win the 2008 Cleveland Shoot-Out at Fowlers Mill.

Stefanski outlasted two players who finished at 78: defending champion Steve Blackburn Jr. of Willowick and Joe Tasca of Concord.

Corey Iacofano of Painesville, Clint Paxson of Ashtabula, and Tom Evans of Perry each shot 79 to tie for fourth.

While the field included a number of very talented players, the setup of the hazard-filled course was a “big number waiting to happen”. In addition to Pete Dye’s highly challenging Fowlers Mill layout, the slow wet greens, a number of truly difficult hole locations, and a 10-12 mph wind elevated the scores for the entire field.

The players in this event qualified by participating at least twice in the traveling Greater Cleveland Skins Game, which still has several events this season [2008 schedule here]. These weekly skins-only events are open to all amateur players, and new players are always welcome.

Greater Cleveland Shoot-Out Results, September 1, 2008
Fowlers Mill Golf Course, Chesterland; Par 72, 7,002 Yards

1) Ryan Stefanski, Brunswick   76   $750
2) Steve Blackburn Jr, Willowick   78   $400
2) Joe Tasca, Concord   78   $400
4) Tom Evans, Perry   79   $150
4) Clint Paxson, Ashtabula   79   $150
4) Corey Iacofano, Painesville   79   $150
7) Al Freeman, Brecksville   80
7) Rob Schustrich, Windham   80
9) John Niedzialek, Concord   81
9) Sam Corabi, Painesville   81
9) Scott Mackar, Chardon   81
9) Phil Bojc, Willoughby   81
13) Mark Foss, Mayfield, Hts.   82
14) Bob Brodnan, Mentor   83
15) Steve Blackburn Sr., Lyndhurst   84
15) Drew Thompson, Avon Lake   84
17) Paul Kish, Painesville Twp.   85
17) Mike Angie, Mayfield Hts.   85
19) Russ Rybka, Solon   86
19) Dave Sotka, Chardon   86
19) Ron Rositani, Willowick   86
19) Pat Tyrrell, Sagamore Hills   86
23) Jim Lebzelter, Jefferson   88
24) Phil Metz, Geneva   89

– John Niedzialek & Allen Freeman

Allen Freeman and Rob Schustrich had their pockets full when they left Fowlers Mill on Thursday, capturing the two skins on the night worth $253 each. Freeman birdied the tipped-out, back tee par-4 1st hole of 459 yards, while Schustrich birdied Pete Dye’s crazy downhill, sidehill, dogleg-right par-4 6th hole.

Phil Bojc took the pin shot on Hole 3 and John Distefano grabbed Hole 7. Each pin shot was worth $77.

Freeman moved up 12 spots on the leaderboard with his big skin to 12th place, and Schustrich climbed to eighth place.

Steve Blackburn Jr. has been quiet for the last eight weeks but still holds the lead of the Greater Cleveland Skin Game, in his quest for the Thompson Cup.

The Skins Game moves to Chardon Lakes GC this Thursday, September 4th starting at 5 pm.  Green Fees will be $21.00 riding and $15.00 walking. Players looking for a warm up 9-hole round before the scheduled skins game must call the course first to make such arrangements.

Also, players should check this Northeast Ohio Golf website for tee times for Monday’s Cleveland Shoot-Out, beginning at noon at Fowlers Mill. Groupings and Starting Times will be made on Sunday and posted to the website sometime Sunday evening.

Greater Cleveland Skins Game Leaderboard Through Week 20
1) Steve Blackburn Jr.    $1,253.77
2) Mark Foss                   $1,035.00
3) John Niedzialek          $874.50
4) Paul Kish                      $726.46
5) Mike Angie                 $438.39
6) Geoff Nicely                 $431.50
7) Nick Anagnost             $429.33
8) Rob Schustrich           $421.66
9) Ryan Stefanski           $345.00
10) Dave Sotka                  $340.33
11) Steve Blackburn Sr.   $340.00
12) Allen Freeman                 $316.00
13) George Martin            $268.20
14)  Brian McGinty            $264.50
15) Russ Rybka                 $201.00
16)  Phil Bojc                    $180.50
17)Corey Iacofano           $168.66
18) Garry Zehe                $166.50
19) Jim Lebzelter              $151.83
20)  Josh Krause              $144.83
21) John Distefano            $140.00
22) Anthony Maenza        $127.00
23) Dan Lanese                  $98.00
24) Jeff Ettinger                $84.00
25) John Zook                   $77.00
26) Clint Paxson                  $45.50
26) Tom Bond                    $45.50
28) Cliff Lawrence            $36.00
29) Ron Rositani                 $33.00
30) Matt White                   $33.00

– John Niedzialek

Ryan Stefanski had some good fortune on Thursday. After nearly hitting his tee shot into the water crossing the fairway on the relatively short par-5 12th hole at Thunder Hill GC, Stefanski got up-and-down from the left fringe to make birdie. That birdie turned out to be the only skin on the day, and he grabbed the entire pot of $345.

Mike Angie took the pin shot on #11, and Dan Lanese took #16. Each pin shot was worth $52.50.

Angie’s pin shot moves him up to the fifth position on the season-long leaderboard, still led by Steve Blackburn Jr.

Next week, the Greater Cleveland Skins Game moves to Fowlers Mill GC on Thursday, August 28 beginning at 5 p.m. This is the final week for players to reach the two events required to be eligible for the  Cleveland Shoot-Out on Labor Day Monday. Show up Thursday and submit an entry to John or the pro shop for Labor Day!

Greater Cleveland Skins Game Leaderboard Through Week 19
1) Steve Blackburn Jr.    $1,253.77
2) Mark Foss                   $1,035.00
3) John Niedzialek          $874.50
4) Paul Kish                      $726.46
5) Mike Angie                 $438.39
6) Geoff Nicely                 $431.50
7) Nick Anagnost             $429.33
8) Ryan Stefanski           $345.00
9) Dave Sotka                  $340.33
10) Steve Blackburn Sr.   $340.00
11) George Martin            $268.20
12)  Brian McGinty            $264.50
13) Russ Rybka                 $201.00
14)Corey Iacofano           $168.66
14) Rob Schustrich           $168.66
16) Garry Zehe                $166.50
17) Jim Lebzelter              $151.83
18)  Josh Krause              $144.83
19) Anthony Maenza        $127.00
20)  Phil Bojc                    $103.50
21) Dan Lanese                  $98.00
22) Jeff Ettinger                $84.00
23) John Zook                   $77.00
24) Al Freeman                 $63.00
24) John Distefano            $63.00
26) Clint Paxson                  $45.50
27) Tom Bond                    $45.50
28) Cliff Lawrence            $36.00
29) Ron Rositani                 $33.00
30) Matt White                   $33.00

– Allen Freeman

The Greater Cleveland Shoot-Out, an 18-hole stroke play event run in association with the Greater Cleveland Skins Game, will be held once again on Labor Day Monday at Fowlers Mill GC (entry blank here).

But the field is liminted: if you want to play in the Shoot-Out on Labor Day, you must play in at least two events of the Greater Cleveland Skins Game during the season. And you only have a two weeks left to do so!

The Greater Cleveland Skins Game moves to Thunder Hill GC in Madison this Thursday, August 21 starting at 5 p.m. The following Thursday, the Skins Game travels to Fowlers Mill. So even if you have not yet played this season, you can play this Thursday, play next Thursday, and then play for the big money on Labor Day.

Entry deadline for the Shoot-Out is Saturday, August 30 at 5 p.m., and payment must be included — NO EXCEPTIONS! See the entry blank for complete details.

– Allen Freeman & John Niedzialek