San Vicente Golf Club kicked off the holiday season with a spirited tradition, the Turkey Shoot Couples Tournament last Saturday. At 9 am, seven groups of four players, made up of more than a dozen couples and mixed teams, headed out to their assigned holes for their shotgun start. Despite the rain forecast, the players were ready to take on the 3-2-1 format, where each team takes one best ball on par fives, two on par fours, and three on par threes. This setup keeps everyone involved and the competition lively.

“I like this format—it gives everyone a chance. It’s not just net. You have to have three people get good scores on the par threes, which is a little challenging, but it’s fun,” player Angie Rios said.

Angie also explained why these events matter: “This is a social tournament. That’s why we do them on the weekends. Some people work during the week, so spouses have the opportunity to get together, and we can get to know the community. Everyone always has someone to play golf with.”

The San Vicente Golf Club hosts around 10-12 social events a year, usually once a month, and they have become a hub for connection. Whether you're new to the club or have been here for years, these events are where friendships form and laughter begins.

And don’t fret. Angie explains, “If you don’t have someone to play with, the Golf Shop staff will find you a partner.”

This year’s Turkey Shoot was hosted by the previous year’s winners, continuing the tournament tradition. Robyn and Kim Bolitho, along with Penny and Rob Fowler, served as hosts for this year’s event. Jokingly, Penny commented on how she “didn’t have a choice” when it came to running the event, but she creatively crafted the snack bags in coozies that read, “I’d rather be golfing.”

No Turkey Shoot would be complete without Chico Flores, who brings the comic relief from tee to green. We asked him what he thought about golfing with his wife Janet and without missing a beat, he delivered one of the day’s most memorable one-liners: “You know what they say—the couples who golf together get divorced.” With a grin, he followed that up with, “When you get competitive, things can get heated.” His responses capture exactly what these social events are all about: friendly competition, playful banter, and the joy of sharing the game with the people you love—even if they drive you a little crazy on the course.

Despite all the fun, the scores were no joke. Chico and Janet Flores and Kiersten & Scott Easley took first place with an impressive 118 (-18), and second place, Cathy Knowles, Kevin McNees, Scott, and Tracy Powel, with a smooth 120 (-16).

Another honorable mention is Angie Rios, who not only won closest to the pin on Hole 2 but also won longest putt for women! Hole 8 was the men's closest to the pin, which was awarded to Scott Easley, and the men’s longest putt went to Tim Malinoski.

Great Golf. Community Spirit. Holiday Fun.

Photos by Hannah Anderson.