Geneva 2026

Date: 1/18/2026  

From: Frank Alexander

CHIP SHOTS

GENEVA 49

     JULY 24, 2026 – Mark that date on your calendar. Geneva, number 49, will officially tee off around noon. The Friday venue has yet to be established. Feelers are out and I am awaiting responses from a few area courses. Last year’s newbie, St. Denis, was a hit. There is a chance another first timer may be booked if Manakiki cannot accommodate us. Manakiki is my first choice for 2026. What else can we expect this year? Expect Squabbit to execute more efficiently. Last year, I was unable to make payouts at the Commissioner’s Dinner because Squabbit did not calculate results fast enough. Our Tech Department will resolve the problem by July. There are three rookies already committed to throwing their balls in the bucket for participation, Carl Hernandez and Rich Rathburn, sponsored by the Doobie Brothers and John Hartman sponsored by the Kovachy’s. Otherwise, I do not see any changes. Count on Best Ball, Gavin Cup, Skins, and Scramble to remain the same. So much has evolved in 49 years. To see where we are from where we began, I suggest strolling down the Geneva menu and entering the Geneva History Page.

     MATT MAZZOCCO – On December 15, Gary Mazzocco sent me this sad email. “Just wanted to let everyone know that Matt Mazzocco passed away after 2 years of suffering with ALS.” I was aware Matt was having problems. Gary indicated several times that Matt struggled to grip. But Lou Gehrig’s disease? I did not see that coming. Matt and Gary were long time Geneva participants. If you were lucky enough to be Matt’s partner, chances to win any Geneva event came with short odds. He carried Jim Centorbi to capture the Gavin Cup, not once but twice. They were the first pair to successfully defend their title. Oh yeah! In 2021 and 2022, Matt was part of the Dream Team who won back-to-back Best Ball crowns. That squad consisted of Ben Lloyd, Nick Boggess, Matt, and Ron Szymczak. One year they shot 16 under par. That team had dynasty written all over it. 2022 was Matt’s last year in Geneva. Unfortunately, Matt fell ill and

Szymczak cracked a few ribs and the Dream Team disbanded. Every year it seemed the Handicap Committee lowered Matt’s handicap and every year he bettered his play. Matt was more than Geneva Worthy. He knew how to party but unlike some of us, he was always under control and levelheaded. May he Rest in Peace.

     LUNCHTIME FUN – Another successful meeting of hackers took place at the Gahanna Grill on December 26. Fourteen current and past participants collaborated for a gossip fest of two hours. The Gahanna Grill did their part providing tasty dishes and excellent service. The Geneva troops performed in award winning fashion informing all present on what is new in their lives and lashing insults when duly appropriated. God Bless You All! I did not hear one discouraging word or sarcasm about another sorry season of Cleveland Browns football. What can be said that has not been preached for the last 25 years? On another football note, I did not detect the same enthusiasm for The Ohio State Buckeyes as last year. It was as if the Miami spanking was expected. Many more issues were hashed out and solved in the normal, congenial, Geneva way. One more thing, Pags received his championship hat for participating in the winning Best Ball team and he promises to rub it in. Be prepared.

     BULLSEYED – Mike Pagnanelli will be the man with the biggest target on his back in 2026. Besides the Best Ball Championship cap, Pags is also in possession of the Gavin Cup Trophy. Teaming with Jack Berger, this duo led the two-man tournament from start to finish. The champs won by 21 strokes. I was not a math major, but I calculated their 387 net score to be 45 under par. That is a record for sure. The Handicap Committee is aware. Pags teammates on his Best Ball team were Dagon Abdon, Pat Dorn, and Kyle Willis. That is quite the squad. “A” players will draft their competition at the Commissioner’s Dinner. The two “A” players on the championship team makes this a daunting chore. So much confidence in his foursomes play, I expect Pags bragging to be out of control and obnoxious. I would like to give Pags a few words of advice from author John Scott who said, “Pride is our greatest enemy and humility is our greatest friend.”