46^th Annual OCWA Golf Tournament
at Strawberry Farms Golf Club

‘I Love This Game!’

By Michael J. Sinacori

The 65th Annual Golf Tournament was held on Monday, June 2nd, at the Strawberry Farms Golf (SFGC).

As I said at the event, on behalf of the OCWA Board and the Golf Committee we wish to thank all the participants who attended this wonderful event. We are one of the few association-type tournaments that has taken place for this length of time and that is all made possible by the generous support of our Sponsors over the years. 120 players again enjoyed the picture-perfect weather day with the course in great playing condition.

We have already secured our day for next year on June 1st, 2026. Please mark your calendars as we have already submitted our deposit! With Oak Creek announcing closure in 2026 there is increased demand at all remaining golf venues, including Strawberry Farms.  I would also encourage early sign up as we expect even stronger turnout next year. With the increased demand, the pricing was increased for next year.  The golfer rate will be $200 per player and the sponsorship rate will be $350.  Still an exceptional deal considering what the top courses are charging today.

EVENT PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING ON THE OCWA WEBSITE.
If you’d like high resolution images for printing, you may email a request to timhogan@socal.rr.com 

The awards ceremony began at about 2:15, where spring roll appetizers were there greeting the players off the course. Shortly thereafter a fiesta taco plate was served to everyone, and boy was that good.  The two Las Vegas holes this year, along with the putting contest, gave everyone a chance to win some of the $10,000 worth of prizes. We gave away rounds of golf, numerous individual clubs, and a complete set of irons. Not to mention all the other great opportunity prizes! Each par 3 had a closest to the pin contest and there were two long drive contests.

Prizes were awarded to the top three low gross players and the top three in two separate flights for net players. It was a wonderful day and we are already looking forward to next year! No matter what your index is, we always strive to do better than the last time and there is always the shot, or two, or ten that we want back. I wish I could go replay holes No. 1 (Triple) and 18 (Double).   Every year I start slow from the stress of being the event host.  Every year I say I am going to do better next year!  I truly believe the OCWA Golf event is one of the most enjoyable in the industry. I know it is for me, though my score is always higher than it should be.

As noted, next year is booked for June 1st 2026. Mark your calendars and sign up early!

Event Winners (Scores)

1st Low Gross (67)
Dale Houts
Westlake Pipe & Fittings

2nd Low Gross (68)
Kevin Cullen
West Basin Municipal Water District

3rd Low Gross (73)
Tyler Holst
Rancho Mission Viejo

1st Low Net Flight “A” (78/70)
Mickey Garcia
City of Anaheim Water Department

2nd Low Net Flight “A” (76/71)
Tom Roberson
Misco Water

3rd Low Net Flight “A” (78/71)
David Faber
McCarthy Building Companies

1st Low Net Flight “B” (97/73)
Kyle Walton
Paulus Engineering

2nd Low Net Flight “B” (101/71)
Tai Depp
Walnut Valley Water District

3rd Low Net Flight “B” (107/71)
Greg Brooks
City of Redlands

Putting Contest (5 putts)
Phil Lawler
Moulton Niguel Water District (Retired)

Long Drive Hole No. 4
David Faber
McCarthy Building Companies

Long Drive Hole No. 12
Daniel Berokoff
Orange County Sanitation District

Closest to the Pin No. 3 (6'-9")
Andy Bohn
Ferguson

Closest to the Pin No. 7 (2'-2")
Mike Valbuena
Tripac

Closest to the Pin No. 11 (2'-3")
Gilbert Verduzco
City of Anaheim Water Department

Closest to the Pin No. 15 (2'-11")
Demian Krueger
Mueller/HYMAX

Closest to the Pin No. 17 (3'-4")
Jeff Axell
Kiewit

A big part of the day’s success was due to the help provided by the many volunteers. We’re indebted to Jill Zander and Claudia Toro from Michael Baker International, Elizabeth Hand from Verdantas (formerly Leighton), and Chelsea Taylor from Dupudja Wells for their tireless assistance to ensure the event’s success.  We also had Jenna Heim from Core & Main that was exceptional at handling check-in. 

Special thanks to the Golf Committee Members. These unsung golf heroes make the event what it is. Please give any one of the committee members a call if you have suggestions on how to make this event even better next year. Also, a special thanks to the Strawberry Farms Golf Club for their generous hospitality and the extraordinary effort they provided to help make our Tournament such a resounding success.

The OCWA Board and Golf Committee would like to thank all the 43 sponsors that made the event possible. Without their contribution, the fiesta awards ceremony and prizes would not be possible. Their addresses and phone numbers are in the OCWA Directory.

CLICK HERE FOR A LISTING OF ALL OUR SPONSORS

And with that, thanks for playing and see you next year!

Golf Committee:

Mike Sinacori – Chairman – (949) 644-3342

Malcolm Cortez – Tee Signs and Putting Contest – (949) 453-5551

Jeff Hull – Prizes and Las Vegas Hole Logistics – (714) 904-3819

Chuck Borkman – Prizes and Putting Contest – (949) 933-8905

Dennis Cafferty – Scoring & General Oversite – (949) 837-7050, Ext 223

Derek Kurtti – OCWA Board Liaison & Prizes – (805) 550-9656