THE RULES

COPTIC RYDER CUP RULES

OUT OF BOUNDS. Take the drop ONE club lengths from where the ball was last in play. OUT OF BOUNDS IS USUALLY MARKED BY RED STAKES AND/OR RED LINES. On a tee shot, player may take a provisional tee shot if first shot is unplayable. A ONE SHOT PENALTY STROKE WILL APPLY!!

WATER HAZARD: If ball goes over water hazard and does not clear the water hazard, the drop is taken 2 clubs lengths from where it entered the water hazard. A ONE SHOT PENALTY STROKE WILL APPLY!!

CONSENT: The player must obtain the consent of the other team if there is uncertainty as to where the ball was last in play.

PUTTING: All players must be on the green prior to any player putting and the normal order of putting must be followed. Flag is pulled during putting and must be in the cup when chipping. ALL PLAYERS MUST MARK THEIR BALL WITH A COIN ETC. PLEASE. . .NO TALKING WHILE A GUY IS PUTTING. . . .

MARKING BALL: All players must MARK THEIR BALL.

MULLIGANS: MULLIGAN can be taken for TEE shots Only. One MULLIGAN PER 18 Holes per TEAM is permitted DURING THE BEST BALL Match Play ONLY. ONE MULLIGAN PER 9 HOLES IS PERMITTED DURING THE SINGLES MATCH. NO MULLIGAN DURING THE SCRAMBLE MATCHES

SCRAMBLE RULES: The shot used by the team may not be moved (or may be moved but replaced in the EXACT spot where it was located). The other player may position his ball anywhere within 1 club length of the location of the ball being used provided the ball is hit from the same condition (i.e. if the ball is in the sand the other player must hit it from the sand.. . ) It is permissible for the other player to hit from a location within the one club length that avoids an obstancle (i.e. tree, lip of a sand trap,) but CAN NOT move it to a better condition (from rough to fairway).

PACE OF PLAY: ALL PLAYERS MUST PLAY READY GOLF TO ENSURE THAT A ROUND CAN BE COMPLETED IN APPROX. 4 1/2 HOURS. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A ROUND TAKE MORE THAN 5 HOURS. KARIM ERSAN CAN TAKE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD IF THE 2 FOOT PUTT WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE MATCH, OTHERWISE . . . EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO STAY AT A 4 ½ HOUR PACE.. . IF YOU LOSE A BALL, LOOK FOR IT FOR 30 SECONDS. . PLEASE BE PREPARED TO LOSE A LOT OF BALLS. PLEASE BRING A MINIMUM OF 2 DOZEN BALLS.

FOLLOWING THE SCHEDULED FORMAT: ALL PLAYERS MUST FOLLOW THE FORMAT PROVIDED FOR IN THE SCHEDULE. IT IS NOT PERMITTED TO CHANGE THE FORMAT EVEN IF ALL PLAYERS PLAYING IN YOUR FOURSOME AGREE. TO BE BLUNT, YOU CAN”T CHANGE THE SINGLES MATCHES TO A TWO MAN MATCH PLAY SCRAMBLE FORMAT BECAUSE ALL THE GUYS AGREE.

THE REMAINING RULES OF GOLF

DUE TO THE VARIED EXPERIENCE LEVELS OF THE GOLFERS, THE REMAINING RULES OF GOLF WILL BE FOLLOWED IN The SPIRIT OF THE RULE AND NOT THE LETTER OF THE RULE. FOR EXAMPLE . . . IF A PLAYER GROUNDS HIS CLUB IN A HAZARD THERE IS NO PENALTY.

ALL PLAYERS MUST ARRIVE AND BE READY TO GOLF A MIN. OF 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED TEE TIME.. IF YOU NOT READY AND AT THE TEE BOX, YOUR TEAM WILL FOREFIT THE MATCH. IF YOU FORGET TO GET SOMETHING TO DRINK, TOO BAD.

LET US ALL REMEMBER THAT THIS TOURNAMENT IS FOR FUN AND THE WINNER GETS NOTHING – NO MONEY IS ON THE LINE..

LET US ALL PRACTICE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

Player additions, Final Format and Scoring, and Food.

Gentlemen:

We have added two players for a total of 20. The new player for the younger team is Eddie Gobran's cousin and the new player for the older team is another Friend of Charlie, Miro.

Therefore, the format will return to the original format:

Saturday Morning 9:00 am Shotgun start SUNDANCE COURSE - 5 Two-Man Scramble Matches (2 Points each)

Saturday Afternoon - 4:30 Shotgun start TORCH COURSE - 6 Singles Matches (1 Point each)

Sunday Morning - 9:00 am Shotgun start TORCH COURSE - 5 Two-Man Best Ball Matches (2 Points each)

PLEASE BRING THE APPROPRIATE COLORED SHIRT - OLDER TEAM (BLACK & BLUE) YOUNGER TEAM (RED & WHITE)

ALL PLAYERS MUST BE AT THE CLUBHOUSE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE TEE TIMES!!!!

THE GOAL FOR THE PACE OF PLAY IS 4 1/2 HOURS. THEREFORE, IF IT TAKES YOU 2 1/2 HOURS TO PLAY NINE. PLAYER FASTER!!!!!!!!

Total Point are 26. Older team needs 13 points to retain, Younger team needs 13 1/2 points to win.

The pairings for Saturday's matches will be announced on Friday night. The pairings for Sunday will be announced on Saturday night.

Food.

This year will be bringing a limited amount of food as we will be having the cookout on Saturday night at the clubhouse. We will be supplying water, beer, snacks, pop, and hot dogs/brats for lunch etc. . . We will probably have dinner on Friday night at a local restaurant etc. . . It is anticipated that the cost for those items will be between 5-10 per guy.

PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF

Upon Arrival please make sure to check-in and make payment arrangements for the outstanding balance.

THE FINAL RULES FOR THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE PROVIDED LATER. . .

"Give a hoot, Dont Pollute"

Courtesy of Dan Awad....Look closely at this picture.

Mark, Im ashamed of you. Dropping golf balls into Niagara Falls.

A look back at the blog

As the hours count down to the third installment of the Coptic Ryder Cup, I found myself reading through some of the past posts along with their comments. By far the best thread ever..

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6109813572529405515&postID=4639185386874164003

The Older Team's Theme Song

"Never gonna give you up"

Rick Astley

Congratulations Mark

Mark's recent trip to Canada has proven to be a trip for the ages. Our man Mark has finally (and I mean FINALLY) taken the plunge and proposed to his lady love Mary Mansour.

As expected, Mark managed to incorporate his most beloved thing in the world into his proposal...food. Chocolate to be specific. Go figure, it's Mark.


It's been rumored that it took Mary a good 20-30 seconds to notice that the plate said "Will You Marry Me." It took a befuddled Mark to blurt out "Would you just read the cake already?!" Smooth.

So here's to Mark and Mary, congratulations on your engagement. Word of advice: Learn to smile. You'll have to do it often from now until the honeymoon. Cheers!

Smile Mark...please.

Profile of the Older Team

Peter Fanous

Not much is known about Peter. However, there are rumors that he missed a 3 foot putt during a match last year that would have won a match for his team. Im thinking him and Karim will get along just fine.

Strength-Driving
Weakness-The Green Goblin

Sam Tanios

Probably the older team's best player if not the best player overall. Sam wow'd many last year in his inaugural Ryder Cup and he plans to do the same this year.

Strength-Driving
Weakness-He's a Chicago sports fan

Charlie Schnuda

Charlie struggled at last year's Ryder Cup as he returned from a devastating shoulder injury. He has recently battled depression because his beloved Chicago Sports teams have choked so much lately. But more importantly, which Chuck will show up this year? Mark is hoping its the Chuck of old. Charlie is the older team's wildcard.

Strength-short game
Weakness-injuries

Mark Michail

Is Mark hungry for the Cup or is he just hungry for another pizza? Hard to tell from this picture. Im just worried he might swallow his tongue if he doesnt get food soon. The creator of this event is still looking for a marquee ryder cup victory to hang his hat on. The older team's tainted victory not withstanding. And while the question remains, who will win this years Ryder Cup, a more important concern might be, Will Mark finally see his penis?

Strength-Iron play
Weakness-Endurance(have you seen his belly?)

Karim Ersan

The "Putt heard round the World" as some would recall. Karim's infamous "wide right" at the 2005 Ryder Cup is easily the most memorable event in the Cup's history. Its one of those events where everyone knows exactly where they were when it happened a la Kennedy getting shot and 9/11. To Karim's credit, he has rebounded from the mishap. But will the nightmares come back on Sunday for Karim?

Strength-Smoking a pack in 9 holes
Weakness-putting when it counts

Joe Jarvis

Are the rumors true? Did Jarvis really pose for Dan in a thong? If so, the Coptic Ryder Cup of America may impose sanctions on the Older team for this grave indiscretion. As for Joe's golf game, consistency is his biggest issue. Can play great at times, can play like poop others.

Strength-according to Dan, "the dog in a bathtub"
Weakness-Bowel Problems during match

Joe Awad

The amateur of the group, its tough to tell what Joe will bring to the table. Known mostly for his Big Gulps and his propensity to clap when shooting a bucket in basketball, its been years since Joe has done anything competitive except Pocket Pool(where he ranks #1 in the world).

Strengths-Hole in one playing Pocket pool once
Weakness-Boston Weddings

Asem Estafanos

Playing in his 3rd Ryder Cup, Asem is a veteran of this kind of format. "Asem is a tough competitor and I expect to come out and play hard. However, if I happen to be matched up against him, Id kick his ass", friend and opponent John Iskander said. Will the bad blood between these two spill over on Sunday?

Strength-Putting
Weakness-Easily intimidated

Dan Awad

Dan is recently recovering from a vacation at his favorite spot, San Francisco. He obviously picked up some weird habits there(please see above). Alas, Dan is probably the most improved golfer from one year ago and plans to make a run at the MVP trophy this year. Will his back hold up enough through the weekend?

Strength-Consistency
Weakness-Jarvis in a thong

In honor of Nader

Today, would have been Nader's bday. So it seems fitting to post pics of him today. He will be missed.

History of the Coptic Ryder Cup

In the Spring of 2005, the Coptic Ryder Cup started when a group of guys from Detroit wanted to get together to play some golf at one of the golf resorts in Northern Michigan. In the first year it was 14 golfers (11 from Detroit, 2 from Toronto, and 1 from Seattle). After numerous discussions with regards to how the teams will be divided, it was finally agreed upon to be divided according to age under 30 vs. 30+ (the younger guys wanted to avenge a humiliation dating back to the summer of 2000). In the second year, there were 16 golfers in the tournament (10 from Detroit, 4 from Toronto, and 2 from Chicago). This year we will be 18 golfers (11 from Detroit, 5 from Toronto, and 2 from Chicago).

This year we will also remember our dear friend, Nader Hafzalla who passed away in June of last year. Nader may not have been the best golfer, but he was clearly the most unique dressed golfer. His humor, sportsmanship, and attire will forever be missed.

In 2005, the Cup was held at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, Michigan. The younger team won in dramatic ending when Karim Ersan playing in the last pairing missed a putt on the 18th hole.

In 2006, the Cup was held at The Chief and Hawkeyes Eye Resort also in Bellaire, Michigan. The older team took a lead on Saturday and never looked back completing the victory on Sunday afternoon.

This year, the Cup will be held at A-Ga-Ming Gold Resort in Kewadin, Michigan. The field has increased to 18 and play has been adjusted to 45 holes instead of 54 holes.

10 days and counting. . . .

Final Team Rosters and Schedule

YOUNGER TEAM

1. Andrew Isaac, Troy, Michigan - Team Captain
2. Joe Elias, Harper Woods, Michigan
3. Mike Bishay, Sterling Heights, Michigan
4. Alfred Ishak, Royal Oak, Michigan
5. Joe Messieha, Sterling Heights, Michigan
6. Mina Grace, Rochester Hills, Michigan
7. John Iskander, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
8. Amgad Awadalla, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
9, Eddie Gobran, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

OLDER TEAM
1. Mark Michail, Troy, Michigan - Team Captain
2. Dan Awad, Berkley, Michigan
3. Joe Jarvis, Birmingham, Michigan
4. Karim Ersan, Sterling Heights, Michigan
5. Joe Awad, Royal Oak, Michigan
6. Charlie Schnuda, Chicago, Illinois
7. SamTanios, Chicago, Illinois
8. Ausem Estafanous, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
9. Peter Fanous, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Team Colors:

Younger Team: Red and White (red on Sunday and white on Saturday)
Older Team: Black and Blue (black on Sunday and blue on Saturday)

This year each team will be wearing matching shirt colors. Both courses require collared shirts on the course. Please bring the appropriate colored shirts

Schedule:

Friday:

4:00 Arrive and check-in -
5:00 Optional 9 hole practice - torch lake course or sundance course
8:00 Dinner/Introduction/Pairings

Saturday

8:00 Meet at clubhouse/range - SUNDANCE COURSE
8:50 All players in carts
9:00 Shotgun start - 18 hole matches FORMAT TBD (holes 17, 18 & 1)

2:00 Meet at Condo for scoring/Lunch
4:30 Shotgun start - 9 Hole Singles matches (6-7) matches - TORCH COURSE
7:30 BBQ Cookout at Clubhouse

Sunday

8:00 Meet at clubhouse/range - TORCH COURSE
8:50 All players in carts
9:00 Shotgun start - 18 hole matches FORMAT TBD (holes 17, 18 & 1)
2:30 TROPHY PRESENTATION AND AWARD PRESENTATION

More info to follow

Profile of Young Team

Eddie Gobran

Maybe the team's best player, Eddie will need to bring his A game up-north. His recent play in the States has turned some heads. Joe M and Eddie recently defeated Mark and Karim in a scramble. A foreshadow perhaps?

Strength-Iron play
Weakness-women from Windsor

Amgad Awadalla

Amgad is playing in his 2nd Coptic Ryder Cup this year. He is rumored to have done something pretty significant in the golf world recently(more details to come). His experience will be leaned on heavily early in Cup play.

Strengths-short game

Weakness-posing in front of fountains

Mina Grace

A newcomer to golf, Mina will be making his inaugural Cup appearance. Though his game has looked good in the beginning, the rigors of Up North golf are nothing to scoff at. Mina is the Young Team's wildcard.

Strength-Just bought Nike Slingshots
Weakness-novice to tournament play

Michael Bishay

Fresh from finishing law school, Mike plans on making a big splash at this year's Ryder Cup. Mike was one of the few bright spots on the young team last year going 2-0. But like Al, Mike has been drinking heavily as seen in this picture. They will need a more sober Mike if they are to get by.

Strength-recovery shots
Weakness-Driving

John Iskander

Hampered by back problems in Cups past, John looks to rebound from last year's performance. "I have full faith that John will come back and be the John of old" Team Captain, Andrew Isaac said. To John's credit, he has been rehabbing in anticipation of this event.

Strength-inappropriate pick-up lines
Weakness-Smoking

Joe Messeiha

Joe has been welcomed with open arms this year after serving two years on the older team. A much more improved player as of late, his long drives have become a thing to be in awe of. His short game, not so much. If Joe's short game was as good as his cooking, the Young Team would run away with the Cup.

Strength-Cooking
Weakness-His own boobies



Joe Elias

Joe struggled last year with his game and some thought the weight loss had a lot to do with it. Lately, Joe has rediscovered his love for pizza and according to him, "has been hitting bombs" off the tee. Can the coptic version of John Daly be consistent though?

Strength-Monster Tee Shots
Weakness-Boobies at the Strip Club

Andrew Isaac

After struggling early in the season, Andrew seems to be rounding into form. His hatred for golf last year has been supplanted by his hatred of the older team, especially his arch-nemesis Mark Michail(who has still yet to beat Andy head to head). Coined "Chemical Ali" by friend and teammate Joe Elias, Andrew has been allowed the use of drugs during this years Cup play. Will it be enough?

Strength-Battle tested Cup player
Weakness-The 3 B's of Life….Beer, Bitches and Brauts



Alfred Ishak

Coming off a year of absence, Alfred has been doing a lot of drinking to get his mind off how bad his games been. His DNP last year attributed to the Young Team's loss and they will need him in tip-top form if they are to regain the Cup.

Strength-Consistent tee shots
Weakness-short game

Profile of older team later this week........

Who still has not made the deposit

The following golfers:

Andy Isaac -
Joe Elias
Joe Messeiha
Alfred Ishak
Paul Kaldas

Andy, Juju, and Fuji - what can I say. . . Andy, you have fallen to the level of Juju and Fuji with regards to being responsible. . . . it is truly a sad sad day my friend. . . . . how does it feel to be included with such notorious company.

Juju and Fuji. . . . . . . . . .Come on. . . . give me some good reasons. . . . did your dog eat your credit card? did you misplace your cell phone and had no access to another phone. . . . PLEASE. . . . I want something creative. . . . . . . .

Alfred, I will give you a pass for a couple days. Miriam's wedding. . . etc. . . .

Paul. . . I suspect that you are in the middle of finals. . . I will also give you a pass for a couple of days.

Why Karim Should Never Drive a Cart

As we all know, the ryder cup is fast approaching. So in order to have a fun, safe time I am asking and pleading with the older team that they do not let Karim drive a cart at any point during the weekend. We all know what can happen when he gets behind the wheel of a cart...it's not pretty.





Karim is easily provoked and can't be trusted behind the wheel of a golf cart. Ask Eddie and Juju, they would know. As you can see, they were last year's victims of Karim's road rage. Luckily Eddie fell on top of Juju and not vice versa, that would have been catastrophic...not to mention extremely painful for Eddie.






We were lucky this time. Both Joe and Eddie came out of the accident without injury. The cart, on the other hand, is another story. Karim's blind rage did manage to take a victim...the golf cart.





So please do the right thing. Keep Karim away from the steering wheel, DO NOT LET HIM DRIVE!! Not just for our sakes, but think of the golf carts too.





I mean seriously...is that the face of a man who should be driving a golf cart?

The younger Team steps out of the closet