Mike Doyle, who moved into the Village of Gilchrist a year ago, was among the golfers who came Tuesday to Mallory Hills Country Club for the qualifying rounds of the 11th Annual Residents Cup.
“I love golf and it’s also a good way to meet other guys,” he said, adding that it was the first time he’s played in the tournament.
Doyle, who came to The Villages from Peoria, Ill., said he’s played golf since age 13, starting out as a caddy.
After this week’s qualifying rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday, match play will occur on June 19-21 with a concluding banquet scheduled for Sunday, June 22.
The men’s tournament features two divisions on each team with total points counting toward a team victory. Golfers age 70 or more can choose to qualify for the white tees or blue tees while all other golfers must use the blue tees.
The qualification process uses the totals of 36 holes of play during the two days.
Tournament shirts are about $25 each and banquet costs will be about $15 per person. The golfers also are responsible for green fees.
The tournament attracted new as well as returning participants.
Bob Abbott of the Village of Woodbury said he came to qualify for his fifth Resident Cup tournament.
“No handicaps, I like it,” said Abbott, who’s lived about a dozen years in The Villages, adding that he also prefers the Ryder Cup format.
Allen Elliff of the Village of Pennecamp came to play in his second Residents Cup tournament.
“I just enjoy it,” he said, adding that he also plays in several other Villages tournaments.
Elliff, who started playing golf in college and has been a villager for about 3 ½ years, said he now plays about three or four times a week on championship courses and weekly on an executive course.
The Residents Cup is one of many golf tournaments in The Villages. Other popular tournaments include the Villages Cup, held in August and September, and the Villages Championship, held in the spring.