The Sider Cup: A First-Timer's Guide
If you've lived at Harbor Hills for a while, you already know what October means. If you're new, you've probably noticed Red and Blue emerging all over the neighborhood, golf carts decked out and paraded down the street. What's going on. That's the Sider Cup, and here's everything you need to know about it.
So What Is It?
The Sider Cup is our club's take on the Ryder Cup. Every fall, the golfers of Harbor Hills split into two teams, Red and Blue, and spend a week and a half trying to beat each other.
It started back in 1994. Two members, Bram Decker and Ray Goldwire, wanted something the longtime golfers could look forward to every year, and an easy way for new members to meet people. More than thirty years later, it's still the biggest golf event on our calendar.
It also tends to be close. Last year it came down to the very last putt of the very last match, and the teams finished tied at 30 points apiece. That's only happened three times in Sider Cup history. When it ends in a tie, the defending champion keeps the cup, so Red held on. That makes three years in a row for Red, and you can bet Blue has been thinking about that all year.
Who's Playing
The Harbor Hills Men's Golf Association runs the event. Players sign up ahead of time and get placed on a team, and newcomers are spread across both sides.
This year's captains are Paul Rivera for Red and Brad White for Blue. Each captain decides who plays together and who faces whom, and they keep those pairings to themselves until the Captains' Dinner.
The ladies are a big part of the week too. Things got started on Thursday, October 1, with the Ladies Party, hosted by Patti Rivera for Red and Cheri White for Blue. The ladies also play their own Red/Blue Tournament, and on that side of things it's Blue who has won three straight.
How The Matches Work
The Sider Cup is match play, so nobody's adding up a full scorecard. Each hole is won, lost or tied, and each match earns a point for the team that wins it. A tied match is worth half a point to each side. Whichever team has more points at the end of three days takes the cup.
Each day has its own format:
Day 1, Four-Ball (Better Ball). Two-person teams. Everybody plays their own ball, and the team keeps the better of the two scores on each hole.
Day 2, Alternate Shot. Two-person teams again, but now partners share one ball and take turns hitting it. It's the hardest format to play well, and it can flip a match fast.
Day 3, Singles. Everyone goes one-on-one against a player from the other team. This is usually where the cup gets decided.
The Week At A Glance
Everything happens right here at the club, from Saturday, October 3, through Sunday, October 11.
Saturday, October 3: Parade and Cookout. Meet at the South Gate at 2:45 p.m. for the cart parade down Harbor Hills Blvd. If you only come out for one thing, make it this one. Cart judging follows at 3:30 p.m. near the practice green, then a skills challenge at 4 p.m. on the practice greens and driving range. Burgers and hot dogs are on at the Grill at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, October 5: Captains' Dinner. Team meetings and rules start at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m. the players process in behind Victor the Bagpiper, and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., when the pairings are finally announced. Players, wear your Sider Cup outfit.
Tuesday, October 6: Ladies Red/Blue Tournament. 8 a.m. modified shotgun.
Wednesday, October 7: Day 1, Four-Ball. Tee times from 8 to 10 a.m.
Thursday, October 8: Ladies Red/Blue Tournament. 8 a.m. modified shotgun.
Friday, October 9: Day 2, Alternate Shot. 1 p.m. shotgun, followed by a gathering in the tent by the 18th green at 4 p.m.
Sunday, October 11: Day 3, Singles, and the Champions Dinner. Tee times from 8 to 10 a.m. The scoreboard party starts at 12:30 p.m., and that's where we will watch the final points come in. The bar in the Griffin Lounge opens at 5 p.m, followed by awards and next year's captains announcement at 6 p.m., and dinner and the 50/50 drawing follow at 6:30 p.m.
Banquets
There are three meals during the week: Saturday's cookout, Monday's Southern buffet and Sunday's Asian buffet for the Champions Dinner. The full menus and prices are in the graphic below. Call the club at 352-753-7000 to make your reservation.
Come Be Part Of The Tradition
You don't have to play to enjoy and have fun during the Sider Cup. Bring a chair to the parade, stop by the scoreboard on Sunday, or come out to one of the dinners. Pick a color, and we'll see you out there!