By Steve Stein
 
Team Peoria has found success in the River Cup Senior competition the past several years. The folks from west of the Illinois River have lost only twice to Team Tazwood since 2012. Will it be more the same this year? On paper, Team Peoria is the favorite to win again this weekend at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria because of its home course and River Cup experience advantages. But there's a cloud that casts a shadow on that prediction. Team Peoria has faced Team Tazwood twice at Mt. Hawley since 2012, in 2012 and 2017. Team Tazwood won both times, its only two victories in the 12-year stretch. "Sure, we're favored on paper to win again, but that's no guarantee, " said Team Peoria Captain Tim Walters, who has been at the helm of the team since 2012 except for one year when Pat Greenan assumed the Captaincy.
 
Team Peoria is a veteran River Cup team. Tim Krause is the lone River Cup newcomer among the 12 team members. Meanwhile, Team Tazwood's Scott Belsly, Mike Ghidina, Daren Lowery, Barry Neal and Tim Taylor, nearly half the team, will be playing in their first River Cup. Team Tazwood lost one of its River Cup veterans and top players when Tim Saurs opted to play this year in the River Cup Men's competition with his son Ryan. Walters and Team Tazwood Senior Captain Eric Dicks have set up some interesting matches this weekend. Team Peoria's Mark Greskoviak and Jeff Ott will face Team Tazwood's Tom Kearfott and Jim Mounce in the 10 a.m. Saturday best ball kickoff match. "These guys are arguably each team's top best ball team," Walters said. One of the kickoff individual match play matches at 10 a.m. Sunday is Team Peoria's Rick Lehew vs. Kearfott. "Rick and Tom have had great individual matches the past two years," Walters said. "They had a draw two years ago and Rick won 1-up last year." Walters strategically placed Team Peoria's Jeff White and Bo Cleveland in the final two individual matches Sunday, teeing off at 10:50 a.m. "Jeff and Bo play in a popular men's league Sunday morning at Mt. Hawley," Walters said. "I wanted to give the other guys in the league an opportunity to watch Jeff and Bo play in the River Cup. There should be a big gallery for their matches." Another interesting match Sunday involves each team's captain. Walters will face Dicks at 10:30 a.m.
 
Walters said he can't take credit for Team Peoria's success in the Senior Competition over the past decade plus. And he thinks Team Peoria's perennial dominance is in danger. "Our winning streak isn't about the Captain. It's more about the great players on our team," he said. "Team Tazwood is going to get stronger soon. They've got some very good golfers who will be eligible to play with the seniors (age 50 and older) in the next three or four years." Dicks, who is in his third year as the Team Tazwood Captain, isn't thinking about the future. He said his team is ready for this year's competition. "The River Cup seniors competition is more laid back than the men's competition, but it's competitive," he said. "Everyone wants to win, but we want to have fun, too. I tried to put together our match play teams with guys who normally play and hang out together." Team Peoria beat Team Tazwood 10.5 to 7.5 last year in the Senior competition at Coyote Creek Golf Club in Bartonville. Team Tazwood led 3.5 to 2.5 after the Saturday best ball matches. Team Peoria won eight of the 12 individual matches Sunday to pull out the win.

Here are the Senior River Cup matchups this weekend at Mt. Hawley Country Club: 
 
SATURDAY'S MATCHES-June 8, 2024
BEST BALL MATCH PLAY
10:00 a.m. -- Mark Greskoviak/Jeff Ott (Peoria) vs. Tom Kearfott/Jim Mounce (Tazwood)
10:10 a.m. -- Kevin Dixon/Tim Krause (Peoria) vs. Daren Lowery/JD Nimrick (Tazwood)
10:20 a.m. -- Adam Angst/Rick Lehew (Peoria) vs. Scott Belsly/Josh Ellingson (Tazwood)
10:30 a.m. -- Jeff White/Bo Cleveland (Peoria) vs. Mike Ghidina/Barry Neal (Tazwood)
10:40 a.m. -- Pat Greenan/Dan Moran (Peoria) vs. Ed Whitaker/Tim Taylor (Tazwood)
10:50 a.m. -- Tom Hammerton/Tim Walters (Peoria) vs. Eric Dicks/Tom Oshinski (Tazwood)
 
SUNDAY'S MATCHES-June 9,2024
INDIVIDUAL MATCH PLAY
10:00 a.m. -- Rick Lehew vs. Tom Kearfott; Adam Angst vs. Daren Lowery
10:10 a.m. -- Pat Greenan vs. JD Nimrick; Dan Moran vs. Ed Whitaker
10:20 a.m. -- Tim Krause vs. Tim Taylor; Kevin Dixon vs. Josh Ellingson
10:30 a.m. -- Tim Walters vs. Eric Dicks; Tom Hammerton vs. Barry Neal
10:40 a.m. -- Mark Greskoviak vs. Tom Oshinski; Jeff Ott vs. Scott Belsly
10:50 a.m. -- Jeff White vs. Jim Mounce; Bo Cleveland vs. Mike Ghidina

​It's River Cup Week! The annual River Cup competition between Tazewell and Peoria counties in Central Illinois will take place at Mt. Hawley CC and is set to be an exciting event this year. This storied rivalry features teams from each side of the Illinois River battling for local golfing supremacy.

The pairings will be posted later this week no later than Thursday. After pairings are posted, also look for a preview from local sportswriter Steve Stein, who will also be exclusively covering the event. Updates will be posted on River Cup social media (Facebook and Twitter) as well as the River Cup blog page.In the men's division, players from both sides of the river will face off in best ball medal play on Saturday and singles match play on Sunday. Captains Britt Bothast (Peoria) and Austin Craig (Tazwood) will lead their teams into competition, promising an intense and competitive atmosphere.
The senior division will also feature strong matchups, led by captains Eric Dicks (Tazwood) and Tim Walters (Peoria). These experienced players bring a wealth of skill and strategy, ensuring that every match is keenly contested.
The River Cup is not just a display of golfing prowess but also a celebration of community and sportsmanship. As these teams vie for the coveted title, spectators can look forward to a series of thrilling and closely-fought matches. Play will begin Saturday morning at 10 am. There is no admission fee for spectators, and the public is welcome to attend the matches.
Stay tuned for pairings and tee times later this week!

Live scoring will be posted at www.rivercup.com once the competition starts.​

Dear River Cup Foundation Supporters,

As the gentle currents of spring begin to awaken the vibrant landscapes of Central Illinois, we at the River Cup Foundation find ourselves eagerly anticipating the dawn of another exhilarating golf season. With the warmth of the sun on our faces and the promise of community-driven initiatives in our hearts, we're thrilled to embark on a journey toward meaningful impact in our beloved city.

For those who may be unfamiliar, the River Cup Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and camaraderie in our community. Rooted in the spirit of philanthropy and fueled by a shared love for our community and its people, our organization has been instrumental in fostering connections, supporting local causes, and spreading joy through the beautiful game of golf.

As we set our sights on the horizon of 2024, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Our calendar is brimming with an array of events and fundraisers, each meticulously crafted to not only ignite the passion of our supporters but also to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
From exhilarating tournaments to heartwarming charity functions, the upcoming season promises something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned pro or simply someone who values the power of community, we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey.

But our aspirations extend far beyond the confines of tees, fairways, and greens. With every dollar raised and every hand extended in kindness, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families throughout the Tri-County Area. Whether it's providing vital resources to underserved communities or rallying behind local initiatives, our commitment to positive change knows no bounds.
As we eagerly anticipate the kickoff of the 2024 season, we extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported us along the way. Your unwavering dedication fuels our passion and propels us forward, empowering us to dream bigger, reach higher, and make a difference that reverberates throughout our city.

So, as we stand on the brink of a new chapter in the River Cup Foundation's journey, we do so with optimism, excitement, and an unshakable belief in the transformative power of community. Together, let's make this season one to remember—a season filled with unity, compassion, and boundless possibility.

With warmest regards,
Scott Phegley
River Cup Board Member