A group putts on the first green at Manalapan GC. The putting surfaces weren't rock-hard on this day, but there was no mistaking the February landscape for one in peak season.
Armando Ruiz, with handwarmers in one hand, greets a fellow competitor with the other prior to teeing off on the cold, damp day.
John Sonatore, a 76-year-old retiree from Rahway, N.J., tees off against a backdrop of trees. Sonatore is the only member of the JCSWGL who participated in the inaugural season 50 years ago.
Although this was far from being one of the league's worst weather days, the temperature still didn't get out of the low 40s. John Sonatore was prepared for the chill.
George Policastro, a longtime member of the league, tees off on No. 1 at Knob Hill GC in Manalapan, N.J.
There was a mix of riding and walking players at Knob Hill. John Garland's cart was equipped to handle the cold and wet conditions.
Mike Bryce of Neptune, N.J., shot a two-over 72 to finish second the amateur low-gross division, but his reaction to his tee shot at the 15th hole, which was playing 163 yards, says it all: Bryce holed his 7-iron for an ace on the downhill par 3
Mike Bryce's second career hole-in-one stood out nicely on his scorecard.
Traye Blackburn, pro at Fairway Mews GC in Spring Lake, N.J. has been the league's president for four years.
Golfers putting on the ninth green at Knob Hill are framed by bare branches signifying the season.
Amateur John Kuhar holds a stogie in his gloved hand before getting his round underway.
For pizzeria owner Danny Melchionna, shorts are his chosen winter golf attire, "as long as it's above 30 degrees."
A golfer sets off on a winter walk at No. 1 at Knob Hill.
Although JCSWGL participants sometimes play in much harsher conditions, the weather wasn't perfect at Knob Hill as a spitting rain began midway through the round.
In a warm and dry grill room, Mike Bryce (center, facing camera) and friends toasted his hole-in-one at No. 15, one of the day's two aces. Pro Bruce Young holed a wedge at the par-3 12th.
Many of the golfers are longtime members of the league who enjoy it as much for the camaraderie as the regular cold-weather competition.
