FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Niners celebrated the end of another year in festive style at the Fallbrook Golf Club on December 17. The morning began with 24 players competing in a "Shamble" team tourney with a special Christmas theme.

Each team received one gold ball as a Santa’s gift that allowed the player a free throw from a bunker or over a barranca. (Some of the gold missiles strayed into Live Oak Creek, perhaps to be recovered later by a lucky golf course "prospector").

A festive Christmas buffet at the Hukilau Restaurant followed play, and the name of the 2009 Club Champion was announced by president Char Cappai. This year the trophy went to Maureen Mitzner, now a three-time winner. Maureen’s husband Larry was named the Fallbrook Senior Men’s Champion for 2009 earlier this month.

It was good to see such a full contingent of lady golfers and associate members at this year’s Christmas lunch. Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie, and the Fallbrook Food Pantry received a check for $216 as a result of the Silent Auction fundraiser.

True to the words of the Niners song, "We’re the fun group, all-for-one group." New members are welcome to join them any Thursday at Fallbrook Golf Club. They alternate between mornings when they play on the West Nine, and afternoons when they play the East Nine.

For membership information, call Jan O’Leary at (760) 731-0773, or Char Cappai at (760) 839-0097.