2016 Pairings Are Set
After deliberation that took longer than OJ Simpson's verdict, the 2016 pairings are set. Click here to check them out.
Red Takes The Cup Back
As the dust settled and the controversy between Charlie Lallas and Dan Ehrmanntraut resolved, Red Team was able to win back the cup and making the series 7-6 in Team Blue's favor. Brian Hocks went 3-0 and won the MVP. Matches were as close as ever. Not just in total score (14 1/2 - 13 1/2 which matches last year's score) but the actual matches. 24 of the 28 matches went to at least the 16th hole.
Cristal Cup Has a New, But Familiar Home
Cristal Cup XIII Moves Back to Keller Golf Course
Though Keller Golf Course went through a 2 year makeover, the Cristal Cup Invitational continued on across the boarder. After 2 years at Troy Burne, the Cup will be returning to Keller Golf Course and its new layout. The Cup will take place August 28 & 29th.
Roach, Blue Team Wins Back The Cup on the Final Putt; 14 1/2 - 13 1/2 was the Closest Score in Cup History
It came down to the last hole and one putt. With the world watching, or at least the other 27 Cup members, newcomer Dave Roach had six feet between him and victory or defeat. A make would lead to winning back The Cup, while a miss would lead to a 14-14 tie and Red would retain The Cup.
An hour before that, it didn't seem that simple. With six matches left on the course, winning The Cup for Blue Team looked unrealistic. They needed to win five of the six remaining matches in order to pull off the greatest comeback in Cup history, but were trailing in four of the six. What came next was intense and exciting. Dan Ehrmanntraut won 2 of the last 3 holes to win 2&1 over Pat Simmer. Shortly after, the biggest comeback of the year in what many call The Cup's biggest rivalry happened when Tim Girsch birdied the 18th hole to win the last 4 holes defeating Ben Burke 1 Up. Blue and Red traded points when JP Gagne for Blue while Kevin Dolan for Red won their matches, setting the stage for the final two matches.
When the final two singles matches reached the 18th hole, Charles Girsch and Jon Marzolf were all square while Dave Roach was 1 Up on Pat McQuillan. If Blue wanted to pull off the comeback that looked improbable just an hour ago, they would need to secure full points in both matches. Meanwhile, red needed to force one match to push in order to retain The Cup. Girsch quietly did his job be winning the hole with a tap-in par, leaving it in the hands of Roach. With McQuillan in with par, Roach needed a par to secure the cup. When his birdie putt didn't break the way he wanted to, Roach was left with a 6-foot downhill putt. Though a miss meant a loss and never getting invited back to The Cup, he had "make" in his mind. As soon as he called over Girsch to give him the perfect read, the Red Team member's stomach's dropped (I wonder who wrote this article). When Roach struck the putt, the ball never had a chance to do anything but fall dead center, leading to quite the celebration and some weird ethnic sounds out of Kevin Maertens' mouth. It was simply the greatest finish in the 12 year history of The Cristal Cup Invitational.
An hour before that, it didn't seem that simple. With six matches left on the course, winning The Cup for Blue Team looked unrealistic. They needed to win five of the six remaining matches in order to pull off the greatest comeback in Cup history, but were trailing in four of the six. What came next was intense and exciting. Dan Ehrmanntraut won 2 of the last 3 holes to win 2&1 over Pat Simmer. Shortly after, the biggest comeback of the year in what many call The Cup's biggest rivalry happened when Tim Girsch birdied the 18th hole to win the last 4 holes defeating Ben Burke 1 Up. Blue and Red traded points when JP Gagne for Blue while Kevin Dolan for Red won their matches, setting the stage for the final two matches.
When the final two singles matches reached the 18th hole, Charles Girsch and Jon Marzolf were all square while Dave Roach was 1 Up on Pat McQuillan. If Blue wanted to pull off the comeback that looked improbable just an hour ago, they would need to secure full points in both matches. Meanwhile, red needed to force one match to push in order to retain The Cup. Girsch quietly did his job be winning the hole with a tap-in par, leaving it in the hands of Roach. With McQuillan in with par, Roach needed a par to secure the cup. When his birdie putt didn't break the way he wanted to, Roach was left with a 6-foot downhill putt. Though a miss meant a loss and never getting invited back to The Cup, he had "make" in his mind. As soon as he called over Girsch to give him the perfect read, the Red Team member's stomach's dropped (I wonder who wrote this article). When Roach struck the putt, the ball never had a chance to do anything but fall dead center, leading to quite the celebration and some weird ethnic sounds out of Kevin Maertens' mouth. It was simply the greatest finish in the 12 year history of The Cristal Cup Invitational.
2014 Pairings Have Been Set
Team play matches have Maertens facing off against McGuire and Simmer, Geoff Girsch calling out and taking on Chris Girsch. Singles play gives Ben Burke a chance to end his losing streak against Tim Girsch. It's hard to find a pairing that doesn't qualify as a marquee matchup. Check out all the matchups here.
Cristal Cup XII Dates and Location Set
Cristal Cup XII Extends Terms with Troy Burne
As 2013 brought a lot of new changes to "The Cup," 2014 brings stability. The 12th edition of The Cristal Cup Invitational will once again be played across the boarder. For the second consecutive year, Troy Burne was elected to host this year's cup. The date wont move much either as they are set as September 19th-20th.
Red Team takes Cristal Cup XI 16-12, Closing the Gap on the Series Lead to 6-5
Lead by Co-MVP's Chris Moede and Geoff Girsch, Red Team wins The Cristal Cup XI 16-12 bringing the overall series to 6-5 in favor of Team Blue. Troy Burne Golf Club (Hudson, WI) were great hosts to the tournament in the first time in nine years, The Cristal Cup Invitational was at a new location, and things couldn't have gone better.
Cristal Cup XI Dates and Location Set
Cristal Cup XI Brings Change of Scenery and Season
The 11th edition of The Cristal Cup Invitational brings a lot of firsts. For the first time since Cristal Cup II, The Cristal Cup Invitational will have a new home, and it's across the boarder. Troy Burne was elected to host this year's cup. An other first is the date. For the first time, The Invitational will be held in September, instead of August.
Blue Team Takes the 10th Edition of The Cup and a Commanding 6-4 Series Lead
Mark McGinnity becomes the first back to back Co-MVP as he shared 3-0 records with Adam Tait and the blue team wins the 10th edition of The Cristal Cup Invitational. This is the first time in Cristal Cup history that either team has held a two cup series lead. Expect the Red Team to go back to the drawing board, in hopes to close the gap, and bring home Cristal Cup XI.
Pairings are Set
After long deliberation, the pairings have been officially set. Maybe the most anticipated pairing is Match #11. Anytime Chris and Geoff Girsch in the same foursome, there are bound to be fireworks.
As the years go on, it seems more and more marque match ups. Click here to check them out.
As the years go on, it seems more and more marque match ups. Click here to check them out.
Uniforms are Picked
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Blue Takes Cristal Cup IX to Make the Season Series 5-4
It was the closest battle in Cristal Cup history, but the Blue Team out-dueled the Red Team 15-13. Blue Team won both the morning Fourball and afternoon Scramble sessions by a score of 4-3, tallying up an 8-6 lead going into Saturday Singles session. For the first time in Cristal Cup history, Saturday came down to the final group. Match #28 had rival 1 seeds Jim Cummings from the Red Team sparring with Charles Girsch from the Blue Team. The Red Team needed a full point from Jim Cummings and Geoff Girsch in Match #25 to win retain The Cristal Cup, while the Blue team only needed a half point from either Charles Girsch or Adam Tait. Geoff Girsch closed out Adam Tait on the 18th hole leaving it in the hands of Jim Cummings. Cummings had a comfortable 2 Up lead on the 14th but that was diminished by the time Girsch and Cummings walked off the 15th green. Girsch then birdied the Par 5 16th hole after putting his approach shot to 5 feet. Cummings needed to win both 17 and 18 to retain the cup for The Red Team, but that option was taken away when Girsch made a routine 2-putt for par to win Match #28 and bring The Cup back to The Blue Team for at least an other year. Mark McGinnity lead the team going 3-0 and earning Co-MVP Honors along with Dan Ehrmanntraut.
Cristal Cup IX Shirts Have Arrived
After a one year break from blue and red shirts, teams will not be hard to decipher from afar during the Saturday Singles Matches. Last year we experimented with white shirts and colored hats. This year we are back to tradition. For the first time since Cristal Cup I, both teams will be sporting solid colored shirts. The shirts are the same Gear for Sports brand and model shirt as last year, just different colors. For the second straight year, the new Cristal Cup logo will be on the left chest of the shirts. Unlike last year but similar to the shirts from Cristal Cup II - Cristal Cup VIII, writing will appear on the right sleeve.
Though many people have worn their Cristal Cup shirts on Friday as well, shirts are mandatory for Saturday Singles Matches.
For more photos of the Cristal Cup IX Singles Matches uniforms click here
Though many people have worn their Cristal Cup shirts on Friday as well, shirts are mandatory for Saturday Singles Matches.
For more photos of the Cristal Cup IX Singles Matches uniforms click here
Pairings are Set
After long deliberation, the pairings have been officially set. Due to a late dropout by Rob Hoag, the pairings had to be reworked. As the years go on, it seems more and more marque match ups. Click here to check them out.
Late Roster Addition
Tim Dolan fills in for Rob Hoag
Due to unfortunate work travel coming up The Cristal Cup Matches family lost a longtime member in Rob Hoag. Rob joined The Blue Team for Cristal Cup II and accumulated a 7-9-2 record in his 6 years playing in The Cristal Cup Matches. Rob is being replaced by Tim Dolan, younger and better looking brother of Kevin Dolan. Tim will be the third Dolan to join the cup, Doc Sr. filled in as a last second replacement during Cristal Cup VI going 3-0-0.
Cristal Cup IX Rosters Set
Rosters are extended to 14 and four of the five players
added have Cup experience.
AP - With Dan Ehrmanntraut accepting the final invitation to Cristal Cup IV Tuesday, the rosters for The Cristal Cup Matches are officially set. For the first time, the rosters have been extended to 14 men (13 men and one Cat for the Red Team) per team. Co Commissioners Charles and Cat Girsch made it a priority to add as many former players as possible to keep the Cristal Cup Family stronger than ever.
Due to the weekend change, Mark Dunnigan was granted a one-year exemption and Adam Tait, the only new comer of the 2011 incoming class with no previous Cristal Cup experience, filled his spot. To some Adam may seem like a veteran to The Cristal Cup Matches as he has attended the last three after parties. When trading emails with Adam last night he responded by saying, "Gotta run...I'm at Keller right now...gotta finish up before the light fades...one night in a row...59 rounds to go..." When we asked captain Charles Girsch about Adam, he responded "We're excited to add him to the roster. When doing our homework we were scared he had a red flag, as he is friends with Ben Burke. But we found out he is friends through their wives, and not by choice. With that said, I've seen him play beer pong and I hope he's better at golf."
Dan Ehrmanntraut, freshly off of dental school was also added to the Blue Team. Dan played in both the inaugural Cristal Cup and Cristal Cup II racking up a record of 3-2-1. Dan told us "I've been waiting for the call all year. The timing is finally right and it feels good to be back." Captain Charles Girsch told us "It's good to have Traut back. He is a great add on both on and off the course."
Chris Girsch, the eldest of the St. Paul Girsches, will return to The Cristal Cup Matches for the first time since Cristal Cup V. Chris is looking to improve on his 2-4-0 record and is trying to build off his last match where he was victorious 4&3 over Kevin Dolan in a rainy singles match. Chris let us know that "I was going to fire Charles is he didn’t get me back in. I told him 'Charles, I am going to fire you if you don’t get me back in the cup.'" Charles story didn’t seem much different as he said "He was going to fire me if I didn't get him back in. He told me 'Charles, I am going to fire you if you don’t get me back in the cup.'"
The Red Team added two players to their roster as well get to the magical number of 14. Jon Marzolf, who played in the Inaugural Cristal Cup, along with four more is back after a couple years off. He has built a career record of 7-5-3. Marzolf was so excited when he got the call that he wrote his check and actually sent it all the same day. "I am exited to be back. It was tough missing the last couple of years, but boy it feels great to be back." Captain Cat Girsch was quoted "Marolf is back? That'll be fun. I wonder what his excuse will be for why he can’t play next year?"
Adding Cat Girsch, who was off for the second time in three years due to maternity leave, rounded off the Red Team roster. "This cup needed me.” She said. “Charles doesn't do sh*t for this tournament once he gets into Minnesota. I bet that party blew last year because I wasn't here." Cat has put together an impressive 9-6-3 record in her six cup appearances.
With Cristal Cup IX just two months away, excitement continues to build as the pieces to the puzzle continue to be put together.
AP - With Dan Ehrmanntraut accepting the final invitation to Cristal Cup IV Tuesday, the rosters for The Cristal Cup Matches are officially set. For the first time, the rosters have been extended to 14 men (13 men and one Cat for the Red Team) per team. Co Commissioners Charles and Cat Girsch made it a priority to add as many former players as possible to keep the Cristal Cup Family stronger than ever.
Due to the weekend change, Mark Dunnigan was granted a one-year exemption and Adam Tait, the only new comer of the 2011 incoming class with no previous Cristal Cup experience, filled his spot. To some Adam may seem like a veteran to The Cristal Cup Matches as he has attended the last three after parties. When trading emails with Adam last night he responded by saying, "Gotta run...I'm at Keller right now...gotta finish up before the light fades...one night in a row...59 rounds to go..." When we asked captain Charles Girsch about Adam, he responded "We're excited to add him to the roster. When doing our homework we were scared he had a red flag, as he is friends with Ben Burke. But we found out he is friends through their wives, and not by choice. With that said, I've seen him play beer pong and I hope he's better at golf."
Dan Ehrmanntraut, freshly off of dental school was also added to the Blue Team. Dan played in both the inaugural Cristal Cup and Cristal Cup II racking up a record of 3-2-1. Dan told us "I've been waiting for the call all year. The timing is finally right and it feels good to be back." Captain Charles Girsch told us "It's good to have Traut back. He is a great add on both on and off the course."
Chris Girsch, the eldest of the St. Paul Girsches, will return to The Cristal Cup Matches for the first time since Cristal Cup V. Chris is looking to improve on his 2-4-0 record and is trying to build off his last match where he was victorious 4&3 over Kevin Dolan in a rainy singles match. Chris let us know that "I was going to fire Charles is he didn’t get me back in. I told him 'Charles, I am going to fire you if you don’t get me back in the cup.'" Charles story didn’t seem much different as he said "He was going to fire me if I didn't get him back in. He told me 'Charles, I am going to fire you if you don’t get me back in the cup.'"
The Red Team added two players to their roster as well get to the magical number of 14. Jon Marzolf, who played in the Inaugural Cristal Cup, along with four more is back after a couple years off. He has built a career record of 7-5-3. Marzolf was so excited when he got the call that he wrote his check and actually sent it all the same day. "I am exited to be back. It was tough missing the last couple of years, but boy it feels great to be back." Captain Cat Girsch was quoted "Marolf is back? That'll be fun. I wonder what his excuse will be for why he can’t play next year?"
Adding Cat Girsch, who was off for the second time in three years due to maternity leave, rounded off the Red Team roster. "This cup needed me.” She said. “Charles doesn't do sh*t for this tournament once he gets into Minnesota. I bet that party blew last year because I wasn't here." Cat has put together an impressive 9-6-3 record in her six cup appearances.
With Cristal Cup IX just two months away, excitement continues to build as the pieces to the puzzle continue to be put together.
Red Team wins The 8th Playing of The Cristal Cup 13 1/2 - 10 1/2
The Cristal Cup Matches series even after eighth cup
Ben Burke looks over his 7th from the 18th Fairway
It took a 7 1/2 point Saturday singles performance for the Red Team to clinch The 2010 Cristal Cup Matches. For the second time in The Cup, the score was tied going into Saturday's singles matches. Cristal Cup rookie Tony Leseman led the charge with a 3-0 record, so it was only fitting that when he closed out Mark Dunnigan and Match #22 on the 13th green, he close out the eighth playing of The Cristal Cup Matches. Click here to see the final results
2011 Date moved back one weekend
St. Andrews, the home of golf
For the first time ever the dates have been moved back one weekend to Friday August 26 - Saturday August 27 due to the fact that Co Commissioner and Blue Team Captain Charles Girsch will be doing missionary work in Edinburgh, Scotland. Players missing because of the weekend change with have first priority to get back into The 2012 Cristal Cup Matches.