"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul." – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Good ole’ Johann Wolfgang would have loved it. Yes, there was music, of the background sort, emanating from the restaurant speakers. Poetry? Not so much unless singular golf course words, loudly proclaimed in random meter, qualify. But a fine picture? Artist Graeme Baxter’s "Official Ryder Cup Limited Edition" print, signed by the artist and European Ryder Cup Captain Jose Marie Olazabal, was on display during the awards ceremony, drawing admiration from the Thieves while awaiting presentation to some lucky ticket holder.

Guests Ramon Baez, Joe Adams Jr., Phil Pendly and Victor Butte joined the 23 Third Thursday Thieves at the 7:30 a.m. shotgun start at a soggy Seven Hills Golf Course in Hemet on Thursday, Nov. 15. Victor and Ramon have opted to join the ranks of the Thieves. Welcome aboard, gentlemen.

Results of the tournament: Closest-to-the-pin honors went to Richard Del Castillo, Richard Mead, Graeme Baxter and Phil Pendley. Graeme also outdistanced the field to take away long drive honors. Greg Stigall rolled the fewest putts (25) which largely contributed to his winning Low Net, Flight A (net 68). Neil Booth Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] followed up with a net 71, beating out Richard Del Castillo on a scorecard playoff. Guest, now member, Ramon Baez, won first place Flight B with a net 73. Guest Phil Pendley and Randy Phares tied with a net 76, Phil winning the scorecard playoff.

With all things athletic, or near athletic, out of the way, it was time to get on with the monthly drawing. After several preliminary prizes were awarded the gathering came to a hush, some actually pausing between bites, as the winning ticket was about to be drawn (no pun intended) by the artist himself. An elated Dick Page, holder of the winning ticket, couldn’t wait to take his new treasure home to show his wife Susie, an accomplished water color artist in her own right. Congratulations, Dick.

The Thieves are indeed fortunate to have as a member a certified PGA artist, Graeme Baxter, who on occasion donates one of his paintings to the Thieves. Thank you, Graham. Check out 

baxtergolfart.com to see some of Graeme’s work.

The Third Thursday Thieves, an SCGA affiliated golf club comprised of members who possess a wide range of golf skills, play various local golf courses the third Thursday of each month. New members and guests welcome. Contact me, Mike Sebastian, at (951) 656-0205 or 

msebas@verizon.net.

The Thieves next play The Country Club at Soboba Springs on Thursday, Dec. 20.