“Golf is twenty-percent mechanics and technique; the other eighty-percent is philosophy, humor, tragedy, romance, melodrama, companionship, camaraderie, cussedness and conversation.” — Grantland Rice.

Fifty-four of Niles’ best golfers put acclaimed sportswriter Rice’s assessment of the game of golf to the test this past weekend as Plym Park played host to the 58th annual Niles City Tournament. Of course, depending on whom you ask, every aspect of Rice’s statement rang true.

Tragedy struck this year in the unfortunate loss of longtime course manager, tournament administrator, and lifetime golf enthusiast, Charles “Boxie” Brooks, who passed away earlier this month.

As for the golf, there was a myriad of events — some good, some bad — and some better left unmentioned — that unfolded throughout the play of the seven divisions in action.

The Championship Flight saw a former champion, Scott Zavitz, reclaim his title as the city’s best golfer in dominating fashion.

Zavitz, who won the 2012 tournament, weathered the trying course conditions and layouts that seemed to wreak havoc on the collective games of his fellow competitors. He finished the tournament with a score of 153 and was the only person in the Championship Flight to finish beneath the 160 mark.

“It feels great, I had a few burps here and there, as we all do, but I’m really happy I was able to rebound from my mistakes and bring this thing home. It’s an awesome feeling,” Zavitz said.