Rick Gay Shoots 75, Wins Championship Flight!

We had another great tournament at Boca Country Club on Saturday, with perfect weather and perfect course conditions as well! 

It was sunny, not too hot and not too windy.  We also had an early start – 7:00 AM – which almost everyone loves.

We had the largest field so far this season, with 77 players, so the prize pools were large and there was plenty of competition for everyone.  Even the Championship had 10 players and paid three places!

Rick Gay, playing in his first Am Tour event, won the Championship Flight with a great score of 75.  Alex Ojea and Floyd Goodson tied for 2^nd, three strokes back at 78.  Gay played steady golf all day long, carding only four bogies to go along with his lone birdie on 17.  Nice round, Rick!

In the Palmer Flight, Andrew Stallone claimed his first Am Tour victory in only his second attempt, firing a 77 for the win.  Daniel D’Loughy, Terry Swartz and Craig Tompkins all finished just two strokes back at 79, making it a very tight race.

David Bradley, another first-year player, won the Hogan Flight with an 81, edging Leo Argandona by a single stroke.  Peter Galiette finished four strokes back at 85 for 3rd place.  Bradley overcame a pair of double-bogies on #2 and 3, righting the ship with four pars before the turn, and then adding two birdies on the back nine.   Nice round – and nice win, David!

It took extra holes in the Sarazen Flight after Hector Hernandez and Fernando Stalker finished regulation tied at 86.  In the playoff, Hernandez’ ability to scramble was the difference as he won on the 2^nd playoff hole.  Michael Bresnahan finished 3^rd, three strokes back at 89.

The round of the day belongs to David Fraser, who shot an unbelievable 79 in the Jones Flight to take the win.  Great round, David!  Fraser started the day with a birdie on #1, took a couple of double-bogies, added another birdie on #12 and then capped off what was by far his best round on Tour with a birdie on 18!  Great round, David!  Jose Castillo finished 2^nd at 88 and Robbie Wright finished 3^rd at 89.

In the Snead Flight, Don Park claimed his first win of the 2013 season with a solid 94, edging Tony Maroon by a single stroke.  Jorge Lorenzo finished four strokes back at 98.

Jose De Armas and Pete Newton were the big skins winners on the day.  Playing in the Palmer Flight, they each pocketed $140 for their birdies on #7 & #18, respectively.  Multiple players had birdies on 5, 6, 10, 12, 13 and 14 to cancel each other out, making each skin worth more than usual in the Palmer Flight.

In the Snead Flight, Michael MacDougall, Domenico D’Alphonso and Tony Maroon each won $93 for their birdies on #3, 4 and 13., respectively. 

In the Sarazen Flight, no one playing in the side games made a birdie, so we have $140 in rollover money for the next West Palm Beach event, which is March 9^th at Polo Trace.

Many thanks to Ryan Snyder, the Head Pro and the entire staff at Boca Country Club, who make this one of our favorite Tour stops each year!

Next up is The Woodlands East Course in Fort Lauderdale this Saturday – and possibly a 2/16 event at Miccosukee Golf & Country Club if the conditions are right.  I’ll keep you posted.

See you on the Course!

Jeff

Levin, Ruderman Cruise To Victory, Roseth Posts Low Round

We had another great tournament at Ironhorse Country Club on Saturday!  The weather was breezy, but otherwise perfect, the course was in excellent shape and we had a number of low scores and well-deserving winners!

Gary Ruderman left the field behind and claimed a 4-stroke victory in the Sarazen flight with an impressive 82.  Ken Downing finished second at 86 and Mark Sapsford 3^rd with an 89.

In the Championship Flight, Eric Robbins won the trophy after carding four birdies on his way to a 78.  Jace McCarron finished a stroke back at 79 and Kevin Kim took 3^rd with an 80.

In the Palmer Flight, Paul Roseth claimed another trophy with a 77 and the low round of the day.  Paul played steady golf, with a birdie on the second hole and just one double-bogey on the day.  Michael Barnes finished 2^nd in his first event with an 81 and Tommy Ziglar and David Paller tied for 3^rd with 82s.

In the Hogan Flight, Jason Ellington already has his second win of the season with an 87, edging Michael Davies by a stroke.  Marc Milman and Leo Argandona tied for 3^rd, two strokes back at 89.

Tom Brown earned his first Am Tour victory with a 97 in the Jones Flight.  Frank Lamadrid finished 2^nd at 102 and David Fraser took third place.

Alan Levin was thrilled to post another win in the Snead Flight, shooting 93 and walking off with the trophy and a 6-stroke victory.  Alan Kahhan finished second with a 99 and Rene Rodriguez took third with an even 100.

Congratulations to all the Flight Winners!

This was another double-skins event, so there were some big winners again at Ironhorse – and $120 in Rollover Money in the Jones Flight for our next West Palm Beach tournament (at The Breakers Rees Jones Course).

The biggest payday was for George Blanton and Don Albritton in the Snead Flight, who each won $200 for their birdies on #1 and #13 respectively.

Marc Milman (#14), Jay Malanga (16) and Leo Argandona (#17) each pocketed $120 for their birdies in the Hogan Flight, while Gary Ruderman, Mark Sapsford and Tom Haley each won $70 in the Sarazen Flight.  Gary birdied #7, Mark birdied #15 and Tom finished his round with a birdie on 18.

It was another birdie-fest in the Championship Flight.  Eric Robbins won $102 for his birdies on 5, 10 and 11, Jim Weick took home an extra $68 for his birdies on #7 and 15.  Marc Sapper won $34 for his birdie on #12 and Kevin Kim also won $34 for his birdie on #9.

Congratulations again to all the winners!

Also, many thanks to the Pros and Staff at Ironhorse, who had the course in great condition and everything in place for our event.  It’s always a pleasure to play at Ironhorse.

We have a lengthy layoff in the West Palm Beach area, since our next local tournament is on December 15^th at The Breakers Rees Jones Course.

For those looking for more immediate competition, we have a great tournament lined up at International Links in Miami on November 17^th, the Winter Championship at Innisbrook on December 1^st & 2^nd and another premium event at The Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa on December 8^th.

See you on the course!

Jeff

McCarron 2 for 2, Kahhan Wins by 8 in Snead Flight

We had another great tournament on Saturday at Palm Beach Polo Golf & CC on the Cypress Course!

The weather was great – sunny with a breeze – and the course was in awesome shape.  We played lift clean and place due to the heavy rain earlier in the week, but it didn’t seem to cause any problems, just a few (temporarily) muddy golf balls.  The greens were in fantastic shape and everyone enjoyed the layout – a Pete and P.B. Dye design.

Alan Kahhan was on fire in the Snead Flight, shooting 87 for an 8-stroke victory.  With rounds like that, Alan is probably headed for the Jones Flight in the near future.  Nice round, Alan!  Believe it or not, the Snead Flight finished in alphabetical order by first name, with Alan Levin taking 2^nd Place at 95 and Domenico D’Alfonso finished 3^rd with a 98 (see the online leaderboard for the rest).

Jace McCarron won his second event in a row, shooting 78 to claim the Championship Flight trophy.  Tony Gerardi finished 2^nd at 81 and Jeff True – fresh off of his victory in the Senior National Championship – finished another stroke back at 82.

In the Sarazen Flight, Ray Munoz claimed his first Am Tour win, firing a solid 84 for the victory.  Luis Morello finished 2^nd at 88 and Brad Sunness finished at 89 for third place.

Brian Black also notched his first Am Tour Victory, playing solid golf (nothing higher than bogey), and shooting a 79 to take the Palmer Flight trophy.  Gene Johnson finished second with an 82 and Stewart Whyte finished third at 83.

It took extra holes in the Hogan Flight, as Jay Malanga and Jason Ellington finished regulation tied at 84.  Both golfers continued to battle with Jay Malanga winning after the second playoff hole.  Marc Milman finished 3^rd, one stroke back at 85.

Fernando Stalker won his second Am Tour event, finishing with an 85 for a 1-stroke victory over Frank Lamadrid in the Jones Flight.

Congratulations to all the Flight winners!

Click here for the full scoreboard and details:

http://thegolfchannel.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/thegolfchannel13/event/thegolfchannel13173/index.htm

As you may know, this was another double-skins event, and several players went home very happy after holing timely birdie putts.

Rene Rodriguez was the big winner, pocketing $400 for his birdie on the Par-5 10^th, the only birdie in the Snead Flight.  Congratulations Rene!

Leo Argandona and Jay Malanga split the Hogan Flight pool, with each player winning $160.  Jay birdied the 8^th and Leo birdied the 10^th.

In the Jones Flight, Fernando Stalker won $134 for his birdies on #10 and 12 and Frank Lamadrid earned $66 for his birdie on the popular Par-5 2^nd.

In the Sarazen Flight, Luis Morello and Mark Sapsford each won $100 for their birdies on the 4^th and 10^th holes, respectively. 

Gene Johnson (#2) and Jose De Armas (#4) each won a $100 skin in the Palmer Flight, while in the Championship Flight, Jace McCarron won $134 (#7 & #9) and Brandon O’Dell won $66 for his birdie on the 2^nd hole.

Congratulations to all the winners!

A special thanks to the staff and Pros at Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club.  This was our second visit to Palm Beach Polo and everyone raved about the course – again – and the staff treated us royally.  Try the Lobster Roll next time we’re there – it’s the Chef’s specialty and it is spicy and delicious!

Next up on the West Palm Beach Tour is Ironhorse Country Club – another very challenging private course – on November 10^th.  In addition to having a great course, their hamburgers may be the best of any grillroom on the Am Tour!

Our next Miami/Fort Lauderdale tournament is this Saturday – October 27^th – on the East Course at Jacaranda Country Club.

See you on the course!

Jeff

Whyte shoots 77, O'Harte 84 at Ironhorse

We had a great tournament at Ironhorse Country Club on Wednesday!  Although it was very windy until around 2:30, it turned out to be a great day, with cool temperatures and no rain!  The greens were very fast, placing a premium on good putting.

The course was in excellent shape as usual, with at least one player saying that the greens were the best he had ever played!

With his back troubles behind him (hopefully for good), Stewart Whyte capitalized on his good health, shooting a 77 to win the Palmer Flight.  It was a tough day for the rest of the Flight, with Floyd Goodson finishing 2^nd at 86 (playing from the Gold tees) and a couple of players choosing to withdraw after a difficult start.

In what was the round of the day, Tommy O’Harte shot an 84 to win the Snead Flight  by 8 strokes over Lynn Dunn.  Great round, Tommy!  O’Harte caught fire on the back nine, making back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13 and taking just 38 strokes after the turn.  The wind wasn’t a problem for O’Harte, who claims to have been blown completely off his feet during a recent round in his native Ireland.  Maybe that’s just a tall tale, but it’s made more believable since Tommy is fit and trim and can’t weigh more than 120 pounds.

O’Harte and Rick Waldie were the day’s big skins game winners, with O’Harte pocketing $173 for his two birdies and Waldie winning $87 for his birdie on #5.

In the Hogan Flight, John Siena captured his first Am Tour trophy, putting well and firing an 82 for the win.  Randy Bryant finished second, two strokes back at 82.

Steve Griffin from the Orlando Tour won the Sarazen Flight, posting an 84 to top David Fortune by a stroke. 

In the Jones Flight, Tony Ott capitalized on his local knowledge, winning with a 96 on his home course.  Chuck Fanelli finished three strokes back at 99.

Congratulations to all the winners!

After this weekend’s Major Championship at TPC Sawgrass, we’re headed to Fort Lauderdale for the Woodlands Championship!

Click here for the full Ironhorse leaderboard:

http://thegolfchannel.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/thegolfchannel12/event/thegolfchannel12720/contest/13/leaderboard.htm

And click here for the Woodlands’ tournament page:

http://thegolfchannel.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/thegolfchannel12/event/thegolfchannel1227/index.htm

See you on the course!

Rafols and Williams Shoot 73s to Win at The Falls!

We had a great tournament at The Falls Golf & Country Club on Saturday!  The weather was great, the course was in perfect condition, the greens were rolling fast but not too fast, and it was a day for low scores!

Click here to see the photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/113764186660714922617

Oscar Rafols led the pack, making five (5!) birdies during his round and finishing with a 73 to win the Championship Flight.  Rafols started with a birdie on the first hole and then followed it with birdies on 7, 8, 10 and 15!  Adam Morrison was right there with him on the front nine, trailing by just a stroke, but couldn’t keep up on the back nine, finishing in second place at 80.

In the Palmer flight, Larry Williams was the one to go low, also shooting 73.  Williams had birdies on the 4^th, 11^th and 17^th holes on the way to his 73.  Michael Stout and Gene Johnson finished tied for second with 80s.

Mark Sapsford was the third flight winner to break 80, winning the Hogan Flight with a nice round of 79.  While Mark didn’t make any birdies, he played steady golf, making very few mistakes and killing the competition with consistency.  Randy Bryant finished second with an 82, but he definitely had the hole of the day, carding an Eagle on the Par-4 15^th.  He hit two great shots – and got two lucky breaks.  From the tee, Bryant attempted to drive the green and just barely cleared the water.  However, his ball landed on top of the railroad ties bordering the lake and bounced over the green and into a bunker.  From there, Bryant blasted out of the bunker and into the hole!  Great Eagle, Randy! 

In the Sarazen Flight, Devin DeRemer notched his first win, shooting an 80 with two birdies to take the trophy.  Shauna Federico finished in 2^nd place with an 82.

Marco Martinez claimed his second win of the season, winning in a playoff with Keith Varney.  Both players shot 90.  It was a great win for Martinez, while Varney may have simply run out of energy.  He got up in the middle of the night and drove his daughter from Port St. Lucie to the Orlando airport before trekking south for the tournament.

Don Aldrich and Alan Levin also had to play extra holes to determine the Snead Flight winner.  Aldrich won in a playoff after both golfers finished regulation with 94s. 

Congratulations to the winners – and thanks to all the players who competed and made this a great tournament!

Next up is Fort Lauderdale Country Club – and then the West Palm Beach Tour Championship August 6^th at The Fountains!

See you there!

Julie MacBeth Shoots 78, Wins at The President CC!

We had  a great tournament at The President Country Club on Saturday!  The weather was beautiful for the vast majority of the day (the last group had to wait out a lightning delay), the course was in perfect condition and I think everyone had a great time!

Julie MacBeth had the round of the day, firing a 78 to take first place in the Jones Flight.  Great round, Julie!  Prior to Saturday, her lowest tournament round in 2011 was an 87 at Winston Trails, so she obviously had a great day at The President!  She birdied #3 and #9 and then parred the first  seven holes on the back nine.

Oscar Rafols also had a great day, notching his first victory in the Championship flight.  Oscar had three birdies, shot even par on the front nine and finished with a 75.  That’s a great round, especially playing from the Medalist Tees (the tips), which have a course rating of 74.0 and a slope rating of 139.  Nice round, Oscar!

Orlando Hernandez had the low round in the Palmer Flight, shooting 76 to edge Pete Sorrentino by two strokes.  They had quite a battle in the Palmer Flight.  On #16, I watched Pete stick a 25 yard pitch shot to about 4 feet, then saw Orlando chip to about 3 feet, only to have Alex Ojea chip to within inches.  Those guys are good!  Congratulations, Orlando – great round!

In the Hogan Flight, Jack Brown took first place with a 77, making birdies on 6 and 13 and playing steady golf throughout.  Stephen Hoczak finished second at 84 after playing a roller-coaster round.

Shauna Federico continues to be a force in the Sarazen Flight, posting the winning score of 86 and winning her third tournament since May (she won twice in Naples).  David MacBeth and Torrence Mack finished just one stroke back at 87.

In the Snead Flight, Mitch Mejia hung tough and won the tournament after waiting an hour for a lightning storm to pass through.  Down four strokes after 14 holes, Mitch finished with a bogey and three pars to edge John Methvin by a stroke and finish at 94.

Thanks to everyone who played for making this a great tournament!

Next up is The Falls in Lake Worth on Saturday.  See you there!

Playoffs, 79s Rule the Day at Jonathan's Landing

We had a great tournament on Saturday, playing The Fazio Course at Jonathan’s Landing!  The weather was perfect until shortly after the tournament ended, which worked out great for us – and still provided some desperately needed rain for the course.

Despite the drought, The Fazio Course was in spectacular shape – and it felt like we had the entire course to ourselves.

Click here to see the photos from Jonathan’s Landing and other West Palm Beach Tournaments:

https://picasaweb.google.com/113764186660714922617

And click here for Miami/Fort Lauderdale Tournament photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/110279361186015030991

Apparently, several competitors wanted to play another 18 as playoffs (and 79s) ruled the day.  The Championship, Hogan and Jones Flights all required extra holes to determine the winner.  In the Championship Flight, Rob Bryans and Floyd Goodson battled it out after both players finished at 79.  Goodson took home the trophy after a 2-hole playoff.

In the Palmer Flight, Michael Stout took the trophy and first place, shooting 79 and edging Craig Tompkins and Paul Roseth by a stroke.  Stout’s steady play won in the end, while Tompkins had a roller-coaster round, carding four birdies and three doubles.  Roseth was on fire on the front nine, shooting 1-under par 35, but the wheels fell off on 12, and he was unable to regain the lead.  Stout’s round consisted of a birdie on the 2^nd hole, 37 at the turn, and only one double-bogey all day – on the long and difficult Par-4 18^th.

In the Hogan Flight, Michael Gabbard emerged as the winner in a playoff after he and Larry Williams both finished with – you guessed it – 79.  It should be noted that while 79 was the winning score in the Championship, Palmer and Hogan Flights, all three flights played from different sets of tees.  Both Gabbard and Williams played very consistent golf, each making a single birdie and a lot of pars.  Randy Bryant and Leonard Argandona both finished just one stroke back at 80.

Scott Carrabis won in the large and very competitive Sarazen Flight, shooting 80 to clip Marc Milman by a stroke.  David MacBeth and Hugh Koerner finished three strokes back at 83.  Koerner looked unstoppable for much of the day, making the turn in 39 strokes and carding back-to-back birdies on 11 and 12, two of the more difficult holes on the course.  Carrabis was one of the few players – in any flight – to score better on the back 9, birdying 10 and 16 to finish the back 9 in 39 strokes.

The last playoff of the day was in the Jones Flight, where Tom Haley defeated Julie MacBeth for the win.  Both players finished at 92, not making any birdies, but not making many mistakes, either.  Marco Martinez finished three strokes back at 95.  James Capraro made the only birdie in the Jones Flight, pocketing $120 for his three on the Par-4 11th.

John Methvin won his second tournament in a little over a month, taking the Snead Flight trophy with a 92 while Rick Waldie finished three strokes back at 95.  Methvin played steady golf, making few mistakes and carding a nice birdie on the 12^th hole. 

We’ll definitely return to Jonathan’s Landing as soon as possible.  I agree with Gene Johnson, who commented that “…many of our players just don’t realize how nice it is here [at Jonathan’s Landing]”.

Thank you to the members at Jonathan’s Landing for allowing us to hold a tournament at their club – and many thanks to the head pro and his staff, who treated us like honored guests.

I hope you all enjoy the Fourth of July weekend; our next tournament is The Club at Emerald Hills on July 9^th.

http://thegolfchannel.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/thegolfchannel11/event/thegolfchannel11634/index.htm

See you there!