The Columbus Golfweek Amateur Tour held its seventh tournament of the season today at Darby Creek Golf Course in Marysville, OH. The sun was blazing, the course was in great shape, and 64 of the tours best set out to challenge each other on one of Central Ohio’s upscale courses.
The Champ flight had one of its largest fields today with ten players. Tim Ford made his 2011 tour debut at Darby Creek and it paid off. His three birdies on the day helped him turn in a one under 71, and his first win. Season long points leader Rich Campbell shoots a solid 74 with one birdie to take home second and add to his lead in the Champ flight. Jeff Pontius finished third today with a 79. He had two birdies on the day, none more important than hole #8. It was one of only two super skins that held up, paying $240.00. Kevin Broyer in Champ flight was the other super skin recipient for his birdie on the very difficult par three #16.
Another great turnout for A flight today brought fourteen golfers to the tournament. Eric Croker and Chase Hardwick both walked off the 18th green with a 78 on the card. After a brief wait to see if anybody had a better score, they headed off to have a sudden death playoff. Our longest playoff ever took four holes, with Eric outlasting Chase for the win. Eric’s third victory of the year adds to his season long points lead. Tom Burlison takes third place, a great round for his first tournament, also winning A flights CTP.
B flight had a new name at the top of the leader board today. That name was Devon Ratliff. His two skin winning birdies put him into position for his first victory of the year. Devon’s round of 82 was good enough for a three shot victory over Findlay’s own Al Russo. Al played consistent all day shooting 85 with two birdies. Third place had to be decided with a scorecard playoff. Chris Wurzbach and Josh Davis both carded 86’s. After checking the scorecards Josh takes home third place. His steady play has kept him around the top of the pack all year.
Our biggest flight of the tournament again was C flight. Fourteen of Columbus’ finest and Hilton Head director Keith Weaver showed up ready to roll. For the second week in a row we had an excellent score in C flight. Jeff Christensen has settled into tournament play. His impressive round of 80 shows that when he can get the putter going he can score with the best of them. Dave Parish has another strong showing, shooting 84 and gaining some much needed points. One stroke back was tour newcomer Justin Dearth. At 15 years old, Justin has a lot of game, and can’t wait to show it the rest of the season.
Now for our story of the day- D flight has had the best participation we have ever seen here in Columbus. It is one of our most competitive flights, and best group of players. Mike Harris, Phil Petitti, and Matt Williamson all come up to the scorer’s table with 91’s. With this being the last flight a crowd of spectators got to go out and watch the playoff. Mike stepped up to the tee first and ripped it right down the middle only forty yards from the green. Matt and Phil followed suit with great drives in the fairway. Matt’s chip came up a little short, and Phil’s a little long, leaving the door wide open for Mike. All he needed was a two putt par. With his first putt coming up about eight feet short, all the pressure was squarely on his shoulders. With the crowd looking on Mike’s par putt dropped in the bottom of the cup giving him his first victory of the year, and Player of the Week honors.
Congratulations to all the winners. I want to thank everyone for coming out, we had another great turnout. Now halfway through the season, the best is yet to come. Make sure to register for our next major at Cumberland Trail GC. It is sure to be a great tournament.