Today the Columbus Golfweek Amateur Tour held its twelfth event of the season at Granville Golf Course. For our second event in a row the weather was picture perfect and 57 of Ohio’s best golfers wanted to show Donald Ross that they could conquer his tricky greens. Unfortunately Mr. Ross got the last laugh.
Champ flight saw the return of one of our original members. Jeff Maier after a short layoff, came back in a big way, shooting 76 (40-36) and tying season points leader Rich Campbell (33-43) for first place. The first hole at Granville is a great one. A short tree lined, elevated tee, par 4 that requires an accurate drive and precise approach shot. Both players did just that, but it was the flat stick that determined the outcome in the playoff. Jeff’s birdie gives him his first win of the year and inches him towards the top three in the points race.
A flight had a new winner emerge this week. Kevin Dick played by far the best in the whole flight and was the only player to break eighty. Kevin received two super skins on his way to an awesome 75. Next in line is one of our first year members that has really done well. Carl Mollenkopf added some much needed points and takes home second place. Rounding out the top three just one stroke behind is Chase Hardwick.
Another new face in the winners circle today in B flight. Franklin " Sam" Harris played the best he has all year shooting 85 and giving him a two stroke victory. Not too bad for playing with backwards clubs! Just kidding lefty. Three players turned in their scorecards with 87’s on them, Leon Bilderback, Chris Wurzbach, and Bill Harrington. Scorecard playoff gives Chris second place, and Bill third. This race is really heating up, who’s going to elevate their game and win the overall points race.
C flight had another new winner this year. Jacob Bridges shot one of his best scores all year on one of the toughest courses we play. His twenty five putts, three chip ins, and long drives helped him shoot 83 and earn a six stroke victory. It has now placed him in the final group for the next event and not far out of first place. Coming in second is tour veteran Buddy Mcbride. Buddy played great all day and was the only other player to shoot in the eighties (89). Another three way tie would determine third place. Gary Andrews, Dave Parish, and Michael Bogutz all finish the day with a score of 91, but it was Michael’s par on the hardest hole on the course (#2) that decided the tie breaker.
For the second tournament in a row John Barnes takes home the crystal trophy and the money in D flight. His 91 was good enough for a ten stroke victory. Winning a skin and closest to the pin was icing on the cake. John’s game is really heating up just in time for nationals. Winning second is another new member on the Columbus Tour. Greg Hegstrom shoots a 101 and receives second place points.
A special thanks to Granville Golf Course’s staff. The course was in great shape and their hospitality was greatly appreciated. I also want to thank all the players who participated today. Our season in winding down and the points races our heating up. Our next event is at Riviera Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. It’s one of the premier private clubs in the Central Ohio area. Register now to reserve your spot at amateurgolftour.net.