The 2011 season has come to an end today, with the final event at Longaberger Golf Club. The weather was our best all year and the flight champion races were no different. We couldn’t ask for a better tournament setting than what we had today. The course was in great shape and the staff at Longaberger was some of the best we have had all year.
With a large points lead in Champ flight Rich Campbell had first place sewn up, but second and third had not been determined. Since each flight has big money on the line the players really set out to score good on a very tough course. Rich continued to keep his foot on the gas pedal today as he has all year. Shooting 78 from the tips at Longaberger is no easy task, and that was just enough to give Rich the win along with two super skins on the day. Tim Ford’s 81 gives him second place and some momentum heading into the National Championship. This year has been our best Champ flight ever and I hope to see more growth next year. Our top three overall Champ flight winners in order are: Rich Campbell, Kyle Crossfield, and Jeff Maier.
Another flight that had 1st place determined is A flight. Eric Croker has played his most consistent golf since he has been a tour member this year and it has paid off. With it still being a tight race for second and third, Longaberger would be crucial. After every group was in but the last, the leading score in the clubhouse( 83) was between Kevin Dick, and Rick Smialek. Then Tom Burlison and Chase Hardwick turned in their scorecards with both shooting 80. Off to the sudden death playoff they went. After a great match it was Chase Hardwick just edging Tom and taking home the major. Final standings for the year in A flight in order are: Eric Croker, Jared Minor, and Carl Mollenkopf.
Now to the B flight where it was anybody’s guess who could pull off the season long points race. With so many players in contention, I knew this would be fun to watch. Playing one of his best rounds of the year today was Chris Wurzbach. A whole lot of pars on the card, and very few mistakes helped him shoot 81, and gave him a six stroke victory. This victory jumped him right into B flight champion. Second place, shooting 87 is Pete Koumas, and rounding out the top three is Rex Reeder on a scorecard playoff. B flight is our most competitive flight with the largest numbers it has ever had, so winning is a great accomplishment. Top three overall B flight winners in order are: Chris Wurzbach, Josh Davis, and Bob Ubbing.
Another tight race heading into our final event is in C flight. The top four players, Howard Pavlofsky, Dave Parish, Buddy Mcbride, and Jacob Bridges were separated by a few points. Being paired in the final group together added to the pressure that was already on them. Jacob "cool as a cucumber" Bridges showed no signs of pressure going out and shooting 87 and taking home the top spot. With this win he took home two trophies, Flight Champion, and the season’s final major. Coming in second with an 89 is Michael Bogutz, and third place goes to Christopher Dearth with a solid 91.Top overall C flight season points winners are in order: Jacob Bridges, Dave Parish, and Howard Pavlofsky.
Another flight that we have had great success in this year is D flight. The biggest reason for that is the increased competition within the flight. Mike Harris played great all year and it really paid off. This year was his first on tour and he really made the best of it. Although he had a large lead going into the last event, second and third had yet to be determined. John Barnes continued on a hot streak winning again this year with a score of 98. Not far behind were Phil Petitti, and Greg Hegstrom both shooting 100. Final standings for the year in order are: Mike Harris, Scott Allen, and Philip Petitti.
I really want to thank all the players who participated this year. All of you are the number one reason this tour has grown to be one of the best tours in the country. I had the best time and gained the best friendships I have ever had since the five years there has been a Columbus Tour. We will be working hard in the offseason to grow membership and come up with ideas to improve the tour so 2012 will be better than ever.