A full field participated today at beautiful Springfield Country Club. The course as always was in exceptional condition just forty days after a US Open qualifier was held there. Although it looked as though the weather was not going to cooperate early, the sun popped out and it turned into a great day for golf.
In the Championship flight we had our first of three playoffs. Doug Smith, Rich Campbell and Jeremy Payne all turned in their scorecards with great rounds of 74. The first hole at Springfield is right next to the clubhouse for everyone to watch the tee shots of a very difficult opening hole. Each player put the ball in play off the tee but it would be Doug’s excellent approach shot that would give him the best opportunity at birdie and that is exactly what he got. This is Doug’s first win on tour. What a great venue to do so!
In A flight two players shot 78 to edge out a large group of players with 79’s. Chris Wurzbach’s red hot putter put him in the playoff with first year member John Mathias. John has a great game and is at the top of the leader board in each tournament he participates in. This playoff would also take just one hole. John’s solid par gave him his first victory on the Golfweek Tour.
In B flight we had our third and longest sudden death playoff. Last week’s winner at Longaberger, Matt Baucke is riding a hot streak at the right time of the year. He and Brett Pizzuto both carded great rounds of 82 at Springfield. With a gallery following the group the pressure was on both players to play well. On the third playoff hole Matt used his excellent short game to take home his second consecutive win. This win puts Matt right where he wants to be in the season long points chase. It is going to be a fight to the finish in B flight for the rest of the year.
In C flight we had another repeat winner. Leon Bilderback is enjoying his best year on tour in 2013. His 85 at Springfield gave him a three stroke victory and third win of the year which includes two majors. His great play has really paid off and has him at the top of the C flight at the midway point. Second place with a steady round of 88 goes to John Kline. Just one stroke behind John, Howard Pavlofsky rounds out the top three.
Our story of the day goes to our D flight winner. John Waddell has been a longtime member of the Columbus Tour. Today he played one of his best rounds ever, shooting 92 and earning himself a one stroke victory. Congratulations to John for a great win! Coming in second is Doc Steele. Third place goes to Adam Kohler.