The Columbus Golfweek Amateur Tour held its sixth event of 2011 today at Crown Hill Golf Club. Known for its undulating fast greens, and blind tee shots it was a true test for all levels. It looks as though the weather may have finally turned here in Ohio and 58 golfers were able to take advantage of a near perfect day.
Champ flight had six players participate today. Although it was a close call, the Rich Campbell show is still alive. It was back and forth between Rich and Josh Bell all day, trading shot for shot including an eagle on the par five ninth hole for Josh. Going into the last hole, they knew the tournament was going to be determined on the 18th green. Rich’s 76 was good enough for a one stroke victory and his sixth straight. Finishing third is Kevin Dick.
A flight had a field of thirteen golfers today. Crown Hill being a course that a lot of players weren’t familiar with, the scores were some of the highest all year. Coming out on top on the day is Brandon Fraley. His three birdies propelled him to a solid round of 80. This is Brandon’s second win in as many tournaments. Coming in second with a round of 84 is first year tour member Joshua Diemer. He’s a solid player with a great all around game. Third place took some time to figure out with five players shooting 85. But in the end it was Chase Hardwick taking home third.
B flight had a great story today. New member John Kline decided to bring his son Ryan as a guest. That turned out to be a great idea, because when they came into the clubhouse they both turned in the same score of 82. After a little wait to see that no one had beat their score the two jumped in a cart and headed off to hole one for a sudden death playoff. With a great up and down out of the sand, John makes par and wins his first tournament on tour. Josh Davis just one stroke behind the Kline’s takes home some much needed points and third place.
C flight had a tour regular shoot his best round to date in a tournament. Frank Myers plays Crown Hill multiple times per week. His local knowledge helped him shoot an incredible score of 80. Just one birdie and a bunch of pars helped him seal the deal. Coming off a big win in our second major two weeks ago at Foxfire, Dave Parish lands right at the top of the leader board again. Shooting 86 with one birdie gives him second place in the tournament and third in the overall standings. For the second event in a row Jacob Bridges finishes in the top three. It looks as though his game is shaping up just at the right time of the season to make a run at the championship.
D flight today had one of its largest fields. With Larry Aleshire moving to C flight, a new winner would emerge this week. That player would be Kyle Dowell. Shooting a great round of 94 and a two stroke victory gives Kyle the confidence to compete in the D flight for the rest of the year. John Kruse and Mike Harris both card 96’s and need a score card playoff to determine the second place winner. That score card playoff victory goes to John. D flight will be one of the most competitive flights this year, with players start to bunch up at the top of the season long points standings.
I want to thank everyone for making it out to Crown Hill, and hope to see everyone at Darby Creek. Everybody that plays at Darby Creek will be entered into a raffle for a free entry into our next major at Cumberland Trail. Register online at amateurgolftour.net for our next event.