The Columbus Golfweek Amateur Tour held its fourth event today at New Albany Links in New Albany, Ohio. In our first ever double shotgun start and largest tournament in Columbus history, 141 total players tried to get out and beat the heat. On a brutally hot day with temperatures in the mid 90’s scores in each flight were very impressive.

In Championship flight we had 18 players take on the links style course from the back tees, which makes New Albany Links a very tough track. Newcomer Jake Oberlin made everyone aware that he is someone that will be in contention this year with a terrific round of 74. Next in line is a player that is always a threat to throw up a low number, and today was no different.  John Fryman continued his hot streak with another top three finish shooting 76 to take second alone.  Just one stroke behind John, Tim Ford and Jeff Lucas posted great rounds of 77. Jeff’s birdie on the #1 handicap, gave him third place and some crucial points early in the season.

Our second biggest flight of the day was A flight with 27 players. The talent level in this flight has been so high week after week it is harder than ever to win.  Tying the best score we have ever had in A flight today was Alonzo Shavers. Alonzo played extremely consistent all day carding two birdies on his way to an even par round of 72. Coming in second was Todd Barnes. Todd had an up and down day using his four birdies and a $310 super skin winning eagle to shoot 76. One of the other super skin winners Dustin Welch had another solid round as well placing again in the top three with a 77. Dustin is near the top of every tournament and is one to watch for the season long championship. Fourth place would be between Kevin Dick and Jared Minor, both shooting 78. Kevin’s par on the ninth hole gave him the edge and the win on the scorecard playoff.

There were two more records broken today in B flight. The first was the size of the field and the second was one player’s total winnings. With 47 players in one flight it is very difficult to place, let alone win. Our only playoff on the course today would be between Bobby Owens and Chris Valley. Both shooting 80 in the tournament they would force a sudden death playoff to start on the first hole. One hole is all it would take for Chris to earn his first victory on tour and his portion of the huge prize fund. He is one of many new players that have really seen success this year. Finishing third is another new member Anthony Rothman. Anthony played lights out in his first event playing consistently on both sides. Just three strokes behind the best scores in B flight were Brad Herpolsheimer and Josh Davis. Their pair of 83’s would have to be settled on the scorecard. Josh would win fourth place but it was Brad who came out on top overall. After last week’s incredible run by James Huffman earning over $600 at Hickory Hills, the rest of B flight had a new goal to shoot for. Brad did just that, placing 5^th in his flight, winning three flight skins, closest to the pin, and a super skin for a total over $700! All Brad could say after his record day was this tour is "absolutely awesome".

C flight had yet another first time winner today.  New member Jason Liu played his best all year with an incredible round of 83. Jason is now moving up the points ladder and gaining confidence to really compete in C flight this year. Just two strokes behind Jason, Frank Myers came out firing with an 85 and second place by himself. Third place with an 88 goes to Brian Ramsay. Brian is a member of both the Golfweek Tour and the Senior Tour. His score also gave him the victory in the C flight senior division, which has some of our best competition of any flight in the entire Columbus Tour.

One of our most intense rivalries this year has been in D flight. Benny Bennett and Larry Schofield have been trophy hunting since day one on the tour and today was no different. We usually have a sudden death playoff for 1^st place in all flights, but because D flight played in the first shotgun and the second shotgun was out playing the course, we had to settle for a scorecard playoff.  With rounds of 95 Benny and Larry really separated themselves from the rest of the field today. After a check of the scorecard it would be Benny taking his second victory in a row! We can’t wait to see how this year turns out in D flight. It should be fun to watch.

I want to thank everyone for coming out to New Albany Links and withstanding the hot temperatures. It was a great tournament and we hope to make the next one even better. Our next event will be held at Delaware Golf Club Sunday, June 3^rd with a 1:30 shotgun starting time. Hope to see everyone out there!