The Columbus Golfweek Tour made its sixth tour stop and second local major today at Winding Hollow Golf Club in New Albany, Ohio. The weather was perfect and the course was in phenomenal shape for 114 of the Columbus Tours best players to go after the coveted major victory!
In the Championship flight we had a familiar face clutching the crystal. Last year’s overall flight champion Rich Campbell stepped back into the winners circle with his best round of the year, shooting 75 on a notoriously difficult golf course. Just three strokes back from Rich was Jeff Maier shooting 78 and earning some much needed points for the season long points chase. Rounding out the top three is this year’s points leader John Fryman with a 79.
Our second biggest flight of the day was A flight with 24 players. It was going to take a great score to beat out the competition and that is just what Todd Barnes did. Todd used a $200 super skin winning eagle on the tough par five #4 to propel him to a 75 and three shot victory. Getting back in mid season form just in time is A flights defending champ, Eric Croker. Eric’s 78 gets him right back in the mix in A flight heading into the halfway point of the season. Third place goes to Dustin Welch (79). Dustin has been in the mix at every tournament he’s played this year and it is paying off. He is the points leader in A flight and will no doubt earn his first victory on tour very soon.
Once again this week B flight was leading in number of participants, and paying out the top five spots. Anytime you can get a victory in this flight, it’s an accomplishment. Joseph Parsley made the long drive from Springfield, Ohio to do just that. Joe’s incredible 79 gave him his first victory on tour, and couldn’t have come at a better time earning double points for the major. Congrats Joe! Our first scorecard playoff of the day was for second place in B flight. Jim Huffman and Brad Herpolsheimer turned in their scorecard, both shooting 80. Scorecard playoff goes to Jim. Another scorecard playoff would be necessary to determine the next tie as well. Gary Alford and Chris Wurzbach both shot 82, but the playoff for fourth place would go to Chris.
One of the most impressive stories of the day was in C flight. Christopher Dearth earned his first victory of the 2012 season with an awesome round of 77. Christopher hit the ball solid all day with very few mistakes. All the players in his group had to say was "wow that was fun to watch". Great job Christopher! Next in line with a solid round of 82 was Brandon Peterson. Brandon has been one of our most consistent players all year finishing in the top three almost every tournament. Rounding out the top three is Mark Brown (83).
D flight had another good score at the top today. Benny Bennett coming off consecutive victories added to his trophy collection shooting 86. Benny has played great all year, and has a slight points lead in the D flight. This is going to be a fun season to watch. Tying for second place, Lee Dearth and Les Crossfield would have to go to the #1 handicap hole. Lee just edged out Les to take home second alone.
I want to thank all of our players for another great turnout! We are now the largest tour in the country and that is due to the loyalty and commitment the Columbus players have for this tour. I hope to see everyone out at our next event at Longaberger Golf Club Sunday, July 1st.