The Columbus division of the Golfweek Amateur Tour held its eighth event of the 2012 season at Springfield Country Club. Springfield CC hosts a US Open qualifier each year, so it was a great privilege for our players to test their game on a true challenge of golf. The weather was good for the most part and the course was in terrific shape for the full field of 100 players.
In Champ flight we had some very close scores at the top. New to the tour this year, Jeff Thurman was seeking his first win on tour and wanted to show the field he could hang with the best of them. He did just that recording three birdies on his way to a 75 giving him a two stroke victory. It was a crucial win for Jeff, giving him the major and double points. He now is climbing up the points ladder in Champ flight. Coming in second with a 77 Jeff Maier used his course knowledge to lead him around Springfield. Just two years ago Jeff caddied for one of his good friends (Joe Jaspers) who is a member of the Charlotte division of the Golfweek Amateur Tour in the US Open qualifier. Finishing in third was Bill Esch with a 78. Bill also won Champ flight in the Senior Tour.
Another new winner would emerge out of A flight today as well. In the first group Kevin Broyer and Kevin Dick watched each other hit great shots all day. Each player matched each other shot for shot, going back and forth, with the lead changing throughout the day. Going into the final hole, an uphill medium distance par four with a severely sloped green from back to front, Broyer needed a par to secure his victory. Never feeling any pressure he did just that, finishing with a 78. Kevin Dick’s 79 gave him second on the day, but enough points to take the overall lead in A flight for the year. Third place with a steady 80 goes to Bobby Owens.
Our largest flight of the day was B flight with 35 players. As usual this is by far the hardest flight to win with so many great competitors. Coming into mid season form Dave Knowlton was on fire today shooting the only round in B flight under eighty with a 77. This score was good enough for Dave to win the B flight in the Senior Tour as well. Just three strokes behind Dave, Jeff Spires played great with three birdies ending up with a solid 80. Jeff is now third alone in the overall standings in B flight. Another player that is consistently at the top of the leader board, James Huffman shoots 81 and places in the top three in yet another tournament. Columbus has some of the best B flight players in the country and we can’t wait to see them perform in the National Championship!
One of our most loyal members got a much deserved victory today in the C flight. Kevin Brown’s two birdies were just enough to give him a one stroke victory carding an impressive 84. This win was crucial as it has put Kevin right at the top of C flight. Geoff Dillon came to play shooting 85 in only his second event ever with Columbus Tour. Geoff’s consistent game will put him at the top of a lot of tournaments this year. Third place would have to go to a scorecard playoff between four players, all shooting 88. Lance Happenny would earn the third place points over Tim Gobble, Dave Parish, and Marc Weinstock with his par on the second scorecard playoff hole.
D flight has been a one man race this year up until this point. Benny Bennett has won an unprecedented six straight tournaments with his victory at Springfield. His 89 gave him a two stroke victory over new D flighter Paul Dye. Zavier Neeley’s 92 was good enough for his second straight top three finish. Zavier is looking to finish the year off strong to take home his first overall championship.
The season is shaping up to be the closest it has ever been in every flight. We are going into the strongest part of our schedule and can’t wait to finish the season strong. Our next tournament is at Lancaster Country Club. We have received more spots for this event and have a few openings. If you would like to play, please email me at jared@amateurgolftour.net. See you at Lancaster!