GEORGIAPGA.COM GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM «« JUNE 2013 Stone Mountain – great golf, gorgeous views 2 distinct courses offer enjoyable options
By Mike Blum metro area’s finest daily fee courses since it opened. ne of the favorite stops for The newer Lakemont 18, which Atlanta golfers and visi- debuted in stages during the 1990s, is an tors to the area for entertaining resort-oriented layout decades has been Stone designed by Georgia native John LaFoy, MountainO Golf Club, which offers two and provides a contrasting experience to distinctly different courses for its its sister course. diverse clientele. Because of its overall absence of length Having two thoroughly disparate in comparison to Stonemont – along but complementary layouts gives area with its strong scenic appeal – Lakemont daily fee golfers and Evergreen attracts more of the out-of-town visitors Marriott Resort guests an option of to Stone Mountain Park, with which of the two they want to play. Stonemont a favorite of locals and lower The more traditional Robert Trent handicappers. Jones Sr., Stonemont layout has been In actuality, Stonemont may be the around almost 45 years and has been friendlier course of the two to less expe- considered among the rienced players, lacking the hazards and Lakemont’s scenic, demanding par-4 third hole forced carries that are more prevalent on Lakemont. Scott Eibling, Stone Mountain’s several on Stonemont, most notably the from the tips and barely over 6,000 from Director of Golf, says about 55 percent par-3 16th. the whites, playing to a par of 71. of those who play at the 36-hole facility The first six holes on Lakemont wrap Stonemont, a par 70, is 6,863 yards from choose Lakemont, with that number around the lake, with the back nine fea- the back tees, 6,479 from the blues and largely a result of the preference of visi- turing some dramatically rolling terrain, 6,129 from the whites. The red tees are a tors to the park. along with a short but treacherous par 4 stout 5,460, with one of a number of rel- Both courses offer wonderful visuals with a quarry pond separating fairway atively lengthy par 4s playing as a par 5 along the way, with the mountain in and green. for those teeing it up from the reds. Stonemont's par-5 third hole clear view from a number of holes early Lakemont is significantly shorter than on the Lakemont from nine, along with Stonemont, measuring just 6,444 yards [ See Stone Mountain, page 6 ]
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2 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 3 Instruction Fore You
3021 Kalah Place, Marietta, GA 30067 770-933-04GA / 770-953-6638 fax golfforegeorgia.com / [email protected] Send all press releases to: [email protected] Trusted Tips for Working with Juniors PUBLISHER Golf Media, Inc. / John Barrett EDITOR Mike Blum By Cody Barden end up being a distraction and jeopardizing Help them learn how to score low and to WEBSITE/ FACEBOOK/ SOCIAL MEDIA PGA Director of Instruction the development process. get comfortable with success. As the profes- HYPDMedia, Inc. / Ellen Marsau White Columns CC If students are passionate about the sional at Bel-Air CC, Eddie Merrins enjoyed a SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICE & CONTENT game and personally moti- close relationship with famed UCLA basket- Alli Hunt / Ellen Marsau JUNIOR/COLLEGE GOLF NEWS COORDINATOR As the summer junior golf vated, they will soon begin ball coach John Wooden. I once asked Eddie Lauren Freeman season heats up, we’re to lead the relationship. to speak to one of my PGA Tour players SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR reminded of one the most They will show steady about winning and he took a page right out Abby Bergquist important responsibilities we improvement and a growing of Coach Wooden’s book. MARKETING & ADVERTISING have as PGA professionals: to sense of ownership for their They spoke for three hours and winning National Sales: Ed Bowen/Bowen Group, promote the game to new game, taking the initiative was never mentioned. The conversation [email protected] Local & Corporate Sale: John Barrett/Rick Holt, players and guide families on scheduling lessons and was entirely focused on the process and de- [email protected] when children express an communicating progress with emphasized the outcome. With junior ART DIRECTOR Lori Montgomery interest in becoming competi- the professional. This is an golfers you don’t jump into the deep water CREATIVE SERVICES Catalina Montana tive golfers. It’s every bit as important to important milestone for the student and too soon. CONTRIBUTORS coach the parents through the develop- the parents. At our club we have a summer junior Cody Barden • Robert Matre • Steve Dinberg ment process as it is to teach the junior the tournament series to offer families opportu- • Ed C. Thompson Photography golf skills they will need to become a tal- Teaching is different than coaching. nities for kids to compete on their home GEORGIA SECTION, ented player. Teaching to create a skill set, which will ulti- course in a comfortable environment. Play it PGA OF AMERICA OFFICERS Every professional has his own formula mately enable the student to play better, Forward and encourage juniors to try short President for success and here are a few tips that were can be a challenging road with many twists. courses and learn how to make birdies and Brian Stubbs, PGA / [email protected] passed along to me from PGA legends Jack Coaching an already skilled player to pars instead of doubles and triples. Vice President Mark Mongell, PGA / [email protected] Lumpkin, Jim Flick and Eddie Merrins. achieve success at new heights can also A few years ago I had a young student Secretary be tricky. win the Future Masters. Before he traveled Brian Albertson, PGA / [email protected] Define the roles and responsibilities and Jim Flick was one of the best at coaching to play that event we had him competing Honorary President stick to them. Parents must realize they his students and making them feel good on the US Kids local tour and in the Atlanta Patrick Richardson, PGA / [email protected]
have a much bigger and more important about themselves throughout the process. Junior Golf Association. He probably won 15 CHAPTER PRESIDENTS role than we do. We’re simply being asked Helping players to avoid defining them- different tournaments before he played Central Chapter President to develop and train the junior golfer for selves by their scores is important. against the strong field at the Future Mike Baker, PGA, [email protected] maybe a few hours each week. Parents are Understanding the link between self- Masters. We taught him how to score low East Chapter President Josh Williams, PGA / [email protected] working 24/7 to produce well-rounded indi- esteem and life quality can produce some and expect success at an early age. North Chapter President viduals who become productive citizens. great results. Junior golfers need to know Good luck with your summer junior golf Jeff Fraiser, PGA / [email protected] It’s best for the parents to step out of the that golf is something they do, rather than season. I’m sure it will be a good and I trust golf learning process and give the teacher- identifying who they are as a young person. these tips will be helpful! AT- LARGE DIRECTORS student dynamic a chance to work. Golf Since golf mirrors life in many ways, we Jeff Dunovant, PGA [email protected] instructors are very easy to evaluate have an opportunity to teach life lessons for Cody Barden is the Director of Instruction Matthew Evans, PGA because our job is to help students score our students, including the value of hard at White Columns Country Club and the [email protected] lower. Results should unfold within the first work and perseverance. During the early 2008 Georgia PGA Teacher of the Year. John Godwin, PGA 30 days. lessons beware of overloading the student In addition to leading an extensive junior [email protected] Billy Jack, PGA It’s always a good idea to invite parents to – keep it very simple. Create a sense of program he coaches multiple Tour [email protected] attend the final five minutes of a lesson for a accomplishment for students by giving professionals and top Georgia Chad O’Dell, PGA recap if they’re intent on seeing what is them achievable tasks. Coach them with a amateurs. Visit www.cbgolf.net for [email protected] being taught. Unfortunately some parents sense of compassion and support and the further information. Bob Stevenson, PGA become so involved in their kids’ golf they results will soon follow. [email protected] Darin Stinson, PGA [email protected]
SENIOR DIVISION INSIDE THIS ISSUE President Steve Barfoot, PGA / [email protected] FEATURES: DEPARTMENTS:DEPARTMENTS: ASSISTANTS’ DIVISION President TKPGA PNC preview ...... 8 Tech reaches NCAA semis . . . .18 Georgia golf business: Bill Fedder, PGA / [email protected] Executive Director Mike Paull Atlanta Open preview ...... 10 NCAA Regionals wrap-up . . . . .20 Brookfield opens Fitting Studio . . . . . 27 Assistant Executive Director/ Junior Golf Director Scott Gordon Tournament Director Pat Day, PGA
Forecast Stevens takes Senior Open . . . .12 Healthy Sauers a Champions Chip shots...... 28 Operations Manager Eric Wagner Tour success ...... 22 Section Assistant Carrie Ann Byrne Spratlin wins at Chicopee Golf FORE Juniors ...... 29 FOREGeorgia is produced by Golf Media, Inc. Woods ...... 14 Todd takes Stadion Classic . . . .24 Copyright ©2013 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, Judson Collegiate returns . . . . .16 U.S. Open qualifying ...... 26 of editorial or graphic content is prohibited. TK Georgia PGA web site: www.georgiapga.com.
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GOLF NIQU GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM UE 5 that must be carried on the second shot Water is in play left of the green on the on the 11th and you should be able to par-3 10th, but it takes a big-time get off to a positive start on the back hook to find it, with bunkers along the nine. The par-5 12th begins the stretch right side of the putting surface more of of holes with significant elevation a concern. changes, with accuracy again a necessity The most serious hazard on the back off the tee, along with a quality lay-up to nine is a creek winding in front of the prevent a sharply uphill third over water green on the slightly uphill par-4 11th, off a potentially uneven lie. with short or errant tee shots resulting in The nine is relatively tame after that, a lay-up. with the downhill par-4 14th scenically The closest thing to a breather on the framed by trees, and the short par-4 incoming nine is the par-4 12th, which 17th offering one of the is downhill and on the short side, but best scoring opportunities also features a pair of trees dead in the on the course, but also one middle of the fairway in the landing area. of the most likely greens A close encounter with them alters the to three-putt because of nature of the No. 18 handicap hole on Stonemont #14 its size. the course. Stonemont is rated at Four of the last six holes are par 4s that 73.7 from the black tees, average around 390 from the whites and Stone Mountain: 72.0/128 from the blues 405 from the blues, with some mostly and 70.4/124 from the generous fairways but a variety of 2 distinct options whites. Because of its approach shots that have to deal with [ Continued from the cover ] length, the reds are a bunkers and some difficult to reach pin Lakemont #5 strong 73.5/130. positions. While Stonemont has only two holes Like Lakemont, Stonemont begins With Stone Mountain in the back- with serious hazards – excluding some with a demanding first hole, but length, ground, the par-3 16th is a hole that drainage ditches off a few of the fairways the long but hazard-free, par-3 second. trees and plenty of roll from tee to green almost demands a camera click from the – Lakemont features six holes where A long, straight tee shot on the par-4 are the concerns, not water. Ranging tee. The wonderful visual aside, the hole water is a major concern, along with sev- third is required to avoid a daunting from 425 to 450 from the back three is among the most deceptive on the eral others where trouble is well within second over a creek, with the green sur- sets of tees, it is all the hole you want course, with a wide, shallow green range from the tee. rounded by the lake on the other three and then some for an opener, with an fronted by sand extremely difficult to For those who rate the difficulty of sides. Survive the stout start, and you elevated green that can produce some hold. The thin strip of foliage between courses by how many balls they are should get a smile from your scorecard testy pitch shots adding to the challenge. the green and 17th tee, located just likely to lose, Lakemont’s number of at the end of the day. Unlike Lakemont, Stonemont’s next behind and below it, is a magnet for balls hazards and denser tree lines place it The inland fourth, which sports a two holes are not nearly as daunting, hit too low or too far. higher than Stonemont in that category. relatively narrow fairway and well- with the short par-4 second (270 to Stonemont concludes with a narrow, Lakemont is rated at 71.5/134 from bunkered green, and short, dogleg right 290) a great birdie chance if you can straightaway par 5 that rewards accuracy, the blue tees, 68.5/129 from the whites fifth, which plays back to the lake, are steer clear of the large fairway bunker as well as those who have discovered that and a friendly 68.3/121 from the for- relative par-4 breathers, before another down the left side. The downhill, dogleg the green funnels approach shots along ward tees. If you drive it in play, it offers lengthy par 3 closes out the group of left third is a mostly inviting par 5 if you its left side back to the middle. far more scoring opportunities than lakeside holes. can stay out of the trees on either side. With a relative break from the Stonemont. But if you spray it off the At 221 from the blues and 195 from Among the challenges on the hole is weather so far this year, both courses in tee or miss-hit a shot in the wrong spot, the whites, the sixth is comparable in one of several putting surfaces that does their best condition in some time, par- it can be a more penal layout than its length to the second, but with water not appear to have an abundance of ticularly the bent grass greens, although sister course, which is generally consid- short and left and trees uncomfortably slope, but will produce some putts with the sizeable number of Canadian geese ered the stronger of the two. close on the right, there isn’t much room significant break. The greens on that have settled on the property have The first six holes on Lakemont fea- to miss. The hole was formerly a short, Stonemont are more challenging than given the maintenance staff a different ture some of the most splendid sights quirky par 4, but was converted into a those on Lakemont, which are mostly on set of challenges. you’ll encounter on a golf course, with par 3 due to the tiny amount of available the gentle side. Even with the entrance fee to the four of the six playing over or around landing area between the lake and trees. Considering the tee-to-green demands park, greens fees remain very affordable, the lake, with some great views of the Following another narrow but other- of Stonemont’s layout, the subtle but with a special $25 walking fee for mountain on the other side. wise stress-free par 4 and an inviting serious test found on the greens makes Stonemont generating some interest on However, that stretch of holes also downhill par 3 of minimal distance, the Jones’ nicely-crafted design a truly the compact layout with only two holes includes some of the toughest among nine closes with a par 5 that requires worthwhile all-around challenge that featuring uphill treks of note. the 36. The par-5 opener begins with a considerable accuracy on both the tee remains playable, even for the distance- And there aren’t any other courses in tee shot that has to carry a finger of the shot and lay-up before an uphill third to challenged who tackle it. Atlanta which offer the entertainment lake. with the twisting hole turning left a large, well-guarded green. A series of solid par 4s in the 400-yard options after a round to match Stone then right as it approaches the green, Distance is a non-factor on the entire range and a tour-length par 3 follow, Mountain, which makes it a great family guarded by the lake on the left and a back nine at Lakemont, which requires a with the most interesting hole on the outing with golf a part of the day. rock outcropping and trees on the right. winding but pleasant cart ride through remainder of the nine the downhill, A solid drive and lay-up removes most the trees to reach the 10th hole that is in sharply dogleg right ninth. The hole con- of the danger, but lengthier third shots close proximity to several holes on cludes with an uphill approach off a For information, call 770-465-3278 that have to negotiate the problems on Stonemont’s front nine. likely uneven lie to an extremely wide or visit www.stonemountaingolf.com. both sides can get your round off to a Avoid the rocks and trees bordering green fronted by a by a bunker that gets rocky start before you reach the tee on the fairway at the 10th and the water plenty of play.
6 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 .-,+*)('&+%$#"+'!,--#+',$''''''''' "' #%$'."* #'*%' ,%+
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2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 7 Weinhart among Georgia PGA entrants in PNC Looking to play in 2013 PGA in his home town MGSCUTS FTEGOGAPGA GEORGIA THE OF COURTESY IMAGES By Mike Blum 2nd behind Stevens in the points stand- ings. He tied for 4th in the 2012 PNC im Weinhart has qualified qualifier. He was among the Georgia for the PGA Championship PGA contingent in the 2007 PNC in five times since 2002, but Oregon and narrowly missed the cut in one he missed during that his first start in the event. spanT still stings a bit. Greg Lee, an assistant at Chicopee Weinhart will have a chance to consid- Woods, will be playing in the PNC for erably lessen that pain if he can finish in the eighth time. He came closest to qual- the top 20 in this month’s PGA ifying for the PGA in 2004, when both Professional National Championship in he and Weinhart missed the top 20 by Oregon. two strokes. Lee, who tied for 4th in last Sunriver Resort will host the PGA year’s PNC qualifier, won the event in PNC for the third time June 23-26, with 2004 and has also won three of the Weinhart competing in both previous Georgia PGA’s four majors – the Match events at the facility. He came within a Play Championship (2007), Section Championship (‘06) and Atlanta Open (‘03). Lee qualified for the PNC both PGA PNC Tim Weinhart times it was played at Sunriver Resort. Preview He was unable to play in 2001 due to an injury, and missed the cut by two strokes few strokes of advancing to the PGA four of the nine over the age of 50, three PNC was a tie for 9th in 2002, with his in ‘07, struggling late in the second Championship in 2007, just as he did in of whom have also competed in the PGA last top finish in the event coming in round after being in excellent position New Mexico in 2003, when the PGA Senior Championship. 2011, when he tied for 16th. after 27 holes. Championship was played at Oak Hill in Brian Dixon is the lone “rookie” Stevens qualified for the 2001 PGA Koch, the Director of Instruction at Rochester, N.Y. among the group, making his first PGA Championship by tying for 21st in the Country Club of the South, has com- Weinhart was born in Rochester, PNC appearance at the age of 45, with PNC at the Sunriver Resort. (The top 25 peted in the PNC three times previously, moving with his family to Atlanta at the Shawn Koch and Bill Murchison the qualified that year). Stephen Keppler recording a top-30 finish in 2009 when age of 12, and still has a large number of only Georgia PGA qualifiers under the was the second Georgia PGA qualifier he missed by three strokes of qualifying family members there. age of 43. for the PGA that year, tying for 12th. for the PGA Championship. Koch tied “My mom was one of 10 children and Weinhart, who teaches with the Weinhart and Stevens both made the cut for 6th in last year’s PNC and has won my dad was one of six,” Weinhart said Standard Club-based Nuclear Golf in 2007 at the Sunriver Resort, tying for two of the Georgia PGA’s top four events after winning the Georgia PGA’s PNC Program, has qualified for the PGA PNC 39th and 52nd respectively. Georgia – the 2008 Match Play Championship qualifier late last year. “I have 31 first each of the last 14 years, qualifying for PGA member Clark Spratlin tied for and ‘06 Atlanta Open. cousins on my mother’s side. The PGA at the PGA Championship in 2002, ‘05, 22nd, missing a spot in the PGA Gregg Wolff and Tommy Brannen Oak Hill is definitely on my radar.” ‘06, ‘08 and ‘09. He has three finishes of Championship by just one shot. will both be making their 10th career Weinhart will be one of nine Georgia 8th or better in the PNC and contended Dixon, an instructor at Fox Creek, has starts in the PNC, with the two Georgia PGA members competing in the 2013 for a victory in 2009 in New Mexico, been a consistent performer in Georgia PGA veterans playing in the event for the PGA PNC. The top 20 finishers from a while making a run at qualifying for the PGA events over the years. The last of his first time in a while. Wolff, the head pro- field of 312 will qualify for the 2013 PGA on four other occasions. two wins in Section points events came fessional at Willow Lake in Metter, last PGA Championship, scheduled Aug. Over the last seven years, Weinhart has in the PNC qualifier in 2000, and he played in the PNC in 2005, with 8-11 at Oak Hill. won the Georgia PGA’s PNC qualifier came close to a second win in the tour- Brannen’s most recent appearance in The Georgia PGA contingent that will four times – including last year at the nament last year, tying for 2nd with 1999. Brannen, the head professional at play in Oregon is a veteran group, with Standard Club – and has captured all Stevens, two strokes behind Weinhart. Augusta CC, qualified for the PGA four of the Section’s “majors” while also Sonny Skinner has been the Section’s Championship twice, and was the last earning Player of Year honors seven most successful competitor in the PNC Georgia PGA member to make the cut, Greg Lee times, from 2002-05 and 2009-11. in recent years, placing 2nd in both 2008 tying for 38th in 1988. Wolff qualified Craig Stevens, who was the Georgia at Reynolds Plantation and in 2010 in for the PGA once. PGA’s Player of the Year for a third time Indiana. He has qualified for the PNC Brannen, who played in the Senior in 2012 at the age of 52, will be playing each of the last six years, but did not play PGA Championship in May along with in his 16th PNC. He has qualified for in 2012, competing in a Champions Skinner, has won three of the Georgia the PGA Championship three times, Tour event he was eligible for that week. PGA’s four majors during his career, with most recently in 2011, making it into the Skinner, who plays out of River Pointe Wolff claiming seven Player of the Year field the last two times it was played at in Albany, was the Georgia PGA’s titles between 1984 and ‘91. Wolff is one Atlanta Athletic Club. Stevens, an Player of the Year in 2006 after a of three active Georgia PGA members to instructor at Brookstone CC, tied for long career playing on the PGA and have won all four majors, taking the 2nd in last year’s PNC and has won the Web.com Tours. Section Championship three times. Both event three times, most recently in 2010 Skinner won last year’s Georgia PGA at The Manor. Stevens’ best finish in the Championship at Sea Island GC and was [ See PGA PNC, page 15 ]
8 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 ***)('&%$#"'!!# ) #! )) ! ) ( '
2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 9 Atlanta Open title eludes some of Georgia PGA’s best Keppler, Skinner, Spratlin look for first win in event MGSCUTS FGOGAPGA GEORGIA OF COURTESY IMAGES By Mike Blum course at Georgia National. Also tying for 2nd that year was Hull, s the only 36-hole event who had two other runner-up showings among the Georgia PGA’s in the tournament along with several major championships, the other top finishes, but has since moved Yamaha Atlanta Open has out of the Section. longA been the most unpredictable of the Weinhart missed last year’s event after four events, with an annually revolving qualifying for the U.S. Open, which list of host courses adding to the unpre- begins two days after the Atlanta dictability. Open ends. The tournament has had 16 different Like Weinhart, Stevens had a number winners over the last 16 years, and several of close calls in the tournament before of the Georgia PGA Section’s top players winning at The Frog in 2011 with a have been unable to add an Atlanta 13-under 131 total. Stevens had four Open title to their resumes. top-5 finishes between 1995 and 2004, Over the last 30 years, only three but did not seriously contend again in players have won the tournament twice, the tournament until his outstanding with all three winning for the first time performance two years ago. as amateurs. Of the three, only Jon Skinner was 4th, 4th and 2nd in the Hough is a Georgia PGA member, with Atlanta Open between 2006 and ‘08, Hough winning back-to-back in 1987 finishing just one shot behind and ‘88. Peterson in ‘08, but hasn’t cracked the Stephen Keppler Sonny Skinner top 10 since. Peterson, an infrequent tournament competitor the past few ATLANTA OPEN years, also has been out of the top 10 in Preview hosted the event and the first 4th, one shot behind the playoff trio who the tournament since his victory at time since 1999 it has been the finished with 6-under 138 totals. Former Newnan CC. Hough, Kevin Blanton (1994, 2001) site of a top Georgia PGA tournament. champions Stevens and Royak tied for Winston Trively has a pair of runner- and Matt Russell (1996, 1997) won for The Polo Classic was among the top 7th at 140 along with host pro Rodger up finishes in the Atlanta Open, losing a the first time as college golfers and the Georgia PGA events from 1995-99, and Hogan, Gary Miller and amateur playoff to Reeves at Golf Club of second as mini-tour players, with most of the Section’s veteran members Chris Waters. Georgia in ‘05 and ending up one Blanton and Russell since regaining their either won or contended during the five During his long and successful career behind Stevens two years ago after amateur status and Hough joining the years Polo G&CC hosted it. in the Georgia PGA, Keppler has won shooting 10-under for 36 holes. Spratlin PGA after enjoying a successful run on Although the Atlanta Open has had a the Georgia Open and Match Play was 3rd that year at 135, his best career the Nike (now Web.com) Tour. succession of different winners – Championship twice each and the showing in the tournament. A number of the most prominent including amateurs Dave Womack Section Championship four times, but The scores were relatively low during Georgia PGA members have won the (2010) and Bob Royak (2007) – a lot of has come up short in the Atlanta Open the five years the Polo Classic was played Atlanta Open during that 16-year span, the same names have frequently been despite several opportunities to win. in the 1990s, with the absence of serious including Craig Stevens (2011), Tim among the tournament contenders. Last year was the closest he’s come length offering plenty of birdie chances. Weinhart (2009), Matt Peterson McCain, who has battled a back injury since the mid-1990s, when he placed Polo G&CC measures just 6,700 yards, (2008), Shawn Koch (2006), Chan in recent years, tied for 4th in the Atlanta 2nd in 1994 and 4th in ‘96. He had a with three of the par 5s in the 510-525 Reeves (2005), Greg Lee (2003), Open in both 2007 and ‘10, with his string of finishes between 5th and 11th range and only a handful of par 4s Phil Taylor (2002) and James playoff win last year his first in the from 1998-2011 before his near miss at over 400. Mason (2000). Section since taking back-to-back tour- Chattahoochee. While it is on the short side by But among the top Georgia PGA naments at Griffin CC and Chicopee Potts has come close twice in recent modern standards, the excellent Joe Lee members still looking for their first vic- Woods in ‘09. years, taking 3rd in 2009 behind design is not defenseless, with predomi- tory in the tournament are Stephen Last year’s tournament was one of the Weinhart, who made repeated challenges nantly narrow fairways and plenty of Keppler, Sonny Skinner, Clark most closely contested in Atlanta Open for victory in the event before finally trouble, although many of the hazards Spratlin, David Potts and Bill history, with three players finishing just breaking through at Canongate’s Heron are more a factor for member play rather Murchison. one shot out of the playoff and five Bay course. than for the state’s top club professionals Seth McCain, an assistant at Jennings others two back. McCain won the Weinhart lost playoffs to Mason in and amateurs. Mill, won last year’s Atlanta Open at playoff with a pair of pars on 2000 and Taylor in ‘02, and came close a Among the most vulnerable holes are Chattahoochee GC, taking a playoff Chattahoochee’s 18th hole, with Mason few other times before scoring a rare the quartet of par 5s, which average over Mason, a veteran member of taking bogey on the first playoff hole and decisive win in the tournament. He won barely over 520 yards and are all reach- the Champions Tour, and Danny Nungesser on the second. It was Mason’s by three strokes with an 8-under 136 able in two. Accuracy off the tee is key on Nungesser, a newcomer to the Georgia first appearance in the tournament in total, the largest margin of victory since several of them, with the tree-lined PGA Section. over a decade, with Nungesser 1998. Weinhart nearly defended his title downhill eighth particularly narrow and The 2013 Yamaha Atlanta Open will making his first ever start in a Section the next year, losing by a stroke to trouble in play off the tee on both the be played June 10-11 at Polo G&CC in points event. Womack, a former USGA Mid-Amateur Cumming, the first time the club has Keppler, Potts and Jeff Hull tied for champion who was playing on his home [ See Atlanta Open, page 15 ]
10 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013
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So hit the road, then hit the greens.
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2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 11 Final hole birdie lifts Stevens to Senior Open win Elkins falls 1 shot short after final round 62 HTSCUTS FGPGA OF COURTESY PHOTOS By Mike Blum he’s won in Section points missed the green with his second shot events, three of them coming into some thick foliage. laying in the final since 2010. Stevens, an instructor at Brookstone round of last month’s Even in his early 50s, Stevens CC, used his deft short game to birdie Yamaha Georgia still has the ability to shoot low the two par 5s on the opening nine, Senior Open at numbers, as he did in the 2011 along with a sizeable birdie putt on ChattahoocheeP GC, Craig Yamaha Atlanta Open at The the par-3 third for an outgoing 33. Stevens took what appeared to Frog (13-under 131 for 36 He was one back of Mason at the turn, be a comfortable 4-stroke lead holes), one month after win- with Keppler, the head professional over playing partner James ning by eight in the Georgia at Marietta CC, settling for eight pars Mason when he birdied the Senior Open at Newnan CC at and a bogey after some sub-par par-5 13th hole. 9-under 135. He shot 137 ball striking. But just as Stevens was put- there last year, but was 2nd by A birdie at the short par- 4 10th pulled ting some distance between a shot, as Sonny Skinner Stevens into a tie with Mason, and himself and who he thought birdied the last hole to break a Stevens followed with birdies at 11 and 13 were the other contenders, tie and win at 136. while Mason bogeyed 11 and 12. Stevens Danny Elkins was finishing off Stevens has lost Section hit it close for all three of his birdies, and a run of seven birdies in eight events to final hole heroics in had a chance to take a 2-shot lead with his holes on the front nine at the past, most notably in the fourth birdie of the day on a par 5 at the Chattahoochee GC to conclude a 2007 Griffin Classic, when 15th. But he chipped long after coming tournament-record 62 on the Jeff Hull made a hole-in-one up just short of the green on his second venerable Robert Trent Jones, on the par-3 18th at Griffin shot, and his missed birdie attempt kept Sr., layout. Georgia Senior Open champion Craig Stevens CC to edge him by a shot. his lead at one. Elkins’ 10-under par round got him into the clubhouse at 7-under 137, with Stevens 8-under with five holes to play, a par 5 among them. “When I’m putting well, I can still shoot in the 60s, Stevens failed on an excellent opportu- nity to birdie the par-5 15th, and fell and in the club pro ranks, that’s OK” —Craig Stevens into a tie with Elkins for the lead when his tee shot on the par-3 17th came up The hole location was hidden from “I did think about that on 18,” Stevens Even after getting the news that what short in a greenside bunker and he Stevens’ view from the fairway, but when said after his victory. “That’s happened he thought was a 4-stroke lead was took bogey. he got to the green, he discovered he was to me before. It’s very satisfying to finish instead just a 1-shot margin, Stevens was The tie did not last long. After an no more than 2 ½ feet from the cup. with a birdie to win a tournament.” not fazed. excellent drive on the par-4 18th, Stevens “I didn’t know I was that close,” a Stevens’ approach shot to the 18th was “I thought ‘Wow, that’s unbelievable. says he had “a perfect number with a smiling Stevens said after his round. not quite as dramatic as Hull’s final shot That was a super, super round by wedge.” Stevens works a lot on his wedge “That took a big relief off my shoulders. in Griffin six years earlier, but achieved Danny.’ But I was not really nervous. game during practice sessions and was I felt like I could make that.” the same result. I had been hitting the ball really well and prepared for the moment. Stevens holed the short birdie putt for The final round set up as a battle I had a par five ahead of me.” “I told myself, ‘You have the perfect a final round 66 and a 36-hole total of between three of the Section’s most suc- Even after the bogey at 17, Stevens was number; just hit it well’.” 8-under 136. Elkins, who shot 75 the cessful players over the past 25 years. in good position. He did. He just didn’t know how well. first day, was 2nd at 137. Stephen Stevens, Mason and Keppler combined “The worst scenario was I make par Keppler, who birdied three of his last for nine straight Player of the Year titles and we have a playoff. If he won with a four holes for a 69, took 3rd at 139 with from 1993-2001. Mason took his game 62 and I finished second, that’s OK. I Mason 4th at 141 after a disappointing to the Champions Tour in 2001, playing played well. I could have accepted that.” back nine which led to a closing 73. there almost exclusively for the next Only four players shot in the 60s the It was the second Georgia Senior decade before returning to Georgia PGA final day, with Ted Meier matching Open title in three years for Stevens. tournament play last year in the Atlanta Stevens’ 66 and Keppler’s late surge He was runner-up last year at Newnan Open, which was also played at resulting in a 69. CC, where he won by eight strokes in Chattahoochee GC. Elkins, the owner and operator of 2011 in his first appearance in the Mason, who lives in Dillard and plays Georgia Golf Center in Roswell, said he tournament. out of The Orchard, opened with a 68 to has been “putting so good lately, if I hit Stevens is not just a standout among lead Stevens, Keppler and amateur John it at all I can score.” He started fast after the Georgia PGA’s excellent contingent Foster by two. Mason, who lost in a teeing off on 10 with birdies on four of of seniors. He is also the Section’s 2012 playoff in last year’s Atlanta Open, led his first six holes, getting within six feet Player of the Year, earning that title for throughout the front nine the final day. on holes 11 and 15 and rolling in putts the third time, the first since 2001. Since He carded birdies on three of the last in the 15-to-18-foot range on 13 and 14 turning 50 in 2011, he has added four holes around a bogey on the reach- Danny Elkins is all smiles after a 62 three state senior titles to the dozen times able-in-two, par-5 eighth when he [ See Senior Open, page 27 ]
12 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013
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2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 13 Spratlin continues success at Chicopee Woods Shoots 66 to win event for second time in 3 years
By Mike Blum the three to begin the conversion of its effort wasn’t quite good enough. Eight players shot 69, including putting surfaces. The tournament uti- “I thought I might be one shot short, defending champion David Potts, an lark Spratlin likes playing in lized a shotgun start, with Spratlin or at best get into a playoff. We have instructor at CC of the South. Potts was the Chicopee Woods Players beginning on the first hole of the Mill guys in the Section who can put up low 3-under after his first 10 holes Championship no matter nine, the most inviting of the three numbers.” before closing his round with eight how many holes the tourna- nines, with its opening hole likely the As part of one of the first groups to consecutive pars. Cment consists of. most vulnerable of the 27 at the Denis turn in scores, Spratlin sat back and
Two years ago, Spratlin won the event Griffiths-designed layout. watched the other tour- GPGA by six strokes when it was a two-day, 54-hole event utilizing all 27 holes at Chicopee Woods. “I’ve played Chicopee a lot and The tournament was reduced to a one- day, 27-hole tournament last year, and Spratlin placed 3rd, one stroke out of a I’ve played it well” —Clark Spratlin playoff. With Chicopee Woods in the process Spratlin reached the short, downhill nament competitors turn of changing grasses on its greens, the par 5 in two and made birdie, and fol- in their scorecards, most of recent tournament was played over one lowed with birdies on the next two holes, them wearing expressions day and 18 holes, and Spratlin made it hitting it close on the par-3 second and that indicated they didn’t two wins in three years, firing a 6-under holing a putt in the 15-foot range in the shoot as low as they would 66 to edge out five players who shot 67. short par-4 third. have liked. Spratlin, the head professional at Pars on the last six holes on the Mill There were a number of Currahee Club in Toccoa, played a rela- nine gave Spratlin a 3-under 33, right on 67s, a handful of 68s and a tively limited schedule last year due target with his pre-tournament projec- bunch of 69s, but no more primarily to his job responsibility at the tion. From his history on the course, 66s. When the last score club. Spratlin is still busy as Currahee Spratlin had an idea of what score would was posted, Spratlin’s 66 moves forward, but with the club better be required to win, even though the had stood up – making him established than it was last year, he can tournament was 36 holes shorter than in the event’s first two-time play a more extensive Georgia PGA its first four years and nine holes less champion and earning the schedule and return to his status as a than 2012. winner’s check of $1,100. Clark Spratlin contender for Player of the Year honors. “You need to shoot two, three or four- Tying for 2nd at 67 were Over the last six years, Spratlin has fin- under every nine,” Spratlin observed. Country Club of the South ished in the top five in the Section’s “I thought I needed to get to six or Director of Instruction Shawn Koch; Champions Tour member James Mason Player of the Year standings three times, seven-under, especially having the ball Rodger Hogan, head pro at nearby and Georgia Golf Center owner placing 5th in 2007, 4th in 2009 and 3rd in hand.” Chattahoochee GC; Dunwoody CC and operator Danny Elkins, who both in 2011. His victory at Chicopee Woods Because of the wet condition of the assistant Kyle Owen; Towne Lake Hills contended in the Georgia Senior Open, has him on top of the points list early in course, the tournament was played under assistant Bill Murchison; and Cherokee also shot 69 without a bogey on the 2013 season, and continued his long lift, clean and place provisions, placing Town & CC Director of Instruction their scorecards. run of success at the Gainesville course. an emphasis on accuracy off the tee. Russ Davis. Others shooting 69 were: Whitewater Spratlin was 4th in the tournament in Spratlin said he “missed one fairway, and Koch, Hogan, Murchison and Davis Creek assistant Danny Nungesser; 2010, and was 4th and 2nd in the that was by about a foot,” which helped all carded seven birdies on their rounds, Brian Dixon of Fox Creek and the Section’s qualifier for the PGA him hit all 18 greens in regulation. but all four also made a pair of bogeys. Legacy; Crooked Oak head professional Professional National Championship He said his 66 “was about as high a Hogan, who also started on the first hole Winston Trively; St. Ives assistant Gene when it was played at Chicopee Woods number as I could have shot,” with his of the Mill nine just behind Spratlin, was Siller; and David Ward, an instructor at in 2006 and ‘09. second nine beginning in much the same 6-under for his last 13 holes, but was PGA Tour Superstore. “I’ve played Chicopee a lot and I’ve fashion as his first. He birdied the first hurt by two early bogeys. After an eagle on the short, par-4 sev- played it well,” Spratlin said after his vic- hole on the Village nine, holing his Owen ran off three straight birdies late enth on the Mill nine, Nungesser was tory, the eighth of his career in a Section longest putt of the day, a 20-footer. He in his round to get to 5-under with three 5-under after 12 holes, but bogeyed two points event. followed with a birdie on the par-5 holes to play, including a short par 4 and of his next three. Dixon had six birdies, Spratlin won the Match Play second and rolled in a 15-footer on the a par 5. But he parred all three to wind but also three bogeys, while Ward and Championship three times in a four-year long, par-3 fourth to get to 6-under after up in the five-way tie for 2nd. Siller’s rounds were both highlighted by stretch between 2001 and ‘04 and won 13 holes. Four players tied for 7th at 68, eagles on par-5 opening hole on Mill. the Griffin Classic in 2001 and ‘02, with Spratlin was hoping for one more including Chicopee Woods instructor Because the tournament consisted of the 2008 Georgia PGA Championship birdie to get to 7-under, but closed out Jeff Frasier and Chicopee Woods assis- just one round with no idea how anyone his only other Section title since other his round with five straight pars, missing tant Greg Lee. Also shooting 68 was else was doing, Spratlin says that “helped than his two wins at Chicopee. a birdie putt in the 10-to-12-foot range Brookstone CC instructor Craig me focus. It’s hard to put a number in The recent tournament at Chicopee on the par-5 ninth. He headed for the Stevens, who won the Georgia Senior your head, but I figured you needed a 65 was played over the Village and Mill clubhouse not knowing whether he won Open the week before, and Champions or 66 to win. I just kept my head down nines, with the School nine the first of outright, would be in a playoff or if his Retreat head professional John Wade. and kept moving.”
14 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 PGA PNC Bill Murchison [ Continued from page 8 ] Got the Winter Blues? players tied for 6th in the 2012 Georgia PGA PNC qualifier. GET BACK INTO Also tying for 6th was Murchison, the youngest of the Georgia PGA qualifiers THE SWING at 29. Murchison, an assistant Towne Lake Hills, was initially the first alternate OF THINGS among the Section members for the 2012 PNC, but got a spot in the field when Skinner withdrew to play a AT BRIDGEMILL! Champions Tour tournament. Murchison took advantage of his opportunity, finishing in the top 10 of last year’s PGA PNC to earn a spot in the So what are you waiting for? 2012 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island. He made it into the field the first two times as an alternate, but locked up Aided by his top-10 finish in the PNC his 2013 spot with his finish last year. He last year, Murchison made it to the finals would have been in the PNC field again of PGA Tour qualifying and has limited had he not played so well in it last status on the Web.com Tour. He has one year thanks to his finish in the victory in a Georgia PGA event – the Section’s qualifier. 2011 Berkeley Hills Championship.
Atlanta Open positions, with a proficient short game [ Continued from page 10 ] and solid iron play a more valuable asset on Lee’s thoughtful design than length off the tee. 13th and 17th, the latter the longest of The opening nine concludes with a the four at 540. long and potentially hazardous par 4, The par 3s are also on the short side, which includes perhaps the most treach- with the exception of the 15th, which erous green on the course and one of the measures 213 yards from the tips with a toughest approach shots as well. typically well-bunkered green that is a Like the front nine, the back begins staple of Lee’s many designs found in with a pair of short and inviting par 4s, Georgia and Florida. Water is in play but with a greater demand for precision on the 179-yard fifth and downhill from the tee to set up wedge approaches 172-yard 12th, but the hazards are far that can produce birdies. enough removed from most pin posi- Polo’s challenging finish begins at the tions to require a significantly off-target similarly short par-4 14th, which BridgeMill Athletic Club is located off iron shot to find them. requires accuracy on both the tee shot I-575 at Sixes Road. Th e drive is 30 Lee offers up a reasonably inviting and approach, with a large, well-pro- minutes or less from most places near or group of holes early in the round (with tected green making bogeys more likely above the northern I-285 Perimeter. one exception) before setting up an than birdies. interesting variety of finishing holes Water is very much in play on the par- 1190 BridgeMill Avenue that include some of the strongest on 4 16th, with the second shot over the Canton, GA 30114 the course. hazard to a green set up at an angle from 770.345.5500 A pair of par 4s measuring 370 and the fairway one of the most difficult the 360 allow short iron approaches on the players will encounter. first two holes, but are followed by one of It doesn’t take much a miss to just two par 4s longer than 425. The find trouble on the sharply dogleg BOOK ONLINE ANY TIME third features a well-protected green with right 17th either off the tee or for those a decent amount of slope, and Polo’s going for the green in two, but those WITH NO BOOKING FEES AT quality putting surfaces will provide who drive it long and straight will be www.bridgemillathleticclub.com some chances to hole putts, although rewarded. three-putts from long range will not be Polo closes with a par 4 similar to but uncommon. shorter than the ninth, with less trouble The configuration of a number of the around a tamer putting surface that BRIDGEMILL ATHLETIC CLUB greens can make for some challenging could produce a winning birdie putt. bunker shots depending on pin
2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 15 Judson helps create tournament to honor parents Second-year event pairs collegians, LPGA Legends
College, Legends’ participants By Mike Blum in 2012 Judson event
etting a golf tournament with a national reach off the ground is a formidable G task, especially with about four months to prepare for the inaugural event.
GPGA
Tour standout and member of The Legends played for a purse of attending graduate school to pursue an the Legends Tour, who had some $130,000 last year, with Alicia MBA with an emphasis on non-profits in been looking to bring that Dibos taking home the winner’s check of hopes of one day running a tournament. tour to Atlanta. $15,000, Dibos shot a 3-under 68 on the “I can’t think of a better way to honor Eventually, the idea of a CC of Roswell layout to edge Sherri them,” she said of her parents. “They tournament featuring both Steinhauer by one shot. Jones was 3rd at were fully supportive of charities, and my college players and the LPGA 70, with Beth Daniel 4th at 71. mom was a big advocate of the men- Legends Tour came about, Other Legends competing in the inau- toring aspect.” and the event was quickly gural event included Nancy Lopez, In a tournament with some of the Lauren Judson (left) with thrown together for its debut Hollis Stacy, Pat Bradley, Amy Alcott, LPGA’s legendary players and a group of LPGA Legend Jane Blalock last year. Jan Stephenson and Jenny Lidback, the collegiate golfers, mentoring is a large “It kind of just happened,” aunt of current PGA Tour player and component, and a pre-tournament event Judson said of how the tournament went former Georgia Tech standout Roberto will add to that this year. When that event features a unique from an idea to reality. Castro of Alpharetta. A mentoring/leadership workshop will format involving some of golf’s leg- Judson says her parents’ motto was Cannizzo says this year’s field has held at Country Club of Roswell the day endary names along with a collegiate “Go big or go home,” with the decision yet to be finalized, but most of last before the tournament begins (July 11) component, the challenge is even greater. to add the LPGA Legends to the tourna- year’s participants are expected back, from 4-6:30 p.m., and will be open to The Judson Collegiate and Legends ment an example of that idea. That with former Chick-fil-A Charity the public at no charge. Among the Pro-Am Challenge was played for the added to the complexity of organizing Championship winner and 2013 speakers will be Kathy Whitworth, one first time last year at Country Club of the event, with little time prior to the European Solheim Cup captain Liselotte of the LPGA’s most legendary members, Roswell. The event will return for a tournament to publicize it. Neumann scheduled to be among the who is also scheduled to play the next second time in July 12-15 with a similar Largely as a result, the first Judson first time participants. day in the pro-am. format but a slightly adjusted schedule Collegiate and Legends Pro-Am Ohio State’s Rachel Rohanna won the Judson grew up in the Willow Springs that will give Atlanta area golf fans an Challenge came and went mostly unno- inaugural Judson Collegiate title with a community that surrounds Country enhanced opportunity to see some of the ticed by the Atlanta golf community 54-hole total of even par 213. Troy’s Club of Roswell, and her development in LPGA’s biggest names of the 1970s, ‘80s last year, but that will change this Langley Vannoy and Nebraska’s Maddie golf was helped immeasurably by her and ‘90s in action. time around. Shields tied for 2nd at 218, with parents, who she described as “extremely The tournament was originally pro- The tournament committee has had Shields’ closing 69 the low score for the supportive. jected as a college tournament to honor the benefit of a full year to spread the tournament. “My dad only missed one tournament the memory of Jim and Beth Judson, a word about the event, with a slight Unlike a lot of her competitors, I played in and was with me all the time Roswell couple active in the Atlanta area change in the schedule making it more Lauren Judson says she “got into golf a from the first time I started. He was golf and philanthropic communities. attractive for fans to attend. little late and did not have much tourna- always there for me. After tournaments, The Judsons were returning from The 2013 tournament will be played ment experience” when she entered he’d send me an e-mail telling me the watching their daughter Lauren compete July 12-15, with the first day consisting college. She visited Southern Mississippi things I did well and the things I needed in a college tournament for Southern of a pro-am involving one LPGA and liked both the campus and school, to work on. And he always told me how Mississippi in 2010 when their plane Legend, one college player and two ama- which offered the Forensic Science pro- proud he was of me. My mom was there crashed. Lauren Judson helped start the teur participants in each group. The gram she was looking for. for emotional support.” process of creating a college tournament pro-am will be played on Friday, fol- The Southern Mississippi coach When Lauren’s initial efforts to create to honor her parents, and approached lowed by the first day of competition allowed Judson to redshirt her freshman a college tournament to honor her par- County Club of Roswell instructor Saturday, with each LPGA Legend paired season, and she has gone on to a suc- ents were confronted by some scheduling Jackie Cannizzo for some advice. with two college players. The college cessful college career, with one season of issues, she and the board consisting of Cannizzo then contacted Atlanta resi- tournament will continue the next two eligibility remaining in 2013-14. dent Rosie Jones, a long-time LPGA days, wrapping up play on Monday. Judson says she is thinking about [ See Judson Collegiate, page 21 ]
16 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 2XWKHUHWKHELJJHVWKDQGLFDSLVNHHSLQJ\RXUKHDGGRZQ
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2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 17 Tech reaches semifinals in NCAA Championship Jackets lose to champion for 3rd time in 5 years TV DINBERG STEVE
By Mike Blum shot to two feet on the first extra hole for Georgia Tech coach Bruce Heppler a birdie to clinch the victory. altered his lineup a bit to match up with or the third time in the past That put the Jackets in the semifinals Alabama, with his three best players for five years, Georgia Tech against Alabama, ranked 2nd in the the week winding up paired against qualified for match play in country behind Cal. The Tide rolled over Alabama’s top three in the first, fourth the recent NCAA Golf New Mexico 4-1 in their quarterfinal and fifth matches. ChampionshipF at Capital City Club’s match, and followed with an impressive Reeves went out first in the quarters Crabapple Course. 3-0-2 victory over Tech in the semis to against UNLV, and got off to a spectac- The Yellow Jackets advanced past the set up the title match with a surprising ular start when he aced the third hole opening round for the first time, but just Illinois team. and eagled the par-5 fourth to take a as in 2010 and 2011, the team was elim- “Overall, I think it went really posi- 2-up lead. But his opponent started inated by the eventual national tive,” Georgia Tech junior Seth Reeves of making birdies and Reeves took several champion. Duluth said of his team’s showing for the bogeys to lose 4&3. Georgia Tech lost to Alabama 3-0-2 in week. “After last year when we didn’t Hak played well in his match with an the semifinals, ending what had been make nationals, this shows that we’re one eagle and a pair of birdies, but his oppo- a successful run through the stroke of the best teams in the country.” Anders Albertson nent carded three birdies in a 4-hole play and match play portions of the Alabama, which includes three players stretch to go 3-up, and closed out the tournament. ranked in the top 10 nationally, came match 2-up with a birdie at 18. The Jackets placed 2nd in stroke play close to running the table against the approach from a fairway bunker at 17, Andrews, whose score did not count in competition, finishing six strokes behind Jackets, winning two matches decisively, losing 3&1. any of the three stroke play rounds, sur- California, which dominated college golf ending one on the 17th hole and Anders Albertson, who went from vived a shaky front nine, winning throughout the 2012-13 season before having a chance to take the other two on playing the anchor match in the quarter- 3&2 when his opponent lost the last being upset by Illinois in the semis. the 18th. finals to the first match out in the semis, three holes with two bogeys and a Illinois lost in the finals to Alabama, Schniederjans, who also turned in a birdied the 10th hole to go 1-up against double bogey. which also reached the finals in 2012 clutch performance in the 2012 NCAA Bobby Wyatt, who followed with birdies Albertson led 3-up after 10 in the before losing to Texas. Illinois took out Fall Preview at the Crabapple course to on the next two holes to take the lead. anchor match, but his opponent birdied the defending national champion lift Tech into a tie with Cal for the team Wyatt had a chance to win the match at 12, 13 and 14 to pull even before Longhorns in the quarterfinals. title, fell 4-down after seven holes against 18, but missed a short par putt. Albertson rolled in a long birdie putt at Alabama won 4-1 in the finals, Alabama’s Bobby Whitsett and lost 3&2 Also earning a half point for Tech was 15 to regain control, winning 2&1. losing just two of 15 matches in the in the anchor match. Whitsett was Bo Andrews, who led his match 2-up That left it to Schniederjans’ match to tournament. 4-under after seven holes and did not after birdies at 7 and 8, but was 4-over decide the outcome, with the Powder Match play was introduced to the make a bogey. the rest of the way without a birdie. Springs sophomore leading 2-up after his NCAA Championship in 2008, with Reeves, who turned in strong showings Things were looking promising for third birdie of the day on the 12th. Tech qualifying in both 2010 and ’11. at Crabapple in both the Preview and Georgia Tech for most of the front nine UNLV’s Kevin Penner, who tied for 2nd Each time, the Jackets were eliminated NCAA Championship, was 2-down after despite Alabama jumping out to two in the individual competition, fought back 3-2 by Augusta State, which went on to four holes against Justin Thomas, who early leads. Tech freshman Shun Yat Hak with birdies at 13 and 17 to send the match win the national title. was 3-under after five and survived a pair led his match 2-up after seven holes, to extra holes, but Schniederjans ended it Playing on one of their home courses of bogeys when Reeves bogeyed both as winning the seventh with a bogey. But he quickly when he came close to holing his in metro Atlanta, Tech got past UNLV well. A monster birdie putt on the 14th lost six of the next seven holes, taking second shot on the par-4 first hole. 3-2 in the quarters, advancing when cut Reeves’ deficit to 2-down, but he four bogeys and a double bogey, and Ollie Schniederjans hit his approach missed a birdie try after an excellent lost 4&3. [ See NCAA Championship, page 23 ]
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2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 19 Tech, Georgia qualify for NCAA Championship Albertson, McCoy key teams’ efforts in Regionals MGSB O MATRE ROB BY IMAGES By Mike Blum nationals. The Yellow Jackets were 19 shots behind No. 17 North Florida, eorgia and Georgia Tech which beat out the Nos. 6, 7 and 14 earned spots in the NCAA teams to take the title. Golf Championship at the The Bulldogs finished with a Capital City Club Crabapple 13-under 827 total for 54 holes, with GCourse in Milton with strong showings freshman Lee McCoy of Clarkesville in regional competition. tying for 4th individually at 7-under Kennesaw State and Georgia Southern 203. McCoy shot 68-67-68, with the also competed in NCAA Regional Bulldogs counting only one over par tournaments, but neither team recorded score for the tournament. a top-five finish required to make it Georgia posted scores of 280-274-273 to nationals. despite back-to-back struggles the final Georgia, which won NCAA two days by Albany’s T.J. Mitchell, the Championships in 1999 and 2005, tied team’s No. 1 player. Mitchell shot 69 the for 2nd in the Tempe (Ariz.) Regional, first day, but his scores of 76 and 77 the 17 strokes behind No. 3-ranked UCLA. final two rounds were not counted. Joey Garber The Bulldogs went into the regional shot 70-70-67–207 to Ollie Schniederjans Lee McCoy ranked 15th. tie for 13th and Nicholas Reach tied for Georgia Tech, No. 7 in the country, 20th with scores of 73-68-68–209. placed 4th in the Tallahassee Regional, Keith Mitchell matched Reach’s Also advancing from Georgia’s Duke failed to advance, one of two top- five strokes ahead of two teams that tied opening 73 and followed with scores of regional were Central Florida, Texas 10 teams that did not qualify for for the 5th and final spot to advance to 69-70 to tie for 30th at 212. A&M and host Arizona State. No. 9 nationals. Kennesaw State tied for 10th in the regional at 854, 22 stokes behind the final qualifier. Austin Vick of Evans and But Burger was the only player to shoot The Cougars were the lone Georgia Georgia women fail Jonathan Klotz of Columbus were low lower than 39 on the back, and the team to advance from the qualifier. The top for the Owls, tying for 30th at 212. to qualify for NCAA Bulldogs again failed to advance. seven teams advanced, with Georgia Klotz shot 70-71-71, while Vick fired a In her final appearance for the Bulldogs, College placing 9th, Georgia Southwestern The Georgia women’s team failed to final round 65. Jimmy Beck of Burger shot 75-77-75-75 on her home 10th, Armstrong Atlantic 14th and qualify for the NCAA Women’s Golf Columbus, the Owls’ No. 1 player, shot course to tie for 58th at 302 in the Valdosta State 18th. Championship, which was be played later 69 the first and last rounds, but turned 126-player field. Columbus State finished with an 887 last month at the UGA course in Athens. in a non-counting 76 in between and Among the teams to advance from the total in the 54-hole tournament, well Competing in one of three regional tied for 38th at 214. Duluth’s Ben West Regional was host Stanford, which behind the top two teams. Leading the qualifiers in Palo Alto, Calif., Georgia Greene contributed counting scores of placed fifth. Mariah Stackhouse, a way for the Cougars was Robert Mize of placed 10th in the field of 24 teams, with 74 and 75 for Kennesaw State in the first freshman from Jonesboro, tied for 14th Columbus, who tied for 21st at 222. Villa the top eight advancing to the NCAA two rounds. individually with scores of 75-69-73–217 Rica’s Jack Stumpfig was next for the Championship in Athens. In the Tallahassee Regional, Georgia and joined her teammates in Athens for Cougars at 223, tying for 28th. Georgia finished with a total of 891 in Tech was tied for 5th after 36 holes, but the NCAA Championship. Leesburg’s Nate Gahman, who plays for the 54-hole event, two strokes behind a moved up the final day to survive a Stackhouse was tied for 7th after three Georgia Southwestern, was the low trio of teams that tied for 6th to qualify for multi-team battle for the final two spots rounds in Athens with scores of 72-68-74, Georgian in the tournament, tying for 8th nationals. Baylor was 9th at 890, with at nationals. The Yellow Jackets shot but a final round 81 dropped her into a tie at 219. Roswell’s Bryan Fox tied for 28th for Pepperdine 11th at 892, leaving six teams 280-284-285 to finish at 15-under for 29th at 295. The entire Stanford team Georgia College at 223. within three strokes for the final three 849, 19 behind North Florida and 13 struggled the final day to finish T13. The Cougars shot 905 at nationals, fin- spots from the regional qualifier. in back of host Florida State, which Southern Cal won in a runaway with a ishing the eight shots out of eighth spot. Senior Emilie Burger of Hoschton was placed 3rd. 19-under total, 21 strokes ahead of Duke. The top eight teams advanced to match the lone Georgia player to finish higher Leading the way for Tech was Purdue placed 3rd, 40 shots behind the play competition. Mize was again low for than 60th individually, placing 7th at Woodstock’s Anders Albertson, the winners. Columbus, tying for 19th at 221 with scores 1-under 212 to earn a spot in the NCAA ACC tournament champion, who tied of 71-75-75. His 71 was the team’s best Championship field. She was the Bulldogs’ for 10th at 7-under 209 with scores of score, with a 73 by Stumpfig the first lone representative in the tournament. Columbus State earns 66-71-72. Bo Andrews shot 71-71-68 day the only other team score below 75. Burger posted scores of 68-75-69, with to tie for 14th at 210, with Powder spot in Division II finals Columbus opened with a 297, but slipped only one other Georgia golfer having a Springs’ Ollie Schniederjans tying for to scores of 303 and 305 the final round lower than 75, a 73 by Rocio Columbus State qualified for the NCAA 19th at 212 with scores of 70-71-71. two rounds. Sanchez Lobato in the second round. Division II Championship, tying for 3rd in a Duluth’s Seth Reeves had a pair of Gahman qualified for nationals as an Georgia shot 296-299-296, and was in regional qualifier in Florida. The team com- non-counting scores, but was one of individual and also tied for 19th at 221 with position for a top-8 finish the final day peted in the D2 Championship in Hershey, four Yellow Jackets to shoot 71 in the scores of 71-77-73. after four solid scores on the front nine, Pa., finishing 13th out of 20 teams. second round.
20 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 Sixth-ranked Washington and Kennerly shot 68-69-69–206 to tie Oklahoma also qualified from the for 10th in the Tempe Regional, but Judson Collegiate Tallahassee Regional. Clemson was well back in the team com- [ Continued from page 16 ] Georgia Southern placed 12th in the petition. Jaworski tied for 30th at 212 in Columbus (Ohio) Regional, finishing the same regional, but Vanderbilt also family and friends of her parents gave the well out of contention with a 915 total. was well behind the five qualifiers. OK to expand the focus of the event. Scott Wolfes of St. Simons Island and Georgia State freshman Jonathan Some of the scheduling concerns did Christian Humber of Fayetteville Grey almost qualified for nationals as an not disappear, as the event was played were low for the Eagles at 225, with individual, losing in a playoff in the last year and scheduled this year in close Wolfes’ opening 73 the team’s low Baton Rouge Regional. Grey tied for 6th proximity to the long-running North & individual score. at 218 with scores of 72-75-71–218, South Women’s Amateur in Pinehurst, Among the teams advancing from the matching the best finish of a player in N.C., as well as a direct conflict with the Columbus regional were Auburn and the regional whose team did not advance annual Georgia Women’s Open. Rosie Jones South Carolina, who tied for 2nd to nationals. Cannizzo says the Summer women’s behind 5th-ranked New Mexico. Also qualifying for individual play at amateur golf calendar is crowded, with up some support. Among South Carolina’s players was regionals were Hans Reimers and the event also having to deal with the Cannizzo stresses how challenging it is Augusta’s Dykes Harbin, who con- Eatonton’s Trey Rule of Mercer and host club’s schedule to make a comfort- “to start a new event in this market. tributed scores of 73 in the first round Augusta State’s Maverick Antcliff and able fit. There is so much going on in Atlanta. and 72 the final day. Alex Wennstrom. Antcliff tied for 19th The response to last year’s inaugural People have a lot of choices to spend Other Georgians to compete in the in the Tallahassee Regional, with tournament “was overwhelmingly posi- their time and money.” NCAA Regionals along with their teams Reimers tying for 27th in the same tive,” Cannizzo says. “It turned out For an event with “a limited budget” were Acworth’s Michael Garretson regional. much better than we anticipated. That’s and staffed by committee members “who (UAB); Alpharetta’s Franco Castro No. 1 Cal, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 why the membership is so supportive. have day jobs,” Cannizzo says running (Charlotte); Augusta’s Chase Parker UCLA and No. 5 New Mexico, all were “It would be great if we could get some the Judson Collegiate and LPGA (Kentucky); Atlanta’s Charlie Harrison regional champions, along with North spectators this year and give them an Legends Pro-Am “is a challenge. (Wake Forest); Alpharetta’s Billy Florida and Illinois, a surprise winner in audience.” “It’s much bigger in size than I had Kennerly (Clemson); and Alpharetta’s the Fayetteville (Ark.) Regional over To that aim, Cannizzo and others imagined, but there are so many unique Zack Jaworski and Duluth’s Jordan host Arkansas, No. 4 Texas and involved with the tournament have done parts to the event. Everybody says it takes Janico, both of Vanderbilt. Oklahoma State. their best to spread the word, manning a three-to-five years to get established, and booth at a recent Braves game to drum we’re in it for the long haul.”
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2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 21 Sauers playing well after major health scare Enjoying success, life on Champions Tour
By Mike Blum club, he picked up a pitching wedge and consecutive weeks in North Carolina the PGA Tour, with frequent weeks off. gave it a try. made it a profitable return to the tour for That can cut both ways, and Sauers owards the end of his PGA “I couldn’t hit it ten yards,” he said after Sauers, who has continued his excellent said he was a little antsy to get back on Tour career, Gene Sauers completing the second round of the play this season. tour after his strong showing in wasn’t especially motivated to recent Greater Gwinnett Championship, In his first three starts of 2013, Sauers Mississippi. But the Champions Tour play, and walked away from an inaugural event on the Champions finished 14th, 3rd and 17th, making a was off the next three weeks, and Sauers theT game at the relatively young age of 43. Tour. serious run at victory in the Mississippi was unable to follow up his excellent Sauers was away from the game for six Early in his career, Sauers was one of the Gulf Resort Classic and contending for 36 second round at TPC Sugarloaf with a years. When he made his return, he had a most consistently successful players on the holes at TPC Sugarloaf. Sauers followed strong finish. fresh outlook on golf and life after an PGA Tour, but motivation became a with consecutive runner-up finishes in the Sauers birdied the first hole in the final intervening health scare that almost ended problem once he reached his early 30s Legends of Golf in Savannah (with round, but that turned out to be his only his hopes of a comeback, and for a time with three young children at home in Kenny Perry) and in Houston, where he one of the day. He was even par until the had him uncomfortably close to death. Savannah. lost in a playoff to Esteban Toledo. seventh hole, when he flared his tee shot Several years after his departure from By his mid-30s, Sauers was no longer “Here I am and I’m doing good,” into the thick native grass right of the the game at the end of the 2005 season, very competitive. The combination of Sauers said after a second round 68 that fairway, which led to a triple bogey. He Sauers was diagnosed with rheumatoid playing poorly and being away from his had him only two shots out of the lead settled down after that, but was unable to arthritis and prescribed medication to family for long stretches eventually heading to the final round of the Greater make a move back up the leader board alleviate the problem. became more than he could tolerate. Gwinnett Championship. and wound up tied for 17th at even par Not only did his health fail to improve, Sauers managed a brief moment of pro- “I’m glad there was no negative effect after a final round 76. but Sauers developed a potentially fatal fessional satisfaction when he won his first from all that and I was able to get a second A native and life long Savannah resi- skin condition known as Stevens-Johnson PGA Tour event in 13 years. But that vic- chance at playing.” dent, Sauers was a college standout at Syndrome, in which the skin seems to tory only delayed Sauers’ decision to put Sauers says the level of his play is nearby Georgia Southern, turning pro at burn from the inside. his clubs up and pick up a fishing rod on approaching that from his early days the age of 21. Prior to qualifying for the Sauers was in considerable pain for a a more regular basis. on the PGA Tour, when he compiled a PGA Tour in his first attempt, Sauers won lengthy period of time, with his condition finally treated successfully after a number of skin grafts to the affected areas. “While I was in the hospital, I had a picture of my His recovery took months, and when Sauers decided to see if he could swing a swing in my mind. I’ve played a lot better golf than I did at the end on the regular tour.”—Gene Sauers
Three years after his surprise 2002 win seven-year stretch of high finishes on the the 1983 Georgia Open, and won the in Vancouver, Sauers was done with golf, season-ending money list. event again in both ‘85 and ‘86. and it took a serious health scare to revive “I’m playing some of my best golf ever.” Sauers’ first win on the PGA Tour came his interest in the game he played so well The start of Sauers’ comeback began in Boston in his third season as a pro in as a younger man. when he was in no condition to work on 1986, and he finished 42nd on the money On his 49th birthday, Sauers made his his rusty game. list. For the next six years, he placed return to the golf course at the Ford “While I was in the hospital, I had a between 31st and 38th in earnings, grad- Plantation in late August Savannah heat. picture of my swing in my mind,” he says. ually increasing his money totals every “I had been out for six years,” he Sauers believes his mental images of his year. recalled. “I shot 71 and figured if I can do swing helped correct some of the flaws But Sauers plummeted from 32 to 128 that, I’ll give it another shot.” that had crept into it, “and I’ve played a in 1993 before bouncing back with Sauers entered a handful of late-season lot better golf than I did at the end on the decent showings in ‘94 and ‘95. By ‘98, events on the Nationwide Tour and nearly regular tour.” however, Sauers was playing more of his made the cut in one of them. He turned Sauers’ recovery coincided nicely with golf on the Nike (now Web.com) Tour, in several respectable efforts in his approaching 50th birthday, and he and apart from an unexpected win in a Nationwide Tour events the next year, and received a warm greeting when he made second tier event in Vancouver in 2002, said goodbye to the PGA Tour by making his Champions Tour debut last August. successful weeks on the PGA Tour were the cut in the annual low-profile event in “Everybody said, ‘We’re so glad to see a rarity. Mississippi, where he scored an unofficial you’. That really made it worth it.” During his stay on the Nike Tour, victory 22 years earlier. Sauers is enjoying life on the Sauers collected a victory in Florence, The week of his 50th birthday, Sauers Champions Tour, which is much more S.C., in 1998, and has the chance to was eligible for his first Champions Tour relaxed than the PGA Tour and fits his become one of just a few players to win event, and carded three straight scores of laid back approach better. on all three circuits operated by the 71 in Seattle, tying for 21st. In his next “The Champions Tour is not cut- PGA Tour. start, he tied for 8th in Hawaii, the state throat,” Sauers observed. “Everybody is “I’ve won on the PGA and Nike Tours. Gene Sauers THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY . where he scored his second PGA Tour vic- nice to each other.” It would be great to win on the
ED C tory in 1989. Ties for 10th and 12th in The schedule is also less hectic than on Champions Tour.”
22 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 out of a tie for 2nd with a bogey on his for a top-8 finish, ending up T19 at 850, NCAA Championship final hole. He tied for 8th at 205 with eight shots out of the playoff for the final [ Continued from page 18 ] scores of 67-68-70. three spots. The Bulldogs improved Reeves, who tied for 2nd in the Fall slightly each day, posting scores of Clutch play has been a hallmark of Preview at 210, shot in the 60s all three 286-283-281. Schniederjans’ two seasons at Tech. When days (69-69-68) and tied for 13th at 206. Joey Garber, who was sidelined with a asked if he liked being in those kind of sit- DINBERG STEVE Albertson was in the top 10 after scores of shoulder injury for most of the Spring uations, he responded “apparently. That’s Seth Reeves (left) gets 69-67, but slipped to a 73 the final round schedule, was low for the Bulldogs, tying when I get really focused. some advice from coach and tied for 26th at 209. for 38th at 211 after scores of 70-71-70. “A bunch more than this has happened. Hak, who did not play in the Fall Three Georgia golfers – freshman Lee That’s a huge help to have a bunch of Preview, contributed scores of 69-70-71, McCoy of Clarkesville, Keith Mitchell experience in situations like that where in 13 tournaments this year – including tying for 32nd at 210. and Nicholas Reach – were T60 in the I’ve been really clutch.” their shared title with Georgia Tech in the Tech had four scores in the 60s the first 156-player field at 213. Albertson, a sophomore from Fall Preview – matched the low score of day, with Schniederjans beginning his McCoy closed with scores of 70 and 69, Woodstock, said the team was well aware the final round (275) while Tech was over round with four straight birdies after with Mitchell and Reach between 70 and of the fact that the Jackets had been elim- par for the first time in the tournament starting at the 10th. He missed a short putt 72 in each round. Albany senior T.J. inated twice previously in the first round at 282. at the 14th for a fifth straight birdie. Reeves Mitchell, the Bulldogs’ No. 1 player for of match play. Cal finished at 16-under 824 with Tech had five birdies in his round, including most of the season, struggled in his final “It’s nice to get over that hurdle,” 2nd at 830 and Alabama and Texas tying three in a row on holes 5, 6 and 7. college tournament, with none of his he said. for 3rd at 833. Illinois was the only other Albertson was low for Tech in the three scores needed. He shot 73-72 the The Jackets advanced to match play team to finish under par at 835. New second round with a 67 after running off final two days. thanks to a strong showing in three days Mexico, Texas A&M, UNLV and Arizona five birdies on his first eight holes. All five It was a mostly successful tournament of stroke play, with Tech leading by one State tied for 6th at 842, with ASU failing team members played well, with Andrews for McCoy, who was even par the first day stroke heading to the final round. to advance from the 4-way playoff for the even par until a double bogey at the 18th. after 13 holes before a tough closing Tech opened with a 6-under 274 to final three spots for match play. Reeves’ 68 was Tech’s best score the final stretch left him at 4-over for the day. He trail by four to Arizona State, which got a Max Homa of California was the indi- day, highlighted by an eagle at the fifth. birdied five of his last 11 holes in the 61 from Jon Rahm. Another 274 gave the vidual champion by three strokes at Schniederjans’ bogey at the 18th was one second round to match the team’s low Jackets the lead after 36 holes at 12-under 9-under 201, closing with scores of 65-66. of three on the hole by the Jackets, who score, and was low for the Bulldogs the 548, one ahead of Cal. Rahm was among six players tying for stayed close to Cal for most of the day. final day, closing his tournament with a The Golden Bears, who won 11 times 2nd at 204, with Schniederjans dropping Georgia was never a serious contender birdie at the 18th.
2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 23 Todd takes title in Stadion Class at UGA Ex-Bulldogs wins as final round rained out TDO LSI TUGA AT CLASSIC STADION
By Mike Blum Since turning pro in 2007, Todd has endured the highs and lows that come or the third straight year, a with the life of a tour player. After a suc- current or former member cessful college career which included a of the University of Georgia national championship in 2005 and sev- golf team won the Web.com eral individual honors, Todd was an TourF Stadion Classic at UGA. immediate success as a pro, winning on This one was a little different, both the Tar Heel and Hooters Tours however. within a few months of graduation. Brendon Todd matched the exploits Todd was twice a medalist in the four of 2011 winner Russell Henley and stages of his first attempt at PGA Tour 2012 champion Hudson Swafford, qualifying, and earned a spot on the but did not have the considerable home Nationwide Tour in his initial effort. His course advantage his predecessors rookie season in 2008 continued that enjoyed. success, as he won a tournament in Utah The UGA course was renovated by and placed 19th on the money list to Davis Love’s design group just as Todd move up to the PGA Tour in ‘09. was completing his college career with Like most PGA Tour rookies, Todd the Bulldogs in 2007. Both Henley and struggled to gain a foothold, but midway Swafford played their entire careers in through the Athens on Love’s re-designed layout, Stadion Classic at UGA ‘09 season he recorded his best finish, which featured fairly extensive changes champion Brendon Todd tying for 12th in Memphis to earn the to the putting surfaces. biggest check of his young pro career. How Todd scored his victory also did That proved to be the last time for not follow the same route taken by his lead at that stage, and wound up with his fact that it might be the final round, and quite a while that Todd would enjoy a fellow ex-Bulldogs. second Web.com win when the tourna- was one of just six players to score in the profitable payday. He did not make a cut Henley was tied for the lead after 54 ment was called before the first group 60s in damp, chilly weather on a long, the rest of the 2009 season, missing his holes in 2011 and took control the final was scheduled to tee off Sunday. soggy golf course. last 12 in a row. day to score a 2-stroke victory. Swafford “Any time you play hard and get the “My approach today was to treat it like Back on the Nationwide (now trailed by five shots heading to the final lead in a golf tournament and come out a one-day shootout, because we didn’t Web.com) Tour in 2010, he made 13 round last year, but erased that deficit with the win, you’re going to be happy know what the weather’s going to have starts and missed 13 cuts. He retained his with a course-record 62 to win by one. however it happens,” Todd said after he for us,” he said after taking the lead fol- tour status for 2011 and began the year Todd, an Atlanta resident since gradu- was declared the winner. “I was ready to lowing the third round. “I knew there as he ended the previous one, missing his ating in ‘07, won the tournament play today, but after playing in all the wouldn’t be anything bad that could first three cuts to run his string to 28. without having to hit a shot the final day. water yesterday, it didn’t really seem fea- come from leading after today. I was Todd finally ended his missed cut Heavy rains that saturated the UGA sible that we could go out and play a fair basically playing to win it today.” streak with a tie for 18th in Valdosta, course over the weekend made it round today.” Todd earned $108,000 from the purse made the cut again the next week in unplayable for the scheduled fourth Todd shared the first round lead at of $600,000 and moved from 37th to Athens and recorded a top-10 finish in round, reducing the event to 54 holes. 5-under 66 and was one back after 36 4th on the money list at $143,528. The Greenville, S.C., to cap a stretch of five Thanks to a 69 in nasty conditions in holes following a second round 70. He top 25 on the final list earn spots on the straight made cuts. He then missed the Saturday’s third round, Todd held the played the third round attuned to the PGA Tour in 2014. cut in 11 of his next 12 starts before
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24 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 closing out the season with four straight When Todd got the chance to compete Korea’s Whee Kim matched his score in 13th, but birdies at 15 and 17 gave Todd made cuts, including his second top 10 in the Byron Nelson Championship, he the afternoon. New Zealand’s Tim a lead heading to the long par-4 18th, of the year. played in it rather than a Web.com event Wilkinson, South Africa’s Brendan where both closed with bogeys. Through his travails that stretched in Greenville, S.C., and enjoyed an excel- Pappas and American Michael Putnam “That was a little disappointing,” Todd over three seasons, Todd maintained a lent week, tying for 17th to earn were next at 67. said of his three-putt bogey to finish. positive attitude and closed out 2011 in $97,150, almost as much as he earned Putnam and Scotland’s Russell Knox “But I made a couple of nice birdies the best manner possible, capturing for his victory in Athens. shared the second round lead at 135, there coming in to make that not sting as medalist honors in the finals of quali- Things did not get off to a very prom- with Todd and Wilkinson among four much.” fying to earn a return to the PGA Tour ising start for Todd in the Stadion players tied at 136. Todd birdied three of A birdie putt of some 18 feet at the in 2012. Classic, as he bogeyed two of his first his first six holes, but a double bogey at 17th proved to be the key one for Todd, Although he missed more cuts (18) four holes in the opening round. He the par-3 16th after his tee shot plugged who birdied all three par 5s the final day. than he made (11), Todd enjoyed closed the round with a bogey at the par- in a greenside bunker offset birdies at 15 It wasn’t the first time Todd was the enough productive weeks – highlighted 4 ninth, but also managed eight birdies and 17, and he settled for a 70. 54-hole leader in Athens. In his first start by a tie for 9th at Pebble Beach – to earn for a 66, including six in a 7-hole stretch Given the weather conditions of 2008 as a Nationwide Tour rookie, almost $475,000. On the PGA Tour, beginning at the 14th – his fifth hole of Saturday and the dismal forecast for Todd led the Athens Regional however, that was only good enough for the day. The only hole of the seven he Sunday, the third round was played with Foundation Classic at Jennings Mill 150th on the money list, which left him failed to birdie was the par-5 17th, the the knowledge that it would likely be the going to the final round, but shot 80 and with the bare minimum status on that easiest hole among that group. final round. dropped into a tie for 25th at 286. He tour for the 2013 season. The second of his early bogeys came at While most of the contenders dropped also struggled in the final round the next Todd got into only three of the first 19 the par-3 13th after hitting his tee shot back (the other seven players in the final year at Jennings Mill after being in con- tournaments on the PGA Tour this year in the water. But he got up-and-down for three groups shot 73 or higher), Todd tention with 18 holes to play. (making the cut in two), and probably bogey and said, “I got going after that. I and Wilkinson became the two main “It’s a little redemption because I had won’t get into many more the rest of the made everything I looked at from there competitors, with Wilkinson holding a played a bad final round in ‘08,” Todd season. But with three strong showings until the ninth, when I three-putted. two-shot advantage for most of the front said after his victory. “It was nice to come in his other four Web.com Tour starts, “That was a lot different from what nine. back here and get the win. Todd is in position to earn his PGA Tour I’ve been feeling the last few weeks.” Wilkinson, playing in the next-to-last “I wanted to see how good I could play card for next year and can afford to Todd had the lead when he completed pairing along with Todd, fell into a tie and maybe build a good lead, but I don’t skip a Web.com event or two when his round, but wound up sharing first when he bogeyed the 10th and Todd really care how I win.” the opportunity to play on the PGA place at the end of the day when birdied the par-5 12th. Wilkinson Tour arises. Argentina’s Rafael Echenique and South regained his lead with a birdie at the
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2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 25 3 Atlanta area courses host U.S. Open qualifiers Tour players Mitchell, Swift earn medalist honors
hree Atlanta area golf courses All four players shot 1-over 73, as did seven-time Georgia PGA Player of the James White hosted U.S. Open qualifiers Alpharetta amateur Reid Rathburn, the Year Tim Weinhart, veteran Web.com in mid-May, two of them first player eliminated from the playoff. Tour player Scott Dunlap, and two of local qualifiers for the men Taking medalist honors with a the state’s top amateurs – David Noll GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS andT a sectional qualifier for the women. 3-under 69 was Atlanta pro Jordan and Mark Strickland. / The men played on consecutive days Mitchell. Denny Lucas, a mini-tour Richard Swift, a mini-tour player at Marietta Country Club and Atlanta player from Williamson, and Matt living in Tucker, was medalist in National, with the top eight finishers in Mierzejewski, a member of the Georgia the qualifier at Marietta CC with a SAM MORGAN each of the two qualifiers advancing to Southern golf team from Cumming, 3-under 67. sectional qualifying in early June. The were next at 70, followed by mini-tour Tying for 2nd at 69 were 2012 top eight women at Druid Hills GC player Wade Binfield of Fayetteville Georgia Open champion Jay McLuen of earned spots in the 2013 U.S. Women’s at 71. Forsyth; mini-tour player Mitch Open, which will played at Sebonak GC Shooting 72 to qualify were recent Krywulycz, a member of Augusta State’s in suburban New York June 27-30. Georgia Tech standout James White of NCAA Championship teams in 2010 The qualifier at Atlanta National Acworth, a rookie on the Web.com Tour, and ‘11; current Auburn golfer Dominic required a second day, as a playoff for the and Mercer golfer Hans Reimers. Bozzelli; recent Auburn player Patton final two spots was halted by darkness. Among those missing the playoff by Kizzire; and amateur Joel Alexander of Sung Back, a pro from Rossville, and one shot were Georgians Kalen Jensen, Florence, Ala. Jacob Tilton, a member of the Eddie Lee, Kevin Durkin, Ben Lee, Three players tied for the final spot, LatinoAmerican Tour. Chris Johnson of Armstrong Atlantic golf team from Chase Jones, Bryn Powers, Maurice with North Alabama golf team member Brunswick advanced with a 71, with Evans, got the last two spots. Tour player Jeffries and James Beale, Reimers’ team- Michael Peter advancing in a playoff Tommy Schaff of Savannah first alter- Brent Witcher of Atlanta and Georgia mate at Mercer. over Kennesaw State golfer Jimmy Beck nate at 72. Evans mini-tour pro Chip College golfer Bryan Fox of Roswell are Others who failed to qualify included of Columbus. Both shot 70, as did UGA Deason and Georgia Tech golfer Shun the first two alternates. ex-Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz, golfer Lee McCoy of Clarkesville, who Yat Hak are first alternates from quali- did not take part in the playoff and is fiers in Florida. second alternate behind Beck. The U.S. Women’s Open qualifier at Among those missing the playoff by Druid Hills was dominated by LPGA one shot with scores of 71 were Georgia Tour players, who claimed seven of the Tech golfers Ollie Schniederjans and eight spots, with a Symetra Tour player Anders Albertson, Clemson’s Billy the other qualifier. Kennerly and Wake Forest’s Charlie Jane Park and Symetra Tour player Harrison, all Atlanta area residents. Also Macarena Silva were co-medalists at shooting 71 were pros Mark Silvers of 1-under 143, with LPGA veteran Laura Savannah and Michael Raines of Diaz 3rd at 144. Austin Ernst and Marietta. Amelia Lewis were next at 145, followed Other Georgians who failed to by Kristy McPherson, Kris Tamulis advance from the qualifier included and former Chick-fil-A Charity Georgia PGA members Bill Murchison Championship winner Jenny Rosales and Matthew Evans; 2012 U.S. Junior at 146. Amateur champion Hyeon Bo Shim of LPGA players Brooke Pancake and Duluth; PGA Tour rookie Henrik Karen Stupples earned the first two Norlander, a member of Augusta State’s alternate spots at 147 in a playoff that two recent NCAA Championship teams included five players, among them and former teammate Taylor Floyd; Newnan junior Ji Eun Baik, the quali- Georgia Tech golfers Seth Reeves fier’s low amateur. Baik was among the and Michael Hines; and multiple leaders after a 70 in the morning round, GSGA champions Lee Knox and but shot 77 in the afternoon, including a Billy Mitchell. triple bogey on the par-4 12th. Georgians advancing from local quali- Among the Georgians who failed to fiers held outside the state include: recent qualify were juniors Ashlan Ramsey, UGA golfer Bryden Macpherson in Rachel Dai and Jessica Haigwood, and Florida; current Bulldog Michael LPGA/Symetra Tour players Reilley Cromie in North Carolina; and three Rankin, Dori Carter, Jean Reynolds Georgians from a qualifier at Sawgrass and Lacey Agnew. Rankin, a member of CC in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Georgia’s 2001 national championship Sharing medalist honors at 70 were team, shot 69 in the afternoon round Georgia Southern golfer Scott Wolfes of after an 82 in the morning that included St. Simons Island, and Savannah’s Tim a 46 on her final nine, with a 10 on her O’Neal, a recent winner on the 18th hole of the day, the par-5 ninth.
26 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 Brookfield opens new Golf Performance Center
olf has made tremendous strides in recent years in the areas of club fitting and instruction with the assistanceG of technological advances in computer programs and video equipment. Clubs throughout Georgia and the U.S. have built facilities to take advan- tage of those improvements, with Roswell’s Brookfield Country Club recently unveiling a Callaway Fitting Studio touted by Director of Golf Tim Crandall as “the only one of its kind in the state.” Brookfield’s Golf Performance Center had a “soft opening” last Fall, with the facility celebrating its Grand Opening Crandall says “we are also able to fit last month. other clubs. They don’t have to be Crandall says there has been “an over- Callaway.” whelming response” from the club’s Brookfield's new, high-tech Golf Performance Center In addition to helping improve the membership, with non-members games of Brookfield’s members and also able to take advantage of all the golfers from outside the club, the new facility has to offer with scheduled Crandall, who came to Brookfield two and make sure it fits.” facility and its equipment was also made appointments. years ago, is one of only 100 Certified The teaching experience of Crandall available to members of the high school Brookfield’s recently-opened facility is SwingModel Golf Instructors. Michael and Parrott and the facility’s high-tech golf teams at Roswell and Blessed Trinity, described by Crandall as “a one-stop Parrott, Brookfield’s Director of video analysis equipment take over both of which contended for state cham- shop,” in which all aspects of fitting, Instruction, was a member of Georgia’s from there. pionships last month. instruction and video analysis are 1999 NCAA Championship team and With the open air building located available. has been at Brookfield since 2005. next to the club’s practice range, “We have a complete fitting and game The Callaway Fitting Studio at Crandall points out that “we never assessment program,” Crandall says. “We Brookfield provides Crandall and Parrott have to cancel lessons because of the For information on Brookfield’s can go through your bag from pitching with the tools to examine every aspect weather.” He believes the new Callaway Club Fitting Studio, wedge to driver so you know how far you of the golf swing, beginning with facility “has added value to the call 770-992-9230, or email Parrott at hit each club. club fitting. membership. We can fit, give “We have video analysis second to In addition to fitting golfers for equip- instruction and analyze the swing at [email protected] or Crandall at none and top-notch instructors with a ment best suited to them, Crandall says the same time.” [email protected]. lot of experience.” he and Parrott “can take your existing set Although it is a Callaway facility,
straight birdie, but had a birdie putt of hopes, but he fought back with his within reasonable proximity of Atlanta Senior Open around 18 feet “horseshoe out” at the furious finish to give himself a chance at was enough for him. [ Continued from page 12 ] par-5 sixth. Undeterred, Elkins rolled in victory. “It’s a closed shop,” he said of the tour. “a 40-foot bomb” on the seventh, “I think I was tied when I finished, but “I’ve been a club pro all my life and I to turn in 4-under. He also holed an chipped to six feet on the par-5 eighth Craig is such a quality player that I didn’t have a good situation at the club 8-footer for par on his first hole to get and closed out his day with a birdie putt expect a playoff. I did all I could.” (Brookstone). I have a good job and if things started, but bogeyed No. 1 (his of some 10 feet at the ninth. Jeff Belk took low amateur honors you want to play that tour you have to 10th) when he pulled his tee shot into a The 56-year-old Elkins has enjoyed and was 5th overall at 142 after play it full time.” hazard and had to chip out. some strong recent showings in both back-to-back scores of 71. Meier, an Stevens enjoys splitting his tourna- At 3-under after 10 holes, Elkins was senior and non-senior events, but his last instructor of Flat Creek, birdied his last ments between senior and non-senior just even par for the tournament, but win in a points event came in the 2011 three holes for a 66 and a tie for 6th at events, and has certainly remained com- closed out his round with a stretch of PGA Senior Championship. 144 with amateur Mel Mendenhall. petitive with the under-50 crowd. golf similar to that of Roberto Castro, a “I used to have plenty of skill, but I Host pro Rodger Hogan tied for 8th at “That keeps me young,” he said of his long time student of Elkins, who shot wasn’t good at grinding out a round,” he 145 with Tommy Brannen of Augusta non-senior efforts. “The yardage gap can 63 in the first round of the Players observed. “Now that I don’t have as CC and defending champion Skinner, be kind of tough, but I hit it Championship. much skill, I can grind it out.” who bounced back with a 70 after an pretty straight and I’m consistent. When Elkins hit it to five feet on the second After getting to 4-under after six opening 75. I’m putting well I can still shoot in the hole and inside a foot on both the par-3 holes, Elkins began to think about When Stevens turned 50, he gave the 60s, and in the club pro ranks, third and par-4 fourth. He holed a making a run at the lead. The bogey on Champions Tour a shot, but one year of that’s OK.” 12-footer at the fifth for his fourth his 10th hole could have ended his trying to Monday qualify for events
2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 27 Chip Shots
Keppler, Berning PGA GEORGIA GSGA PGA GEORGIA win Pro-Assistant The team of Stephen Keppler and Michael Berning of Marietta Country Club won the Georgia PGA Club Car Pro- Assistant Championship recently at their home course, taking the event in a playoff. Keppler and Berning shot 11-under 96 in the 27-hole event, played over the three nines at Marietta CC. They tied the Peachtree GC team of Donn Perno and Brian Corn, with the Marietta CC duo win- ning on the first extra hole. The winners Pro-Assistant winners Stephen took home a total of $1,200. Keppler (left), Michael Berning Cameron Hooper Tim O’Neal The Keppler-Berning duo shot 64 on the par-71 original 18, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 10th, then birdied three of the Summit Chase, shooting 71-68–139. Seven players tied for 7th at 218 O’Neal takes first last four holes on the newer Overlook nine Stevens’ 5-under total edged Danny including Dalton’s David Noll, who scored for a 4-under 32. Perno and Corn closed Elkins (68-72) and Sonny Skinner (70-70) his second Mid-Am title last year. Noll led in Colombian Open with a 30 on the Overlook nine, but a bogey by one stroke each. John Fuller was low after 36 holes with scores of 71-67, but shot Savannah’s Tim O’Neal continued his out- on the par-4 sixth on the original 18, a amateur and 4th overall at 141, with ama- 80 the final day, playing his final 12 holes in standing play on the PGA Tour’s converted par 5, proved costly to their teur Jim Kamis 5th at 142. Tying for 6th 10-over after being 1-under after six. LatinoAmerica Series, winning the title hopes. were club pros Russell Smith of Bent Tree Colombian Open last month, one week Tying for 2nd at 97 were the teams of and Wyatt Detmer of Orchard Hills. after losing in a playoff in Uruguay. Kevin Gibbs-Matthew Sanders of Oak Hall, Pictor claim O’Neal, who played a number of years on Mountain GC in Carrollton and John GSGA Senior titles what is now the Web.com Tour, was 3rd on Wade-Robert Long from Champions Final hole birdie the tour’s money list coming into its final Retreat in suburban Augusta. Chris Hall of Kennesaw and Brenda wins for Hooper event of the Spring. He had earnings of Gibbs and Sanders had seven birdies in Pictor of Marietta captured GSGA Senior almost $45,000, taking home $27,000 for an 8-hole stretch on the original 18, but Atlanta’s Cameron Hooper birdied the Match Play titles, with Hall taking the men’s his victory. bogeyed the par-4 11th in between the final hole to win the GSGA Mid-Amateur event at White Columns and Pictor the After opening with a 68, O’Neal followed seven birdies, one of two bogeys on their Championship, played recently at women’s winner at Sunset Hills in with scores of 66-68-66 for a 16-under 268 scorecard. Wade and Long were 3-over Savannah GC. Carrollton. total and a 2-stroke victory. He bogeyed after their first seven holes on the Overlook Hooper, a college teammate of Dustin Hall defeated Don Marsh of Johns Creek the opening hole the final day, but fol- nine with a double bogey on a par 5, before Johnson at Coastal Carolina and a recently 2&1 in the finals. He defeated John Davis lowed with six birdies, including three on scoring birdies on the final two holes on reinstated amateur, finished with a 5-under of Atlanta 2&1 in the first round, Ron his last five holes. that side. 208 total to edge Savannah’s Danny Hunter of Jasper 3&2 in the quarterfinals Wade and Long were even par after Nelson by one shot. Nelson, the club and Mel Mendenhall of Marietta 5&4 in 15 holes, but played the last 12 holes in champion at Savannah GC, teamed with the semis. Hall shot 141 in stroke play qual- McLuen, Lucas win 10-under, shooting 28 on the back nine of fellow Savannah GC member Jack Hall to ifying to tie Mendenhall for 2nd and was the original 18, including an eagle on the win the GSGA Four-Ball Championship seeded third in the match play field. Peach State events three weeks earlier. Marsh was seeded last in the 16-player 10th. One of the holes the duo failed to Jay McLuen of Forsyth and Denny Lucas Hooper posted scores of 68-72-68 on the field and knocked out No. 1 seed Mike birdie was the par-5 13th. of Williamson scored victories in May in par-71 Savannah GC layout, with his final Wylie of Roswell 6&4 in the first round. Wyatt Detmer and Dan Korytoski of Hopkins Golf Peach State Pro Tour events. nine including three birdies, an eagle, a Wylie shot 137 in qualifying and Marsh 147. Orchard Hills tied for 5th at 98 with teams McLuen won at the Georgia Club, with bogey and a double bogey. Hooper’s Marsh defeated Lee Dennis of Comer 2&1 headed by Keppler and Perno and two Lucas taking a one day, 36-hole tournament adventurous back nine included an eagle in the quarters and Jim Kamis of Marietta other assistants from their clubs – at Echelon GC. at the par-5 12th and birdies at 16 and 18, 6&5 in the semis. Marietta’s Eric Croux and Peachtree’s McLuen shot 65-70-67 for a 14-under 202 both short par 4s, after a double bogey at Pictor coasted to victory, repeating her Collier Smith. total at the Georgia Club, winning by four the long, par-4 15th. His winning birdie victory in the event in 2011. She closed out Tying for 8th at 99 were James Walden over recent Georgia Tech golfer Kyle Scott came on a 30-foot putt after Nelson birdied all three of her matches on the 14th hole, and Andrew Leikvoll of Savannah’s Decatur. Scott posted scores of the hole to pull into a tie. winning 6&4 in the finals against Susan Crosswinds GC and the team of Phil 69-69-68. Wade Binfield of Fayetteville was Nelson shot 73-69-67 to take 2nd at 209. Rheney of Greensboro. Pictor won by the Taylor-Mark Harrell from Ansley GC 3rd at 207 with scores of 65-73-69. McLuen He carded seven birdies in the third round, same score in the semifinals against earned $5,475 for his victory. including three on the last five holes. Barbara Brown of Carrollton, with Rheney Lucas shot 68-66–134 at Echelon, scoring Stevens captures Augusta’s Jeff Knox, who won the event needing 19 holes to win her semifinal eight birdies in his final round to finish two in 2008 and ‘09, was 3rd at 212, with Hall match against Rome’s Bonnie Grizzard. in front of Binfield (69-67) and Chip Deason Sr. Division title shooting a final round 69 to take 4th at 213. of Evans (67-69). McLuen and Brett Two weeks before winning the Yamaha Macon’s Travis Steed shot 68-70 the final Georgia Senior Open, Craig Stevens won a two days to tie for 5th at 214 with Duluth’s Georgia PGA Senior Division tournament at Greg Kennedy, a past Mid-Am champion. [ See Chip shots, page 30 ]
28 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM JUNE 2013 OTESENJNO OFTOUR GOLF JUNIOR SOUTHEASTERN OTESENJNO OFTOUR GOLF JUNIOR SOUTHEASTERN Golf FORE Juniors
3A boys (at Reunion GC, Hoschton): Columbus to the team title. Brookstone Woodward Academy won with a 298 shot 297, followed by First Presbyterian total, leading a 1-2-3 finish by teams from (313), Mt. Pisgah (317), Mt. Paran (322) Region 6. Blessed Trinity was 2nd at 302 and Aquinas (323). Parker Derby shot 73 with St. Pius 3rd at 305. Oconee County to tie for 4th for Brookstone. took 4th at 304 with Jackson County 5th Thomas Hodges of George Walton at 310. Academy was 2nd at 71, with Kyle Mueller Woodward got a 73 from Cam Andrade, of Athens Academy 3rd at 72. Scotty Jake O’Bryan Michaela Owen a 74 from John Rollins, a 75 from Sam Hoffman of Mt. Pisgah also tied for 4th Fishman and a 76 from Jake Lawson. at 73. Brooks Thomas of Ringgold was medalist 1A girls Private (at Crosswinds, Starr’s Mill, which placed 3rd at 299. 14 teams claim state at 72, winning a playoff over David Savannah): Darlington shot 171 to edge Columbia County rivals Lakeside and Mobley of North Oconee and Patrick Athens Academy by one. Brookstone, Greenbrier tied for 4th at 304. high school titles Strickland of Callaway. Colby Hipp Galloway and Landmark Christian tied Gainesville’s Jackson Bishop was 4th at The Georgia High School Association held of North Murray and Rob Padgett of for 3rd at 177. Jordan Daniel of Landmark 72, with teammate Spencer Ralston tying its golf championships last month, with Oconee County tied for 4th at 73 along Christian and Amanda Doherty of for 5th at 73. Nathan Williams shot 74 for seven boys and seven girls events staged at with Andrade. Galloway both shot 78, with Daniel earning Gainesville to tie for 8th, with the cham- courses throughout the state. Among a group tying for 7th at 74 were medalist honors in a playoff. pions not needing a 75 from Pep Brown Boys state champions were Norcross, Sebastian Darmodihardjo and Kevin Hannah Mae Deems led Darlington, and a 76 from Grant Lasseter. All six Gainesville, Marist, Woodward Academy, Wargo of Blessed Trinity, and Garrett shooting 81 to tie for 3rd with Anna Gainesville golfers placed 17th or higher. Westminster, Brookstone and Gordon Lee. Bernhardt of St. Pius. Buchanan of Athens Academy. 5A girls (at Jekyll Island – Indian Girls state champions were Lambert, 3A girls (at Chateau Elan, Chateau 1A boys Public (at Double Oaks, Mound): Eunice Yi shot 70 to earn Lakeside (Evans), Carrollton, North Oconee, course): North Oconee scored the largest Commerce): Gordon Lee shot 333 to medalist honors for Lakeside (Evans), which Vidalia, Darlington and Schley County. winning margin of any state champion, finish ahead of Lincoln County (344) and shot 225 to win the team title by four over 6A boys (at Spring Hill, Tifton): Zach posting a 245 total, 25 strokes ahead of Commerce (349), Lanier Guest was low first year north Fulton school Cambridge. Healy shot 67 to lead Norcross to a two- runner-up Woodward Academy. Banks for Gordon Lee with an 81, placing 5th, with Thomas County Central was 3rd at 233. stroke victory over Gwinnett rival County and North Murray tied for 3rd at teammate Devin Edwards tying for 6th Megal Sabol shot 77 and Elizabeth Kim Peachtree Ridge. The Blue Devils finished 272, two behind the second place finisher. at 82. 78 for Lakeside to place 7th and 8th respec- with a 294 total, with the Lions next at 296. Hannah Barger of Elbert County shot 73 John Rollins of Trion was medalist at 71, tively. Megan Carter of Ware County was Johns Creek, just across the Gwinnett/ to win the individual competition by five with Harrison Mohr of Lincoln County 2nd 2nd at 72, with Rachel Dai and Sabrina Fulton border, was 3rd at 300, followed by strokes. Crocket Floyd of North Oconee at 72 and Tyler Shamblin of Seminole Long, both of Cambridge, tying for 3rd at Roswell and Colquitt County at 302. and Jocelyn Blair of North Murray tied for County 3rd at 73. 73. Jodi Henley of Thomas County Central Healy captured medalist honors by four 2nd at 78, with Gracie Henderson of 1A girls (at Highland Walk, Royston): and Haley Austin of Ola tied for 5th at 74. strokes over five players who tied for 2nd at Blessed Trinity 4th at 79. Ansley Brock shot In the most competitive of all 14 events, 4A boys (at Dalton G&CC): Marist 71. Tying for 2nd were Zach Pritchard of 82 and McKenzie Hedrick added an 85 for Schley County shot 201 to edge out Trion dominated with a score of 279, with Peachtree Ridge, Hayden Poole of Johns North Oconee. (203), Gordon Lee (204) and Towns Richmond Academy well back in 2nd at Creek, Shea Sylvester of Centennial, Nick 2A boys (at Rocky Creek, Vidalia): County (204). Schley’s Jordan Booker was 297. Will Chandler earned medalist Budd of Etowah and Luukas Alakulppi of Westminster shot 295 to win by five over medalist at 91, followed by Stephanie honors for the War Eagles with a 66, and Valdosta. Oglethorpe County, with Lovett 3rd at Potter of Towns County and Ashley four of his teammates tied for 2nd at 71. Clay Trocchio contributed a 73 and 301 and Greater Atlanta Christian 4th at McDonald of Gordon Lee at 97. Shooting 71 for Marist were Will Duma, Patrick Haas a 74 for Norcross. 304. Westminster, Lovett and GAC are in the Jack Larkin, Sean Murphy and Joe Quirk. 6A girls (at Sunset CC, Moultrie): same region. Mitchell Yates shot 73 to tie for 8th indi- Lambert outdueled Milton 220-225, with Tripp H’Doubler shot 71 to lead Alcala among vidually, but his score did not count for the host Colquitt County 3rd at 245. Lambert’s Westminster, tying for 2nd. Patrick War Eagles. Charlie Flowers of Columbus HJGT winners Michaela Owen and Milton’s Kayla Jones Bridges tied for 7th at 73, with Wildcat also shot 71 to tie for 2nd, with Columbus shared medalist honors at 71, with teammates Hunter Bremer and Jackson The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour played 3rd in the team competition at 305. South Lambert’s Kayley Marschke and Newnan’s Heazel tying for 9th at 75. Jake O’Bryan of events last month at Canongate GC and Effingham and Paulding County tied for Ji Eun Baik tying for 3rd at 73. Oglethorpe County was medalist at 70, Bartram Trail in Evans. Among the winners 4th at 308. Milton’s Nicole Latka and Centennial’s with James Scott and Garrett Wright of was Carlos Alcala of Douglasville, who All four Richmond Academy counters Emily Kurey tied for 5th at 75. Lambert’s Lovett and Chase Cole of Dade County shot 69-70–139 to take 1st by seven strokes shot 75 or lower, led by Greyson Sigg, who Sloan Shanahan was among a group of tying for 2nd at 71. Nathan Mallonee of in the boys 15-18 division at Canongate GC. carded a 73. players tying for 7th at 76, with the team Oglethorpe County was next at 73. John Milanowski of Peachtree City shot 4A girls (at Nob North, Cohutta): not needing a 79 by Lauren Lightfritz. 2A girls (at Hawks Point, Vidalia): 69-69–138 to win the 11-14 age group by Sydney Needham shot 74 to take the indi- 5A boys (at Jekyll Island – Pine Lakes): Vidalia was the lone host team to win a seven strokes over Jake Bayer of vidual title, while also leading Carrollton All four Gainesville counters shot 74 or state title, posting a 150 total to finish Lawrenceville. Austin Fulton of Villa Rica to the team championship. The Trojans lower as the Red Elephants shot 289 to win ahead of GAC (159) and Wesleyan (162). was 3rd at 147. Michael Sheahan of shot 250, with Columbus 2nd at 263 and by nine over host Glynn Academy. Vidalia’s Katie Dalton was medalist at 71, Marietta was 2nd in the 15-18 division at host Dalton 3rd at 276. Lawson King led Gainesville with a 70, with teammate Layne Carter 3rd at 79. 146, followed by Henry Gee of Hiram at 150 Kayla Wilbourn of Cairo was the tying Emmanuel Kountakis of Lakeside Bailey Tardy of GAC was 2nd at 75. and Spencer Haigwood of Roswell at 151. only other golfer to break 80 in the (Evans) for medalist honors, with Kountakis 1A boys Private (at Savannah Ivy Shepherd of Peachtree City was the tournament, shooting a 78 to take 2nd winning in a playoff. Quarters): James Clark shot 69 to take 1st behind Needham. Also shooting 70 was Kile Williams of individually and also lead Brookstone of [ See Juniors, page 30 ]
2013 JUNE GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 29 Jonathan Fricke
Chip shots [ Continued from page 28 ]
Munson, also of Evans, tied for 4th at 137. Lucas took home the winner’s check of $2,800. The Peach State Tour plays five of its next MGSCUTS FGOGAPGA GEORGIA OF COURTESY IMAGES six events on Atlanta’s south side, including TopTToop ReasonsRReeasons toto Join the TourTToour tournaments this month at Planterra Ridge Play grlaP greatt ceay coursesourses such as EEast LakLakee GC,ast GC, TPC SugarSugarloafloaf (June 18-19) and Summer Grove (June 24-25). & SeaSea IslandI& sland GC MembershipembembM ership BBenefits PackagesP agesackenefits Fricke takes 3rd EconomicallyonomiccE onomic prpricedically ed & close toto home Mostost competitivecM omp e & professionallypretitiv proffeessionally runrun junior programpr am in GeorgiaGGgro giaeoram on eGolf Tour AJGA PBE exemptede emptx eventseempt enved ts & all 36-hole Covington’s Jonathan Fricke placed 3rd tournamentsts arearnamenourt ar JGS rankedrts edanke in a recent tournament in High Point, N.C., Barber a winner FFun,un,, lifetimeliffeetime relationship relationship building eventse tsenv The SeasonSeason on the eGolf Tour, finishing three shots on NGA Tour Expanded summer serseriesies schedule behind the winner at 11-under 205. Fricke hasas started!sttaartteed! led after an opening 64 and followed with Recent Auburn golfer Blayne Barber Graduatee divisionon fofftaduarG foror ages 19-21 So RegisterRS istego er scores of 70 and 71. won on the NGA (formerly Hooters) Tour Recent UGA golfer Adam Mitchell of last month in McCormick, S.C., at one of the Now!w!No Atlanta tied for 6th after sharing the longest-running tournaments on the tour. 36-hole lead. Mitchell shot 66-67 the first Barner won with a 9-under 207 total for 20132013 TourTToouour Schedule two days, but fell back with a final round 74. 54 holes at Savannah Lakes in a rain-short- MAR 9-10 Junior PineyPJ ineunior WoodsoWy @ GlenGoo ArvenAds CC,Cvrlen ThomasvillehomasvilleTC,en Ricky Casko of Cartersville and recent ened event. Matt Hendrix of Aiken, S.C., MAR 23-24 Country CtrounC Clublub of CCy Columbus, C,olumbus Columbusolumbus Augusta State golfer Mitch Krywulycz tied was 2nd at 209, followed at 210 by Jon APR 1-2 North GeorgiaGorNAPR eorth gia High SchoolScho GolfG Classic,Col AchastaA,lassicolf chasta GolfG olf Club,Clubb,, DDahlonega*ahlonega* APR 20-21 Oglethorpe JuniorJpglethorO unior InvitationalInIne vitaunior @ Wilmington IilmingtWtional Islandsland Con CClub,lubsland , SSavannahannahva for 14th at 209. Curran, who won an NGA Tour stop in April JUN 3-4 GA PGA JuniorJunior ChampionshipChampionship @ GolfG ClubC ataolf Cuscowilla,Club willa,willa,ousct , EatontonE ontonta Krywulycz tied for 7th in an eGolf tour- at Heritage Oaks in Brunswick. JUN 26-27 Stone MtS Mountaintain GolfGounone G Club,Ctain StoneS,lubolf MountainMt tainounone nament in Charlotte, finishing five shots Recent Georgia Tech standout James JUL 8-9 University of GersitnivUJUL Georgiaeory Geor Golf Cgia Course,ourseolf , AAthensthens behind the winner at 14-under 202. Wills White of Acworth, who has limited status A AUG 5-6 GovernorservoGUG nors TowneTToowne Club,C AcworthA,lubwne thorcw A AUGUG 17-18 Callaway GawallaC Gardensdens Resort,RRary PineP,tesordens MountainM tainounine Smith of Savannah tied for 10th at 204, on the Web.com Tour, was 4th at 212 high- SEPT 7-8 Savannah QuartersQvaSSEPT uarannah CountryCt Ctrouners Club,luby , PPoolerolero with Jay McLuen closing with a 66 to tie for lighted by a 65 in the second round. David SEPT 21-22 The GeorgiaGT Club,Ceorhe lubgia lub, StathamS thamta 14th at 205. Skinns of Suwanee tied for 7th at 215. OctcO 12-13 Chattahoocheechee GGottahohaCt Golf Cchee Course, G,ourseolf Gainesvilleainesville NOV 2-3 Coosa CountryCoC y CCtrounosa Club,lubb,, RRomeome DEC 14-15 JuniorJunior TourTToour Championship, Championship, SeaSea IslandI GC, St.Ssland t.. SimonsSimons IslandIsland Summer Series (18-Hole) JUN TBATBA JUL 11 TPC @ SugarSugarloaf,loafaff,, DuluthDuluth Juniors Katelyn Skiffen of Chatsworth was the JUL 16 Ansley GnsleAJUL Golf Cy Clublub SSolf Settindownettindo CCreek, Reek,rwn Roswellellosw [ Continued from page 29 ] girls 11-14 winner in a Hurricane Tour tour- JUL 23 East LakeLakEJUL e GolfGast olf Club,C AtlantaA,lubolf tlan ta *Boys*Booyys only eventevent nament in Sevierville, Tenn. JonErik Alford of Roswell was 2nd in boys 11-14 girls 11-14 winner at 155, with Jayla and Davis Kirk took 3rd. McRae of McDonough 2nd at 167. Courtney Lowery of Greenville placed 2nd in girls 15-18 at 156, one shot behind the Stone Mountain GC winner. Sarah Harrison of Martinez was 3rd at 159. hosts GPGA Jr. Tour At Bartram Trail, Hunter Dunagan of After taking May off, the Georgia PGA Martinez shot 71-73–144 to take 1st in boys Junior Tour returns to action this month 15-18, two ahead of Augusta’s Jason with an event at Stone Mountain GC June Murphy. Jared O’Kelley of Canton and 26-27. Harrison Stafford of Savannah tied for 4th The GPGA Junior Tour has a busy July at 147. Alex Markham of Dacula was 2nd schedule with a 36-hole tournament at the in the 11-14 age group at 154, with University of Georgia course July 8-9 and Andrew Chung of Grovetown 3rd at 157. one day Summer Series events at TPC Harrison placed 2nd in girls 15-18 at 166, Sugarloaf (July 11), Ansley Golf Club’s two behind the winner. Settindown Creek (July 16) and East Lake In a Hurricane Tour event in Bluffton, S.C., GC (July 23). ToTo sign up & getgget ththee ddetails,eetttaails, visit us onlineon Zach Zediker of Gray shot 73-70–143 to Governors Towne Club and Callaway georgiapga.comorgeorrggiapga.com win boys 15-18 by three. James Wohlers of Gardens will host Georgia PGA Junior Tour Savannah shot 69-76–145 to take 2nd in events in August. Or contaccontact SOr Scott GordonGt orcott don at 678-461-8600 or [email protected]@pgahq.com. 11-14, one behind the winner.
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