Seattle Tour Championship Recap

Seattle Tour Completes the 2012 Season

Cle Elum, WA -  The Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle held the 2012 Seattle Tour Championship at Suncadia Resort, with day one being played at Prospector, and day two held at Rope Rider.  It was an eventful weekend as both courses tested players short game and provided wonderful weather, a rarity on the Seattle Tour.  Congratulations to all the winners from this weekend, and especially Mike Joaquin, who was the low player of the tournament, shooting a two-day total of 152. 

  

Championship Flight (0-3.9) – The Championship Flight was led by Brian Beach, of Missoula, MT, shooting a round of 73 on day one, that included five birdies and an eagle.  But Mohammed Abouelheiga hung just four shots back.  As players struggled in the second round Mohammed wasn't able to make up ground on Brian, who shot a total 153 to win the tournament. 

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer Flight had Mike Joaquin in the lead after day one, shooting a 78, and one-shot ahead of Ray Henry.  But Mike came ready to play the second day, and was one-under through 13 holes.  Mike shot a final round of 74, for a two-day total of 152 to become champion.  This was Mike's first win of the 2012 season.  With the rest of the flight battling for second, Brian Wimer was able to make a move on day two, and shot a 78 to tie Ray Henry for second place. 

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan Flight was a tight race on day one as Kim Shek led the way, with a 76.  She had a one-shot advantage over Jim Howie, and three-shots over Heath Reeves and Jeff Collins.  The second day tested the players, but Heath stayed consistent and managed to have three birdies and an eagle to climb up the leaderboard.  Heath was the only player in the flight to shot a round in the 70s the second day, and shot a total of 153 to become champion.  This was Heath's first win on the Tour.  Kim managed to stay steady enough to finish in second place with a 161 total.  And Dennis Lam and Paul Goff moved up the field on day two, with Dennis taking third place with a 163 total, and Paul in fourth with a total of 164.    

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – Peter Hunt led the first day for the Sarazen Flight with a round of 83, and two-shots ahead of Ted Calico, and Glenn Niemela remaining in the mix.  But Ted made his move the second day and stayed steady, shooting another round of 86.  Peter wasn't able to keep up, allowing Ted to become champion with a total of 172.  Peter was able to hold off Glenn's charge though, and took second place with a 176 total. 

  

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones Flight had Tanka Sunuwar, of Sammamish, WA, in the lead, who shot an 85 on day one and had a four-shot advantage on Michael Grant.  Day two several players were looking to move up the leaderboard, with Michael Olson shooting an impressive 82 and Thomas Dougherty shooting 87.  But their efforts weren't enough to pass Tanka, who shot a total of 174 to become champion.  Michael Olson's efforts on day two were enough to take second place, with a total of 179. 

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – The Snead Flight had Paul Nault, of Victoria, BC, leading the way on day one with a round of 89.  But defending champion, Jack Plummer remained only four-shots back.  But Paul wasn't able to be caught on the second day, as he continued to stay consistent throughout his round.  He shot a total of 175 to become champion.    

Thank you all again for a great 2012 season!  It is such an honor for me to be part of a great group of players and I appreciated all of your support throughout this year.  Congratulations to those of you who have qualified for the 2012 Nationals and Senior National Championship.  Thank you to Blackhawk Remodel for sponsoring our KP contest on both Saturday and Sunday.  And a special thanks to all the players for your generous gift! 

Top Finishers and Payouts

For full field scores and photos please visit www.gcamtour.com. 

Championship

153-Brian Beach ($160 and Trophy)

Palmer Flight

152-Mike Joaquin ($170 and Trophy)

160-Brian Wimer ($70)*

Hogan Flight

153-Heath Reeves ($290 and Trophy)

161-Kim Shek ($190)

163-Dennis Lam ($95)

164-Paul Goff ($65)

Sarazen Flight

172-Ted Calico ($170 and Trophy)

176-Peter Hunt ($70)

Jones Flight

174-Tanka Sunuwar ($250 and Trophy)

179-Michael Olson ($110)

Snead Flight

175-Paul Nault ($160 and Trophy)

2012 Player of Year Awards:

Championship Flight:  Mohammed Abouelheiga

Palmer Flight:  Alex Cogdall

Senior Palmer Flight:  Ray Henry

Hogan Flight:  Paul Goff

Senior Hogan Flight:  Mike Lee

Sarazen Flight:  Kathy Provazek

Senior Sarazen Flight:  Peter Hunt

Jones Flight:  Tanka Sunuwar

Senior Jones Flight:  Michael Grant

Snead Flight:  Jack Plummer

KP Contest Sponsored by Blackhawk Remodel:

Day One:  Jeff Collins 6'5" (Vokey Wedge)

Day Two:  Mike Joaquin  3'10" (Odyssey Putter)

IRON MAN AWARDS: 

As a special thanks for all those players who supported the Seattle Tour during 2012, those players that played in every event were awarded an Iron Man trophy.  Named after Thomas Dougherty, who was the original Iron Man on the Seattle Tour.  Your support throughout the season is truly appreciated! 

Eric Bennett

Jim Fisher

Don Harrell

William Heaney

Hank La Luz Jr.

Ryan Meyer

The Challenge Recap

Mike's Dominate The Challenge

Burlington, WA - The Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle hosted the 2012 The Challenge at Avalon Golf Links.  On the hottest day of the year so far, players were forced to battle the course, each other, and the heat.  The course proved to be a difficult track as hitting fairways were a rarity but the deciding factor for most of the winners.  And if your name was Mike, you proved to have an advantage. 

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer Flight had Jeff Ross leading the way on the front nine with a 40, with a 2-shot lead on Mike Macris and 4-shots on Dan Spinelli.  But the back nine was narrow, creating trouble for the players, and both Mike and Dan made their move.  Dan made six par's on the back and Mike kept in the hunt with a birdie on Hole 13.  Both players shot 85 to tie for first and head into a sudden death playoff.  Mike and Dan made pars on the first hole, and Mike made a great putt on the second hole for par to win the match.  This was Mike's first win of the season.   

                                                                            

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan flight was dominated by Mike Knox, of Shoreline, WA, who had a 2-shot lead at the turn over Cindy Merritt, and 3-shots on Barry Lauderbaugh and Ken Frazier.  But Barry made a push on the back, going one under par the last six holes.  However this wasn't enough to overtake Mike, who shot 37 on the back.  Mike's round of 78 was low round of the day, and earned him his second victory of the season.  Barry finished in second place with an 82. 

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The Sarazen Flight had Kathy Provazek, of Mercer Island, WA, leading the charge.  Kathy shot a 40 on the front and had a 3-shot lead over Dennis Borton.  She continued her steadiness on the back and shot an 82 to win (and proving that someone not named Mike can win).  Dennis finished in second place with a round of 86.

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – Michael Olson, of Covington, WA lead the Jones Flight and had a two-shot advantage over Gary Collins after nine.  And as Michael improved on the back nine, Gary wasn't able to make up ground.  Michael shot an 87 to become champion and take his third victory of the season. 

Top Finishers and Payouts

For full field scores and photos please visit www.gcamtour.com. 

Palmer Flight

85-Mike Macris ($60 and Trophy)*

Hogan Flight

78-Mike Knox ($125 and Trophy)

82-Barry Lauderbaugh ($55)

Sarazen Flight

82-Kathy Provazek ($85 and Trophy)

86-Dennis Borton ($35)

Jones Flight

87-Michael Olson ($100 and Trophy)

Island Invitational Recap

Demanding Course Leads to Sizeable Victories

Langley, WA - The Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle hosted the 2012 Island Invitational at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club.  With a beautiful sunny day, the course proved to be one of the premium courses of the season, and still managed to test everyone's game.  With a demanding back nine, each of the winners were able to pull further ahead of their competition, and easily become champion.     

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer Flight was a battle on the front nine, with Dusty Rhodes, of Deer Park, TX, having a one-shot lead over Philip Burton.  Both players stayed steady on the next few holes and birdies Hole 13.  But Dusty quickly rose to the challenge on the final holes, shooting a 78 to become champion and have the low round of the day.

                                                                            

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan flight was very close on the front, with three players tied at the turn.  But Cindy Merritt, of Seattle, WA made birdie on Hole 10, to take the lead.  As she grinded throughout the back, she increased her lead and shot 89 to become champion.  This was her first win for the 2012 season. 

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The Sarazen Flight was lead by Don Harrell, of Everett, WA shooting an impressive 37 on the front.  Don had a three-shot lead over Dennis Borton.  While Don struggled a bit on the back, players tried to make a move, including Ryan Meyer and Jordan Cumming.  While both of these players moved up the leaderboard, their efforts fell short.  Don shot an 81 to become champion and take home his third win of the season.  Ryan, Dennis, and Jordan all shot 88 to finish tied for 2nd place.    

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones Flight was close at the turn, with Gary Collins having a one-shot lead over Tanka Sunuwar.  But Tanka made his move on the back, going one-over par on the next five holes, and making a birdie on Hole 16.  Tanka shot an 87 to become champion.  Gary finished in 2nd place with a 93.

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – The Snead Flight had Mike Pavlick making the turn with a three-shot lead.  But Lisa Scott, of Issaquah, WA, made up ground on the back and grinded through the competition.  Lisa shot a round of 96 to become champion and take home her third win of the season. 

Top Finishers and Payouts

For full field scores and photos please visit www.gcamtour.com. 

Palmer Flight

78-Dusty Rhodes ($40 and Trophy)

Hogan Flight

89-Cindy Merritt ($80 and Trophy)

Sarazen Flight

81-Don Harrell ($100 and Trophy)

88-Ryan Meyer ($60)*

88-Jordan Cumming ($40)*

Jones Flight

87-Tanka Sunuwar ($85 and Trophy)

93-Gary Collins ($35)

Snead Flight

96-Lisa Scott ($60 and Trophy)

Trophy Lake Invitational Recap

Race to the Finish at Trophy Lake

Port Orchard, WA - The Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle returned for the 2012 Trophy Lake Invitational, hosted by Trophy Lake Golf & Casting.  With a beautiful day of sunshine, players were excited to spend the day on the course.  With play coming down to the eighteenth hole, it really was a race to the finish for the field. 

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer Flight was a battle between Alex Cogdall and Brian Wimer, as both players made the turn with a 40 on the front.  Brian tried to take an early lead, making a difficult par on Hole 10, but the two continued to match each other during the round.  Brian went into the final hole with a one-shot lead, but Alex made birdie, allowing the two to tie with rounds of 81.  During the sudden death playoff, Brian made birdie on Hole 2, to win and become champion. 

                                                                            

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The low rounds of the day can be found in the Hogan Flight, as Kim Shek and Paul Goff made the turn at an impressive one-over par.  Paul was able to take a two-shot lead after Hole 11, and pulled further ahead after Hole 15.  But Kim made back-to-back birdies on Hole 16 and 17 to get back in the competition.  After Paul lost his ball on Hole 18, Kim managed to make par on the final hole to shot 74, and win by one-shot over Paul.  This was Kim's first win on Tour. 

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The Sarazen Flight had Mark Aro leading after nine holes, with a 40 on the front side.  He had a two-shot lead over Ryan Meyer, and several other players on their heels.  But with the back nine offering some of the tougher holes on the course, players further down on the leaderboard made their move, including Kathy Provazek, who had low round on the back for the flight with a 41.  As four players came in with rounds of 86, Ryan was able to make a two-putt birdie on the eighteenth hole to inch over the field and win by one.  Kathy, Mark, Eric Bennett, and Don Harrell, all shot rounds of 86 to tie for second place. 

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones Flight was led by Michael Grant, of Snoqualmie, WA, who shot a 41 on the front.  Michael only had a one-shot lead over Gary Collins.  As the players battled on the back, Michael pulled ahead by one, birding Hole 15.  Michael shot an 83 to become champion.  Gary finished in second place with a round of 85, and Michael Olson shot an 87 to take third place. 

Top Finishers and Payouts

For full field scores and photos please visit www.gcamtour.com. 

Palmer Flight

81-Brian Wimer ($85 and Trophy)*

Hogan Flight

74-Kim Shek ($120 and Trophy)

75-Paul Goff ($50)

Sarazen Flight

85-Ryan Meyer ($105 and Trophy)

86-Kathy Provazek ($65)*

86-Don Harrell ($40)*

Jones Flight

83-Michael Grant ($105 and Trophy)

85-Gary Collins ($65)

87-Michael Olson ($40)

The Puget Sound Open

Bagpipers, Sunset, an Ace, and Long Grass

Newcastle, WA -  The Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle hosted the 2012 Puget Sound Open at The Golf Club at Newcastle.  The players were tested by blind tee-shots and long grass throughout their round at China Creek, leading to several lost balls.  This week's event included many highlights as several players earned their third win and qualified for Nationals.  But the best part of the day came on the 2nd Hole, with Mitch Cohan having a Hole-In-One from 218 yards.  Congratulations Mitch on your second ace!  But the day wasn't complete until the bagpiper came out at sunset to conclude the awards ceremony.

  

Championship Flight (0-3.9) – The Championship Flight had Mohammed Abouelheiga, of Redmond, WA, making the turn with a three-shot lead over Philip Burton.  As the length on the back tested the players, Mohammed was able to hold on to his lead.  He shot 85 to become this week's champion. 

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer Flight had Alex Cogdall shooting 40 on the front to take a two-shot lead over Ray Henry and several other players just behind.  As Alex and Ray battled on the back side, Alex was able to hold on to his lead by making a par on the eighteenth, shooting an 81 to become champion.  Ray finished in 2nd place with an 82. 

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan Flight was a tight race as Paul Goff and Jeff Collins were two-over after nine, and William Heaney only one-shot back.  But the back side proved to test players allowing for some competitors to make their move.  Both Jerry Browning and Brian Wimer went low on the back and were able to move up the leader board drastically.  Paul was able to fight off their charge, and shot 79 to become champion.  Paul's round was low of the day and with his third win on Tour, he qualified for Nationals.  Jerry finished in 2nd place with an 80, and Brian finished in 3rd place with an 81.

  

Senior Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Senior Hogan Flight had Mitch Cohan taking the lead after nine holes with a 38 on the front nine that included a beautiful ace on the 2nd Hole.  Ken Frazier was three-shots back, and made a charge on the back nine.  Both players shot rounds of 83, and edged out Mike Lee by one-shot.  Mitch and Ken went into a sudden-death playoff.  The first hole Ken had an easy par, but Mitch was able to make a great save and par the hole.  Ken was able to edge Mitch on the second hole with another par and became champion.  This was Ken's third victory of the season and earned a qualification for Nationals. 

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – Ryan Meyer led the front nine for the Sarazen Flight with Ted Calico and newcomer Dennis Borton only three-shots back.  But as scores on the back side went up, Ted was the only player in the flight to improve on the back.  He remained one-shot behind with two holes to play and managed to stay consistent on the last two holes to take the lead.  Ted shot a round of 87 to become champion, and with his third win of the season qualified for Nationals.  Ryan finished in second place with a round of 92. 

Senior Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – David Landry and Don Harrell made the turn in the lead, shooting 43's on the front.  Peter Hunt was only two-shots back and tried to make a charge on the back nine.  While Peter was able to edge inside of Don, David stayed steady on the back and shot a round of 85 to become champion.  This was David's first win on Tour.  Peter took 2nd place with a round of 89.  

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones Flight had Michael Olson leading after nine holes with a 41 on the front, but three players remained only two-shots behind.  One of those players was Glenn Niemela, of Lynnwood, WA who shot an impressive 38 on the back to move significantly up the leaderboard.  Glenn shot an 81 to become champion.  Michael finished in 2nd place with an 84.    

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – The Snead Flight was a close match as Jennifer Forsythe, of Kirkland, WA, made the turn with a one-shot lead over Jack Plummer.  The two battled on the back and headed into the sixteenth hole tied.  But Jennifer was able to pull ahead on the final holes, shooting an 87 to become champion. 

Top Finishers and Payouts

For full field scores and photos please visit www.gcamtour.com. 

Championship

86-Mohammed Abouelheiga ($85 and Trophy)

Palmer Flight

81-Alex Cogdall ($90 and Trophy)

82-Ray Henry ($35)

Hogan Flight

79-Paul Goff ($115 and Trophy)

80-Jerry Browning ($70)

81-Brian Wimer ($45)

Senior Hogan Flight

83–Ken Frazier ($100 and Trophy)*

83–Mitch Cohan ($45)

Sarazen Flight

87-Ted Calico ($90 and Trophy)

92- Ryan Meyer ($35)

Senior Sarazen Flight

85-David Landry ($100 and Trophy)

89-Peter Hunt ($45)

Jones Flight

81-Glenn Niemela ($115 and Trophy)

84-Michael Olson ($50)

Snead Flight

87-Jennifer Forsythe ($65 and Trophy)

The Competition at Kayak Point

Eighteenth Hole Decided Winners

Stanwood, WA - The Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle made its way north for The Competition at Kayak Point.  Players were challenged by the tight, sloping fairways.  But the slants on the green were the true test of the day.  With such close competition this week, many winners were determined on the eighteenth hole. 

Championship Flight (0-3.9) – The Championship Flight was led by Don Foy, of Burien, WA.  Don shot an 88 to take home his first victory of the season. 

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer Flight had Daniel Zeiler in the lead after nine hole, shooting a 39 on the front, and Mike Joaquin was two-shots back.  But Kevin Turner, of Palm Coast, FL, made a charge on the back, birding 3 of his first four holes.  Daniel had a one-shot lead going into eighteen, but Kevin made a par and was able to edge inside of Daniel by one stroke.  Kevin shot an 80 to become champion and get his first win of the season. 

                                                                            

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan Flight was the most exciting of the day, with Kim Shek, of Bellevue, WA shooting an impressive 38 on the front.  She had only a one-shot lead over Mike Knox, and several others just on their heels.  One of those players was Brian Wimer, of Lake Stevens, WA, who managed to go two-under on his next three holes, and catch Kim.  The players remained steady over their next few holes, letting it all come down to the eighteenth hole, with Kim and Brian tied in the led, and Jerry Browning only one-shot back.  Brian was able to make a sandy par, putting the pressure on Kim to make her putt.  Unfortunately Kim missed, and Brian shot a 77 to become champion.  This was Brian’s second victory in a row.  Kim finished in 2^nd place with a round of 78.  Jerry shot 79 to take 3^rd place.  And Cindy Merritt and Heath Reeves finished tied in 4^th place, with rounds of 80.   

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The Sarazen Flight was dominated this week by Don Harrell, of Everett, WA.  Don was one-over par on the front nine with a three-shot lead over Ryan Meyer.  Don continued to impress on the back, showing off his putting skills.  He shot the low round of the day, with a 75, and got his second victory of the season.  Ryan finished in 2^nd place with a score of 85. 

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones Flight was another close battle, with Tanka Sunuwar, of Sammamish, WA shooting a 42 on the front.  Tanka had a four shot lead on the field, but with a challenging back, several players tried to close the gap.  Glenn Niemela was able to make up several shots on the field, shooting 41 on the back, and Jim Fisher continued his steady round to move up the leader board. But despite the charge, Tanka was able to hold on to his lead by one stroke, shooting a 94.  This was Tanka’s first win on Tour.  Glenn and Jim finished tied for 2^nd place, shooting rounds of 95. 

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – The Snead Flight was a close race, as Carl Pridgen led the front shooting a 46.  Jack Plummer was only one-shot back, and Jennifer Forsythe was two.  With the back nine playing tough, all players came to the eighteenth hole tied.  But Carl was able to win the hole, shooting a round of 94 to become champion.  This was Carl’s first win on Tour. 

Top Finishers and Payouts

For full field scores and photos please visit www.gcamtour.com. 

Championship

88-Don Foy ($25 and Trophy)

Palmer Flight

80-Kevin Turner ($105 and Trophy)

Hogan Flight

77-Brian Wimer ($155 and Trophy)

78-Kim Shek ($100)

79-Jerry Browning ($50)

80-Cindy Merritt ($35)*

Sarazen Flight

75-Don Harrell ($105 and Trophy)

85-Ryan Meyer ($45)

Jones Flight

94-Tanka Sunuwar ($90 and Trophy)

95-Glenn Niemela ($40)*

Snead Flight

95-Carl Pridgen ($65 and Trophy)