Match play debate

Here is a great article about the debate over match play for college tournaments.  I personally have always been a huge fan of match play so find the article exciting.  Are you a fan of match play?  How would you like to see a Golf Channel Amateur Tour event done in match play format? 

http://www.golfweek.com/news/2011/may/28/commentary-college-golf-needs-more-match-play/

Mill Creek Classic Recap

Downpour Influences Mill Creek Classic  

Mill Creek, WA – The rough winter has showed no mercy for golfers this winter in the Pacific Northwest, as The Golf Channel Amateur Tour once again has tremendous rain during the Mill Creek Classic.  Hosted at Mill Creek Country Club, a narrow course with lots of creeks and trees, the players held together on the front nine, but the downpour rain seemed to be the toughest competitor on the course.  Ultimately the rain came out the clear winner of all flights on the back.  All players deserve a huge thank you for sticking through the horrendous weather, and especially those who were sent back out for playoffs. 

  

Championship Flight (0-3.9) – David Atkinson, of New Westminter, BC took his second victory of the season by shooting a steady round of 82 to lead the Championship Flight.  

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The players in the Palmer flight had an intense front nine, as Mike Macris, of Snohomish, WA lead the way with a 39.  But players were within strokes of Mike hoping to catch him on the back.  Philip Burton, of Anacortes, WA was one of those players, and had a 40 on the front, while Tom Grina, of Woodinville, WA was an additional shot back.  Tom included 3 birdies in his round to come in with an 81, and ultimately tied Mike Macris.  Both players went out to the First tee as the rain started to come down.  In a hurry to get off the course, Mike won the playoff on the first hole, his first victory of the season.

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan Flight once again proved to be our most exciting flight of the tournament.  Throughout the season, Mike Knox and Daniel Wiggins have been battling it out, and the Mill Creek Classic was no exception.  But Mike and David Willi both took advantage of the good weather on the front, and made the turn as co-leaders with 41’s.  Mike Lee and Jerry Browning were only 1-stroke back.  But Daniel Wiggins made up ground on the back, shooting a 40.  David and Mike Lee stayed steady on the back, finishing with 3 players tied in the lead, including Daniel, all with 84’s.  Players were sent back to Hole 1 for a sudden death playoff, while the rain came pouring down.  Daniel proved to be steady even in a downpour, winning the playoff on the first hole. 

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – With an exciting field of Sarazen players, the front nine was lead by Kathy Provazek, of Mercer Island, WA.  Kathy shot a 40, and had Peter Hunt, of Bellevue, WA only 1 shot behind her.  With the rain coming down throughout the back nine, Peter was able to make up ground on Kathy, shooting a round of 87 and taking First Place.  Jim Howie and Don Harrell both made up ground on the backside and finished tied for 2^nd.   

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – Frank Rohrschneider, of Renton, WA shot an impressive 82, to be the clear leader of the Jones Flight.  This is Frank’s second victory of the season, and proving he might be the one to be beat this season.  Glenn Niemela, of Lynnwood, WA had a notable 39 on the front to lead the way at the turn, but in the end finished in 2^nd place.  

Senior Jones (16.0-19.9) –  Ray May, of Everett, WA proved to come out strong making the turn with a 43 and a 4-shot lead.  Ray finished with a steady back nine, and shot a round of 87.  This was Ray’s first win on the Tour.  Bob Read, of Mukilteo, WA took 2^nd place with a 97, and beating Thomas Dougherty out by 1-stroke. 

Top Finishers and Payouts

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

Championship

82-David Atkinson ($50 and Trophy)

Palmer Flight

81-Mike Macris ($90 and Trophy)*

91-Tom Grina ($40)

Hogan Flight

84-Daniel Wiggins ($110 and Trophy)*

84- Mike Lee ($65)

84- David Willi ($45)

Sarazen Flight

87-Peter Hunt ($110 and Trophy)

90-Don Harrell ($65)

90-Jim Howie ($45)

Jones Flight

82-Frank Rohrschneider ($105 and Trophy)

87-Glenn Niemela ($45)

Senior Jones Flight

87-Ray May ($90 and Trophy)

97-Bob Read ($40)

Optional Skins Results:

Group 1 (Championship/Palmer) 

#5 – Tom Grina ($20)

#6 – Tom Grina ($20)

#9 – Mike Macris ($20)

#11 – Tom Grina ($20)

#16 – Mike Macris ($20)

#17 – Tyler Wilksinson ($20)

#18 – Philip Burton ($20)

Group 2 (Hogan/Sarazen) 

#7 – Mike Lee ($106)

#12 – Eric Bennett ($106)

#18 – Daniel Wiggins ($106)

Group 3 (Jones/Sr. Jones)

#1 – Jason Jenniges ($50)

#2 – Glenn Niemela ($50)

#3 – Michael Olson ($50)

#18 – Jason Jenniges ($50)

Tee Times for Mill Creek Classic

Here are the tee times for the Mill Creek Classic on Saturday May 14th.  Who do you think will be the most exciting group to watch?  Mike Knox and Daniel Wiggins have been battling all season in the Hogan flight, and with Mike coming off back-to-back victories, will Daniel or one of the other players be able to hold him from another victory?
http://bit.ly/iQQ9vZ

Refer and Win Contest!

How many many players have you referred?  There is still time left, so make sure to spread the word.


There are only 3 1/2 Weeks left to participate in our REFER AND WIN Contest! The Top 5 Tour Members that generated the most Referrals will receive ONE great prize, in addition to earning Southwest Gift Cards! Learn more at http://www.gcamtour.com/join-refer

Prizes include 3 day/2 night Golf Vacation to PGA WEST, Free Entry to the 2011 National Championships, Free Entry to any 2011 Major Tournament & much more!

Spring Kickoff Classic Recap

Spring Kickoff Classic Brought Three Repeat Champs  

DuPont, WA -  The Golf Channel Amateur Tour brought lots of rain and wind as the Spring Kickoff Classic got underway at The Home Course.  The players held through tough weather conditions and even made several birdies throughout the day and an eagle on Hole #1 by Erik Lindebak, showing that the weather wasn’t going to put a halt to their competitive spirits.  But three players managed to repeat their victories from last week.

  

Championship Flight (0-3.9) – Making his debut on the Seattle Tour, Sean Remer showed he can compete.  Playing at one of the longest yardages for the season and in the rain, Sean played steady golf throughout his round and shot a 79 to become champion.

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The players in the Palmer flight had an intense front nine, as 5 of the players were within 2 shots of the lead.  Mike Joaquin, of White Rock B.C. managed to outshine his competitors by shooting a 38 on the back to claim the title.  Mike won last week on the Portland tour at Pumpkin Ridge, showing that he is the player to beat this season.  David Wilsie of University Place, WA was able to hold on to 2^nd place with an 83, as Sean Dill of Lake Tapps, WA tried to inch his was up the leader board with a strong back nine of 39, ultimately finishing in 3^rd place.

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – Mike Knox, of Shoreline WA, took back-to-back wins on the Seattle Tour as he carded low round of the day, with a 75.  Mike played steady throughout the day, and proved he will be tough to catch this season.  Mike Hulst, of Gig Harbor WA, tried to make up some ground on the backside with an impressive 39, ultimately finishing in 2^nd place with an 80.  And once again, Daniel Wiggins finished near the top, with an 83 to finish in 3^rd place.

  

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) Sarazen flight once again had the largest number of competitors.  Leading the pack was Jim Howie, of Lake Tapps WA.  Jim shot an 81 and recorded his first victory of the season.  We look forward to many more wins from Jim this season.  Ted Calico, of Des Moines WA, played his way back into the tournament, shooting a 39 on the back and 2 shots off the leader.  Don Harrell, of Bothell WA was only 1 shot off the leader when making the turn, but ultimately finished in 3^rd place with an 84. 

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones flight was a close competition, with Frank Rohrschneider making the turn with a 42, and Michael Grant and Michael Olson were only 1 shot behind.  Michael Grant, of Snoqualmie WA, managed to play steady throughout the back nine and take home the victory with an 86.  This is Michael’s first season on tour, and we are excited to see him bring home a trophy so early on.  Michael Olson, of Covington WA managed to finish only 1 shot behind the leader and in 2^nd place.  Frank Rohrschneider ultimately finished in 3^rd place. 

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – After a victory last week, Loren Harriman of Yakima WA, once again brought another win, shooting a round of 100.  Loren is a new member to the tour, and after playing in 2 events, he remains undefeated. 

Top Finishers and Payouts

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

Championship

79-Sean Remer ($50 and Trophy)

Palmer Flight

81-Mike Joaquin ($85 and Trophy)

83-David Wilsie ($35)

Hogan Flight

75-Mike Knox ($105 and Trophy)

80- Mike Hulst ($45)

Senior Hogan Flight

79-Jeff Weiss ($95 and Trophy)*

79-Jeff Ross ($40)

Sarazen Flight

81-Jim Howie ($115 and Trophy)

83-Ted Calico ($65)

84-Don Harrell ($45)

Jones Flight

86-Michael Grant ($95 and Trophy)

87-Michael Olson ($40)

Snead Flight

100-Loren Harriman ($60 and Trophy)

Optional Skins Results:

Group 1 (Championship/Palmer) 

#3 – Joel Larson ($30)

#6 – Sean Dill ($30)

#16 – Sean Dill ($30)

#18 – Mike Joaquin ($30)

Group 2 (Hogan/Sr. Hogan/Sarazen) 

#1 – Jerry Browning ($70)

#4 – Jerry Browning ($70)

#5 – Dan Siguaw ($70)

#6 – Wayne Davis ($70)

#9 –  Paul Goff ($70)

#13 – David Pinson ($70)

Group 3 (Jones/Snead)

#5 – Frank Rohrschneider ($30)

#6 – Michael Grant ($30)

#11 – Bob Read ($30)

#12 – Loren Harriman ($30)

#15 – Hank La Luz Jr. ($30)

#18 – Michael Olson ($30)

Enter to Win a Lesson from the Golf Channel's Michael Breed

Need a golf lesson from a top teaching pro?  Here is your chance!  Enter to win a lesson from Michael Breed and trip to Florida.
http://www.golfnow.com/getfixed/?TRK=EML_GNOW_BREED_AMTR_050511

Spring Kickoff Classic Tee Times Available

Check out tee times for the Sping Kickoff Classic on Saturday May 7th at the Home Course.  It looks like we have an exciting field.
http://bit.ly/lvFoDb

Redmond Championship Recap

Seattle Tour Proves Exciting at the Redmond Championship

Redmond, WA -  The Golf Channel Amateur Tour brought an exciting and eventful day for the Redmond Championship.  Hosted by The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge, we had a great field of 45 players.  The tournament included 2 playoffs to determine champions in the Palmer and Jones flights, and Sarazen champion Vikas Manocha had not only low round of the day but a personal best of 78.

  

Championship Flight (0-3.9) – Joining us from the Phoenix Tour, David Atkinson made his debut on Saturday.  David shot an 88 to win.  We welcome David to the Seattle Tour and look forward to having him compete in more events.

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The players in the Palmer flight showed their intensity on Saturday as we had 3 players shot an 81 to go on and compete in a playoff.  Philip Burton stayed in the competition with 2 birdies during his round, while Mike Lee made his comeback on the back nine with a 39.  But both feel short to Tom Grina’s steady play throughout the day.  Tom won on the first hole in a sudden death playoff.   

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan players kept it exciting with 6 players finishing within 3 shots of the winner.  Mike Knox was able to hold his lead by shooting 80 and finished in first place.  Returning from a victory at his last event, Daniel Wiggins shot an 82 to finish in second, and proving once again that he is here to win this season.  With a four-way tie for third, Brian Wimer was able to claim the prize money by his strong finish of 38 on the back nine. 

  

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) Sarazen flight proved that they can compete at the top of the competition with the two low overall rounds of the day occurring in this flight.  Vikas Manocha shot an impressive 77, to take home the trophy.  Not only was this a personal best for Vikas, but this was the first time he broke 80.  Congratulations on an impressive round and we look forward to many more to come.  Second place went to Cindy Merritt, who shot a great round of 78.  In a tough and large field, Sandy Jeghers finished 3^rd with an 82, and Ryan Meyer finished 4^th with an 84.

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones flight also saw playoff action, with Frank Rohrscneider and Glenn Niemela tying in regulation with a round of 84.  Frank managed to quickly end the playoff by winning the first hole.

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – In his first event on tour, Loren Harriman of Yakima managed to pull off a close win by 1 shot, and finished with a round of 95.  We are excited to have Loren on tour, and look forward to more victories. 

Top Finishers and Payouts

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

Championship

88-David Atkinson ($25 and Trophy)

Palmer Flight

81-Tom Grina ($125 and Trophy)*

81-Mike Lee ($50)

81-Philip Burton

Hogan Flight

80-Mike Knox ($100 and Trophy)

82-Daniel Wiggins ($60)

83- Brian Wimer ($40)*

Sarazen Flight

77-Vikas Manocha ($135 and Trophy)

78-Cindy Merritt ($90)

82-Sandy Jeghers ($45)

84-Ryan Meyer ($30)

Jones Flight

84-Frank Rohrschneider ($115 and Trophy)*

84-Glenn Niemela ($45)

Snead Flight

95-Loren Harriman ($50 and Trophy)

Optional Skins Results:

Group 1 (Championship/Palmer) 

#4 – Philip Burton ($53)

#6 – Philip Burton ($53)

#17 – Tom Grina ($53)

Group 2 (Hogan/Sarazen) 

#1 – Paul Goff ($70)

#4 – Darrin London ($70)

#9 – Mitch Cohan ($70)

#10 – David Pinson ($70)

#15 – Mitch Cohan ($70)

#16 – Brian Wimer ($70)

Group 3 (Jones/Snead)

#3 – Glenn Niemela ($80)

#8 – Sean Brushett ($80)