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)