South Seattle Classic Recap

The South Seattle Classic Proves to be Challenging  

Kent, WA – The South Seattle Classic was hosted at Druids Glen Golf Course and had a full field of competitive players.  The golf course showed that each hole was a true test for players of all skill levels, and very few players in the field managed to stay consistent for all eighteen holes.  But those players that were, found themselves well ahead of the field for the day.    

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer flight made the turn with David Wilsie having a 5-shot lead over Joel Larson and 6-shot lead over newcomer Mitchell Vitrano.  But Joel Larson, of Fircrest, WA fought throughout the back nine and was able to take home his first trophy of the season by shooting a final round of 88.  Joel won by 2-shots over David. 

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan Flight had several players neck in neck with Barry Lauderbaugh and Karl Stricker making the turn tied at 40.  Brian Wimer was only 1-shot back and looking to move on the back.  But Barry was able to stay steady and shot an 80 to become the champion.  Kevin Davis had a strong back nine to make up ground, and finished in 2^nd Place with a round of 86. 

Senior Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) –  The Senior Hogan Flight had the lowest scores of the day, with the only two players of the entire field to break 80 were in this flight.  Jerry Gregg started the front nine off with an impressive 36, making the turn in the lead.  Jerry was 2-shots ahead of Jeff Olsen.  But the back proved to be a challenge for Jerry and Jeff was able to take hold of the lead by shooting a final round 77.  Daniel Wiggins had an impressive back side to move up on the leaderboard, and finished in 2^nd Place with a round of 79. 

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The Sarazen Flight was once again the largest flight of the day.  Players were in a close race after the front nine, with Susie Berg leading the pack with a 42.  She had a 1-shot lead over Vikas Manocha and Jim Howie.  But the challenges on the back nine made the scores rise, and one player remained consistent.  Eric Bennett, of Tacoma, WA made a big comeback, and fired a round of 89 to become the champion by 1-stroke.  Susie finished in 2^nd Place and Jim finished in 3^rd Place.

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones Flight had Thomas Dougherty leading the way after nine holes with a 43.  But he had only a 1-shot lead over Jason Jenniges, and 2-shots over Michael Olson and Ray May.  As scores went up on the back nine, Michael was able to make up ground on Thomas, and both gentleman shot a final round of 91.  Going into the playoff, Michael once again showed that his patience and consistent golf throughout the day would pay off.  Michael was able to win the playoff on the first hole to become champion. 

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – The Snead Flight proved to be a heated match with 3 men battling it out.  Jack Plummer, of North Vancouver, BC, made the turn with a 1-stroke lead over Mike Pavlik and 3-strokes over Loren Harriman.  With players close behind, Jack improved his game on the back and became the champion by shooting a round of 103.  This is Jack’s second victory in a row, along with numerous other wins this season. 

Top Finishers and Payouts

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

Palmer Flight

88-Joel Larson ($90 and Trophy)

Hogan Flight

80-Barry Lauderbaugh ($110 and Trophy)

86-Kevin Davis ($45)

Senior Hogan Flight

77-Jeff Olsen ($125 and Trophy)

79-Daniel Wiggins ($50)

Sarazen Flight

89-Eric Bennett ($140 and Trophy)

90-Susie Berg ($80)

91-Jim Howie ($55)

Jones Flight

91-Michael Olson ($125 and Trophy)*

91-Thomas Dougherty ($50)

Snead Flight

88-Jack Plummer ($70 and Trophy)*

Optional Skins Results:

Group 1 (Palmer/Hogan/Sr. Hogan) 

#5 – Barry Lauderbaugh ($50)

#7 – Jerry Gregg ($50)

#12 – Mike Hulst ($50)

#14 – Mike Knox ($50)

#15 – Mike Lee ($50)

#18 – Kevin Merulli ($50)

Group 2 (Sarazen/Jones/Snead) 

#2 – Don Harrell ($70)

#6 – Eric Bennett ($70)

#7 – Jason Jenniges ($70)

#8 – David Pinson ($70)

#10 – Darrin London ($70)

#18 – Eric Bennett ($70)

The Open at Eaglemont Recap

The Open at Eaglemont Brings New Winners  

Mount Vernon, WA – The Open at Eaglemont proved to be a competition of player versus golf course.  The Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle was hosted this week at Eaglemont Golf Club.  With the golf course bringing new challenges every hole, the players who remained focused through the end, were able to bring home a victory.  This week also included two winners, who won for the first time this season, Kevin Davis and Cindy Merritt. 

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer flight battled it out on the front nine, with Tom Grina of Woodinville, WA making the turn in the lead.  But Philip Burton was only 1-shot back after nine.  Tom took the competition on the back to a new level, showing his golf skills and coming in only 1 over par on the back nine, shooting a total score of 78 for the day.  Tom ended up winning by a 10-shot lead over John Vassion who came in 2^nd Place. 

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan Flight, also had a clear winner this week.  Kevin Davis, of Edmonds, WA had a 2-shot lead making the turn over Barry Lauderbaugh and the notorious season winner Mike Knox.  But Kevin’s game today proved steady, not allowing Mike any room to make his usual comeback on the backside.  Kevin took home the trophy this week, and his first victory of the season, with a round of 79.  Mike Knox ended up finishing in 2^nd Place with an 84.  

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The only woman in the field this week, Cindy Merritt, of Seattle, WA came out ready to play.  Cindy made the turn with a 2-shot lead on the back nine over last week’s champion Jim Howie.  Cindy was able to hold on to her lead on the back, shooting a round of 82, and proved that the women can outplay the men.  This was Cindy’s first victory of the season.  Jim Howie finished in 2^nd Place with an 85.  And for a heated battle in 3^rd place, Ted Calico and Eric Bennett, finished tied with a score of 92.

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones Flight was a battle at the turn, with Jason Jenniges at 40, with a 3-shot lead of Jack Plummer.  But the back side proved to be challenging among all players, and Jack Plummer, of North Vancouver, British Columbia stead strong, ultimately shooting an 88 to come in as the winner by a large margin.  Jack has taken home many victories this season, but proved that he can play up a flight, and compete with the Jones players.  Jason ended up finishing in 2^nd Place by 1-shot over Thomas Dougherty.    

Top Finishers and Payouts

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

Palmer Flight

78-Tom Grina ($80 and Trophy)

Hogan Flight

79-Kevin Davis ($140 and Trophy)

84-Mike Knox ($60) 

Sarazen Flight

82-Cindy Merritt ($115 and Trophy)

85-Jim Howie ($65)

92-Eric Bennett ($40)*

Jones Flight

88-Jack Plummer ($115 and Trophy)

97-Jason Jenniges ($45)

Optional Skins Results:

Group 1 (Palmer/Hogan) 

#1 – Tom Grina ($25)

#4 – Barry Lauderbaugh ($25)

#6 – Brian Wimer ($25)

#9 – Tom Grina ($25)

#12 – Tom Grina ($25)

#13 – Tom Grina ($25)

#14 – Brian Wimer ($25)

#18 – John Vassion ($25)

Group 2 (Sarazen/Jones) 

#3 – Jim Howie ($87)

#6 – Cindy Merritt ($87)

#18 – Jim Howie ($87)

Oakbrook Invitational Recap

Oakbrook Invitational Brings Low Scores  

Lakewood, WA – The Oakbrook Invitational brought exciting golf, good weather, and finally a dry course for the Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle.  Hosted at Oakbrook Golf & Country Club, the course proved to be generous, as we saw numerous birdies throughout the day from players in each flight.  The competition was intense as the field averaged the lowest round for the local season.    

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The players in the Palmer flight came ready to compete on Sunday.  Play started off on fire on the front side, with Philip Burton, of Anacortes, WA making the turn at 37.  But players were on Philip’s heals, with Jon Gunnison only 1 stroke back, and Raji Bharti 2 strokes.  Philip was able to hold off the back nine charge, shooting a 77 to become the champion.  David Wilsie, of University Place, WA tried to make up ground on the back by shooting 37, but ultimately took 2^nd with a 79.  Brian Youngdahl, of Seattle, WA also had an impressive back nine and finished tied with Raji Bharti with an 80.

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – Throughout the season, the Hogan Flight has made some of the most exciting field for each tournament, and this week they once again confirmed it.  Brian Wimer, of Lake Stevens, WA shot an impressive 37 on the front nine to make the turn in the lead.  But Jerry Browning was not going to make it easy for Brian, by having back-to-back birdies on Hole 8 and 9 to make the turn only 2 shots back.  But the back nine proved to be challenging, and with a player who knows how to grind until the very end, Mike Knox, of Shoreline, WA managed to surpass his competition, shooting a 37.  Mike finished with a 78 to take home another impressive victory for the season.  Brian Wimer finished only 1 shot back for 2^nd place.

Senior Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Senior Hogan Flight proved they can compete with their younger flight by shooting very comparable scores.  Jeff Olsen, of Everett, WA and Jerry Gregg of Redmond, WA both fired 39’s on the front to make the turn as co-leaders and several players within striking distance.  Jeff was ultimately able to hold off the competition to become the champion by shooting a 79.  Mitch Cohan, of Seattle, WA had a great back nine to finish in 2^nd place, with an 80. 

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The largest flight of the day, the Sarazen Flight had Jim Howie, of Lake Tapps, WA and Cindy Merritt, of Seattle, WA battling it at the turn, as the co-leaders made the turn with 40’s.  Ultimately, Jim Howie proved to own the back side, and fired a 79 to win.  Ted Calico, of Des Moines, WA and Peter Hunt, of Bellevue, WA heated up the competition, both improving on the back side and finishing tied for 2^nd place with 83’s.  And with several ladies in this flight, they showed they can contend with the men.  Kathy Provazek and Cindy Merritt both shot 85 to finish tied for 4^th place.    

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – Michael Olson, of Covington, WA led the field all day and took home an easy win.  Michael shot an impressive 39 on the front, giving him a comfortable lead, and ultimately finishing his round with an 83.  Frank Rohrschneider, of Renton, WA shot an 88, to finish in 2^nd place. 

Snead Flight (20.0 +) –  It was a battle for the Snead Flight, as Jack Plummer, of North Vancouver, BC and Yvonne Sadtler, of Port Orchard, WA went head-to-head.  Yvonne had an impressive 7-stroke lead at the turn but Jack tried to battle it on the back making up several strokes.  But Jack’s 42 on the back nine, was not enough and Yvonne finished victorious with a 93 to become champion.   

Top Finishers and Payouts

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

Palmer Flight

77-Philip Burton ($110 and Trophy)

79-David Wilsie ($65)

80-Brian Youngdahl ($45)*

Hogan Flight

78-Mike Knox ($125 and Trophy)

79- Brian Wimer ($50)

Senior Hogan Flight

79-Jeff Olsen ($125 and Trophy)

80- Mitch Cohan ($50)

Sarazen Flight

79-Jim Howie ($140 and Trophy)

83-Ted Calico ($95)*

83-Peter Hunt ($45)

85- Kathy Provazek ($30)*

Jones Flight

83-Michael Olson ($100 and Trophy)

88-Frank Rohrschneider ($40)

Snead Flight

93-Yvonne Sadtler ($50 and Trophy)

Optional Skins Results:

Group 1 (Palmer) 

#9 – Jon Gunnison ($28)

#10 – Tom Grina ($28)

#12 – Philip Burton ($28)

#13 – David Wilsie ($28)

#18 – Sean Dill ($28)

Group 2 (Hogan/Sr. Hogan/Sarazen) 

#1 – Jerry Gregg ($96)

#3 – Susie Berg ($96)

#4 – Kevin Davis ($96)

#16 – Jim Howie ($96)

#18 – Wayne Davis ($96)

Group 3 (Jones/Snead)

#3 – Frank Rohrschneider ($20)

#4 – Frank Rohrschneider ($20)

#5 – Michael Olson ($20)

#7 – Jack Plummer ($20)

#9 – Glenn Niemela ($20)

#10 – Michael Olson ($20)

#12 – Jack Plummer ($20)

#16 – Yvonne Sadtler ($20)