Independence Classic Recap

2^nd Half Order of Merits starts with the Independence Classic  

Mukilteo, WA – The Independence Classic was the first event for the Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle for the 2^nd Half Order of Merits.  Hosted at Harbour Pointe Golf Club, the course proved that the players who hit the ball straight would have a better chance of scoring well.  At a course that is known for its two distinctively different nines, the course allowed more opportunity on the back nine for players to make up ground.  But in the end, the players that scored well on the front became the champions for each flight, with only one player making a large enough comeback on the back.      

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer flight consisted of a great group of players, with 5 of the 6 players having victories already this season.  Jon Gunnison, of Mukilteo, WA, came out ahead on the front nine.  Jon made the turn with a 3-shot lead over Mike Macris.  But with the back nine bringing lower scores, Jon had to remain consistent.  Jeff Olsen and Joel Larson made runs by shooting impressive 39’s on the back.  But the 39’s were not enough to catch Jon, who shot a final round 83 to become champion.  This was Jon’s second victory of the season. 

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan Flight had to compete with Barry Lauderbaugh, of Auburn, WA.  Fresh off a win from last week’s tournament, Barry wanted to show that his victory was not just luck, so he came out smoking hot and shot a remarkable 37 on the front.  This gave Barry a 3-shot lead over Jerry Browning.  Even with Barry struggling on the back nine, no one was able to make up enough ground to catch him.  Barry once again came out the champion, shooting an 83.  Jerry finished in 2^nd place, just 2-shots behind.  Brian Wimer and Kevin Merulli finished tied for 3^rd place, both shooting 88.    

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The Sarazen Flight had the closest race for the day.  Don Harrell, of Bothell, WA, made the turn in the lead with a 43.  He had a 2-shot lead over Cindy Merritt and Susie Berg.  As the ladies made a charge on the back, Don remained steady.  But Cindy Merritt, of Seattle, WA made up too many shots.  Both Cindy and Don finished tied in 1^st place with rounds of 86.  Going into a playoff on the 1^st Hole, Cindy was still hot from her back nine and was able to get up-and-down to save a par, and clinching another victory.  This was also Cindy’s 2^nd victory of the season.  Susie Berg finished in 3^rd place with an 88. 

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones Flight had a clear leader after the front nine, with Sean Brushett, of Snohomish, WA shooting an exciting 39.  Sean had a 6-shot lead making the turn over Ray May.  With half the flight improving on the back side, no one was able to catch Sean, who ended up shooting an 85 to become champion.  This was Sean’s first victory of the season.  Ray finished in 2^nd place with a score of 94.    

Top Finishers and Payouts

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

Palmer Flight

83-Jon Gunnison ($140 and Trophy)

Hogan Flight

83-Barry Lauderbaugh ($135 and Trophy)

85-Jerry Browning ($70)

88-Brian Wimer ($50)*

Sarazen Flight

86-Cindy Merritt ($150 and Trophy)*

86-Don Harrell ($90)

88-Susie Berg ($60)

Jones Flight

85-Sean Brushett ($135 and Trophy)*

94-Ray May ($50)

Optional Skins Results:

Group 1 (Palmer/Hogan) 

#7 – Barry Lauderbaugh ($50)

#8 – Paul Goff ($50)

#12 – Joel Larson ($50)

#13 – Joel Larson ($50)

#17 – Jim Howie ($50)

#18 – Kevin Merulli ($50)

Group 2 (Sarazen/Jones) 

#1 – Don Harrell ($51)

#7 – Sean Brushett ($51)

#8 – Jim Fisher ($51)

#9 – Sean Brushett ($51)

#10 – Sandy Jeghers ($51)

#13 – Jason Jenniges ($51)

#16 – Jason Jenniges ($51)