Trophy Lake Recap

Trophy Lake Invitational  

Port Orchard, WA – The Trophy Lake Invitational brought some of the most exciting golf of the season so far, with many birdies in each flight, and even an eagle.  The Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Seattle hosted this week’s event at Trophy Lake Golf & Casting, which was in great condition.  The day was filled with rain and sunshine, only to be left with thunder and lightning as the last few groups hurried to the finish the 18^th hole.  And just as the weather changed throughout the day, so did the leaders.   

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – The Palmer flight was a battle as players worked against a challenging course.  Brian Youngdahl made the turn in the lead by 1-shot over David Wilsie.  With a steady back nine, David kept fighting against Brian for the lead.  Brian made an exciting birdie on Hole 17 to get a 1-stroke lead going into the final hole.  With a tough finishing hole, David hit a drive down the middle of the fairway as Brian got himself in trouble to the right.  David was able to finish the hole with a par, shooting an 80, and became champion by 2-shots. 

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan Flight was lead by Daniel Wiggins, of University Place, WA.  Daniel shot a 38 on the front, to have a 3-shot lead over Kevin Merulli and Mitch Cohan.  As players worked to catch Daniel, he proved to be playing consistent golf.  Daniel shot an impressive round of 76, to become champion, and was overall low round of the entire field.  Kevin finished in 2^nd Place, with a round of 81.

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The Sarazen Flight was lead by Don Harrell, of Bothell, WA, who also shot an impressive 38 on the front, to have a 2-shot lead over Scott Chung.  As the back nine proved to be more challenging, Don was able to hold on to his lead, and shot an 82.  This was Don’s first victory this season.  Players continued to battle on the back, with Cindy Merritt and Peter Hunt making moves.  Cindy and Peter finished tied in 2^nd Place with rounds of 87.

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The Jones Flight was a battle among the second pairing, as Michael Grant made the turn with a 3-shot lead.  But Ray May was close behind due to an exciting eagle on Hole 7 and birdie on Hole 9.  The back proved to be more challenging for most players, but Glenn Niemela, of Lynnwood, WA made his move.  Glenn shot a notable 40 on the back, to put himself in the competition.  With a final round of 85, Glenn became champion, and was Glenn’s first victory of the season.  Ray May finished in 2^nd Place with a round of 87, beating Michael by only 1-shot.

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – The Snead Flight had an adventurous round, as Yvonne Sadtler made the turn with a 2-shot lead over Mike Pavlik.  But as the back side again proved to be challenging, Mike was steady, and shot a round of 91 to become champion.

Top Finishers and Payouts

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

Palmer Flight

80-David Wilsie ($65 and Trophy)

Hogan Flight

76-Daniel Wiggins ($135 and Trophy)

81-Kevin Merulli ($55)

Sarazen Flight

82-Don Harrell ($140 and Trophy)

87-Cindy Merritt ($80)*

87-Peter Hunt ($55)

Jones Flight

85-Glenn Niemela ($100 and Trophy)

87-Ray May ($45)

Snead Flight

91-Mike Pavlik ($65 and Trophy)

Optional Skins Results:

Group 1 (Palmer/Hogan/Sarazen) 

#5 – Eric Bennett ($160)

#18 – Barry Lauderbaugh ($160)

Group 2 (Jones/Snead) 

#2 – Ray May ($20)

#5 – Yvonne Sadtler ($20)

#6 – Michael Grant ($20)

#7 – Ray May ($20)

#9– Ray May ($20)

#11 – Ray May ($20)

#14 – Glenn Niemela ($20)

#15 – Mike Pavlik ($20)

#18 – Hank La Luz Jr. ($20)