A fantastic 2 days greeted members of 5 Senior Amateur Tours in the area. The courses, both located in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina did not disappoint. The Peninsula Club, who maintain some of the fastest greens in the area as well as some spectacular views of Lake Norman was the host for the first day. Great scores were seen in all divisions with no clear favorites going into day 2. Northstone Country Club hosted the final round where come from behind victories proved to be the norm and not the exception on this hot and sunny day.
In the Championship Flight, Rob Fulford (CLT tour) who came into day 2 with a 6-shot deficit to make up, had the flat stick working. A bogie on his second hole of the day saw him go 7 shots down. Rob got the ship settled with pars at the next 2 holes, then went on to birdie 5 of his next 7 holes. another bogie, then birdie got him to +1 overall and then it was maintain and hang on with the closing holes being some of the toughest on the course, Rob's two day total of 145 (77-68) was 1 better than Brian Swenson (CLT tour) who has been a model of consistency all year. Only a bogie on the 18th hole caused us not to have a playoff. Brian’s 2-day total of 146 (73-73) was good for second place. Scott Patnode (CLT tour) takes home 3rd with a 2-day total of 147 (72-75). Craig Sturivant (Central Carolina Tour) take home 4th with a 2-day total of 148 (76-72). 5th place went to Mark Hodges (CLT tour) who takes home 5th based on the Second day score tie breaker over 2 other golfers. Mark shot 75-75, 150 which to beat out Larry Griffin (CLT tour) (73-77, 150) and overnight leader Robby Price (CLT tour) (71-79).
In the A Flight, David Wardrop (CLT tour) continues his winning ways and consistent play on his home course. David came into the round 4 shots back of Tim Woodward, who had shot an opening round of 73 (+1), but his consistent play over both days proved to be the key to winning. David shot (77-78, 155) to win by 3 shots over Billy Poteat (CLT tour) (80-78, 158) and Tim Woodward (CLT tour) (73-85). Billy takes home second due the Second day score tiebreaker. Jim Goulding (CLT tour), claims 4th with scores of 83-77. Our Eastern NC tour director Marty Martinez takes home 5th with scores of 81-80, 161. Big Shout out to Marty and all of his players that made the trip to the Charlotte area for this event, It was great to have all of you here with us.
In the B Flight, it was another comeback win, Dick Kuehl (Central Carolina) who came into the day with a 2-shot deficit held on late charges from a number of players to claim the victory. Dick's scores of 78-84, 162 was 1 better than Jack Beach (CLT tour) (83-80, 163) and Ray Schilling (CLT tour) (81-82, 163). 4th place went to Huston Shaw (Central Carolina) with score of 84-80, 164. Rob Geilhausen (CLT Tour) takes home 5th place with scores of (91-74, 165) based on Rob's second day score of 74, he has received a promotion to the A Flight for the remaining of the 2019 season. Russell McDonald who had the lead in the second round had some troubles coming in and had to settle for 6th place with scores of (82-83, 165). 7th place went to Kelly Straub shooting rounds of 88-78, 166 and beating out Toby Tyle (CLT Tour) and Tim Prevatte (Eastern, NC) both of whom shot 166 over the 2 days but losing out to Kelly's 78 on day 2.
In the C Flight, David Cline (CLT Tour) wins by 5 with a rounds of 79-88, 167. David's round on Day 1 proved to be the winning factor as his closest rivals just could not make up the ground on Day 2. Mark Sikes (CLT Tour) claims second with rounds of (85-87,172), Third place goes to William Levier from the Eastern, NC tour with rounds of (90-84, 174). Willian made the best of his two days at the regional. He took home a Closest to Pin on Day 1 and followed that up with another Closest to Pin on Day 2. Not only did he take home the CTP on day 2 but also made a couple of birdies which held for Flight Skins ($148) each and the ONLY 2 super skins on day 2 worth a total of $820. Not a bad 2-day haul and without claiming victory. Jimmy Sullivan (CLT Tour) claims 4th with scores of (84-90, 174). 5th place goes to Randall Garver (CLT Tour) with rounds of (87-90, 177), Shane Grainger (Myrtle Beach-Wilmington) takes 6th place with scores of (86-91, 177) and 7th place goes to Chuck Snider (CLT Tour) with scores of (90-88, 188) who edged Andre Banks who shot the same total but 90 on second day.
Our first regional event was a great success and I hope to see all of you back for next year’s edition.
Live Score Results can be found here!
Thanks for all your support
Phil