The Golfweek Amateur Tour opened its 2011 season March 19 at Black Bear GC in Eustis. A full field of 112 players took to the course competing in 5 regular flights and 3 senior flights. A 30 minute fog delay could not pust back the excitement of opening day. The tour welcomed 34 first year members--a great start to the year.
The Senior (50 & up) flights saw playoffs in two of the three flights. In Championship flight three players squared off--Dennis Brady, Joe Ondo and Bill Foster--all posting 77's. A fourth player, Steve Maddox (2010 Player of the Year) missed by a shot of joining them. Foster went out on the first hole and then Brady eliminated Ondo on the second hole to take the top prize.
Mike Lombardo and Ed Paterniti also had to head back out to decide the Senior A flight. Mike came away with the victory on the second extra hole. Senior B flight went to Chet Rakowski, without a playoff. His 86 was good enough to beat Chet Parker by two. John Pringle was third with 89.
REGULAR TOUR
Ray Vigeant opened the season with an even par 72 which included a 34 on the front nine. It was good enough for a two shot win over Eric Baker. John Ward and Drew McDonald finished with 75's.
Mark Scherr, a first year player, took top honors in the A flight with a solid 74. It was two shots better than another newcomer, Alex Sandor, who posted 76. Another two shots back were Mike Lombardo and Ed Paterniti. A flight was the largest of the day with 31 players competing.
Another first year player, Kevin Wilkey, shot 81 in the B flight and watched surprisingly as no one could come closer than 86 to challenge. But 86 was the popular number as five players finished there to tie for second. They were, Dan Seidenfaden, Adam Wilson, Ernie Hallare, Rick Broennle and Chet Rakowski.
The C flight, one of the most competitive flights in past years, got off to a fast start this year as well. Once again, a first year player Omar Hernandez shot an 84 to capture first place. Randolph Hill finished second after shooting 87. Gordon Gibbs was third with 89.
D flight turned into a two horse race as Lawrence Blunk and Joshua Johnson separated themselves from the field on this day. Lawrence squeaked out a one stroke victory as his 92 edged past Joshua's 93. But Joshua did leave as the winner of the PowerBilt Closest to the Pin contest. His shot to 9'5" won the 3-Hybrid from PowerBilt that we give away at each tournament.
NEXT EVENT: April 2--Duran--SPECIAL START TIME, 11:30 AM.
