Southern Dunes in Perfect Condition For Golfweek Tour Players
Photo by Angi Forsyth

FRANK WINS FOR FIRST TIME IN 2012; KEMPISKI WINS SECOND STRAIGHT PLAYOFF

Five time Player of the Year Chad Frank won for the first time in 2012 at Southern Dunes. The golf course was in absolutely perfect condition--we may not find a better conditioned course all year. With green running fast and true, Frank posted 34-38-72 for a four stroke win in Championship flight over first time player Tal Johnson. Tour veterans Ray Vigeant and John Bessette followed right behind with 77 and 78, respectively.

For the second straight week, Rob Kempinski (pictured) topped the Senior Championship flight by winning a playoff. Last week it was Bill Foster who took Kempinski to extra holes; this week it was Jim Hammons. They each shot 78 in regulation. Rob prevailed on the second hole.

First year player Michel Dion, a former NHL player, claimed victory in A flight with a very nice round of 77. It is his first year on Orlando's tour, after he transferred from the Hilton Head tour. Sam Bellamy posted one of his best scores on tour with a 79 that put him T2 with Dennis Cargo. Another two strokes back, five players matched scores of 81 as the field really bunched up.

In Senior A flight, Michel's 77 was good enough to send him into a playoff with tour regular Larry Barousse. It was over quickly as Michel won the first extra hole. Greg Takacs (81) took thrid place in a scorecard match with Ed Paterniti.

Three players shot 82 to send the B flight to extra holes. New member Mike Ferretti, veteran Scotty Garcia and Tampa member Lou Savinetti headed out to #10 to find a winner. They found one on the first playoff hole as Ferretti made the only par as the others bogeyed. Savinetti's 82 was good for first place in Senior B flight. Chet Parker's 84 took second place over Bill Robertson's 84 on the scorecard.

Chase Forsyth Chips To Green at Southern Dunes
Photo by Angi Forsyth

On a day when we had a number of players from other tours join us, C flight saw two Tampa members take home prizes. Orlando member Gregg Sargent took the top prize with a very good score of 83. Still, he needed every putt as Tampa's Brian Lipsey shot 84 for second. Tampa director Len Benedetti posted 86 for third place. Chase Forsyth and Enrique Saez finished T4 with 87.

D flight went to a first time player as Jude Bien-Aime shot 85. He will go into C flight next time out. James Rearden of the North Central Florida tour shot 89 to finish second. Mark Watson took thrid with 91. Mark, too, will be headed to the C flight next time out.

Next event is May 19 at Stoneybrook West.