The Central Carolina Senior Amateur Golf Tour kicked off the 2026 season with the Green Grass Open on January 22nd at the beautiful Golf Club at Quail Ridge in Sanford. The course was in great condition as always and the weather definitely cooperated. 

In the Champ flight, Eli Villanueva kicked off the new season by shooting a one over par 73 in the four shot victory. Kudos Eli!  Dean Parziale captured the runner up position with his round of 77, while Steve Lassiter carded 78 in the third place finish. Spurling Cook’s round of 79 gave him fourth place, and Gerald Lewis rounded out the top five with his score of 81.

In the A flight, Jay Yergeau shot 77 to eke out the single stroke victory while giving Jay his first win of the season. Outstanding golf Jay!  Cecil Lockley grabbed runner up honors with a round of 78, while third place was a T3 finish as Paul Hundhammer, and Johnny Taylor from the Eastern NC Tour posted scores of 81. Meanwhile, no less than four players recorded matching fifth place scores of 82. Courtney Messingham, Mike Atwood, Tour Director Chuck Smith, and Les Rand all shared in the T5 ending. 

Ron Hockensmith shot an excellent round of 75 to claim the first B flight victory of the 2026 season. Awesome golf Ron!  Mike Wolstenholme’s round of 80 secured a solid second place. Third place became a T3 as Gil Ro and Bobby Shipwash turned in matching scorecards of 82. David Sigers from the Eastern NC Tour closed out the top five scoring with a score of 83.

In the C flight, Brian Headley and Herbert Seal reported to the scoring table with matching rounds of 95. The Tour Manual requires an on course playoff for all first place ties so they jumped into their carts and headed to hole one. Arriving at the green, the putters came out of the bags. When the dust had settled Brian’s par putt found the bottom of the cup, Herb’s did not. Well done Brian!  Benton Smith knocked out a round of 98 in a third place finish, while William McDonald carded 103 for fourth place.

In the D flight, 18 holes of golf again could not decide a winner as Marty Carpenter and Tour Director Sola Smith ended their regulation play tied with scores of 95 requiring an on course sudden victory playoff. Marty and Sola took off for hole one to begin play. With both players on the first green, Marty rolled in a par putt that Sola didn’t cover. Congrats Marty!  Sola’s 95 wrapped up the runner up slot, while Kelly Brown reported in with a round of 98 to take third place. Jimmy Dollar from the Eastern NC Tour fired 99 to claim fourth place, while Michael Kessler and Steve Howard rounded out the top five with their pair of 100’s. 

Next up for the Central Carolina Tour is the “Love Our Service Members” Tournament at Hyland Golf Club in Southern Pines on Feb12th with a 10:00am shotgun start. Sign up today while it’s fresh in your mind!