LOGAN GORE & BOB MILLER, WINNERS MATCH PLAY

Match Play is a very unpredictable format. Some like it because they can make a big number on a hole and still be in the match (and the tournament), some like it because it is "mano-a-mano" play, one on one where you can play the course and the opponent at the same time. You need to match shot per shot. Some people do not like match play because you can play a good round and still be eliminated and someone else can play a bad round and win their match and advance. Some people like it because they can have a good day and eliminate a friend who is a better golfer.... some of those friends who are better golfers, don't like it for the very same reason.

Either way, match play brings a type of excitement to the game like no other. No wonder the most important amateur tournaments in the world are played at match play.

Originally, this tournament was not in the calendar for this year, however, when a couple of members saw that this weekend was tournament free, they asked if we could add a match play for the weekend, and, after the board's blessings, we added it. The result was that 16 players entered whom we divided into two flights of eight players. To win your flight, you had to win three matches in a row, two of which had to be played on Saturday, with the finals coming on Sunday (probably the reason that match play is difficult to schedule).

In the Championship flight, young Logan Gore won by defeating David Dyson, Cole Bynum and Jordan Williamson. However, Logan almost did not get past the first match when David Dyson took him to the last hole where he, once more, missed one of several short putts during their match that would have given him the match. But that is the nature of the game, if you don't putt, it is kind of hard to win matches and Logan made the putts and got to the second match against Cole Bynum where he won 2 up. Logan seemed to get better and gain confidence as the tournament went on, in the final match, Logan was four under par when he won his match against Jordan Williamson on the 13th hole.

In the Championship Flight, Andrew Albert won 3rd place against Cole Bynum, and Jeremy Gray won Consolation Flight by defeating a tired David Dyson who decided to get ready for his match by running 5 miles instead of hitting 50 balls (David, an avid athlete and pretty good golfer who has been on the top three in the Sunday Shuffles, ran in the "Relay for Life" race). To his credit though, Jeremy was even par for the holes played.

In the "A" Flight, the championship match went 20 holes (the closest of all matches in the tournament), where Ann Cowan opened the door by missing a short putt for a par, while Bob Miller made his to win the match and the flight. Bob also went to extra holes in his first match against Charlie Kauk whom he defeated 1-up in 19, then beat close friend Jeff Smoot 3 & 1 before winning his match against Ann Cowan. In her bracket, Ann reached the finals by first defeating Gary Jennings in 13 holes and then Rocky Andresen, in a "all in the family" match. For those who don't know, Rocky is the father of one of Ann's daughters in law! When they asked their grandson Ryder, "who are you going to root for", the eight year old showed political leanings by answering, "I want you to both win!"... in a way they did, Ann won against Rocky, then Rocky won third place against Jeff Smoot. The Consolation Flight was won by Keith Hulen who had lost his first match to Jeff Smoot, Keith defeated Neil Hohnke in that match.

A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF A DREAM COME TRUE

Next month, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of what may be the most significant event in American history of the game of golf; a single event that changed American golfers' minds from the having the "underdog" attitude, to realizing that we had what it took to succeed: a dream, a plan and then action.... but the dream comes first, its a principle.


One hundred years ago, on the weekend of September 18-20 (in those days you had a practice-qualifying round, and then two days of 36 holes each), at the famed Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, a young of man, who at age 20 was barely a grownup boy, a dreamer who had dreamed of beating the greatest golfers in the world, became the first American amateur to win the United States Open Championship. The boy's name was Francis Ouimet. 

Francis was a golfer at heart. In fact, in the local directory, his family's house listing at 246 Clyde St., across the Country Club, just under his father's name (a gardener), the listing read, "Francis Ouimet, golfer".

Francis was a caddy at the Country Club at a time when caddies were not allowed in the clubhouse, and were barely allowed in the premises... to carry a member's clubs. Francis was also a gardener with his dad and a sales clerk at a local sporting goods store. By all means, not a family of an income that could support the youngster's appetite for golf. And, as if that was not enough handicap, Francis' father did not want the lad to play golf at all, something that forced the golf loving Francis to tell some "white lies" so he could go play or practice.You could take Francis out of the golf course, but you could not take golf out of him!

In 1913, the two best golfers in the world, Ted Ray (British Open Champion in 1912 and U.S. Open Champion in 1920) and Harry Vardon (U.S. Open Champion in 1900 and British Open Champion in 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, 1914), were coming back, mainly to increase the odds of returning the trophy to the motherland, as, in 1911 and 1912, with a weak field, John McDermott, a young American professional, had been the first American to win the U.S. Open, something the English did not want to see, thus, both greats made plans to come and reclaim a cup they thought belonged in England. Furthermore, the tournament was moved to September to accommodate the two great professional golfers so they could book some exhibitions around their tournament schedule.

Francis had to go and practice at odd times and when he finally qualified for the tournament, he wasn't in anyone's list of favorites, so all the experienced caddies were taken. Enter Eddie Lowery, a 10 year old vivacious and confident boy who volunteered to be Francis' caddy.  

As fate would have it, and against all odds, after 72 holes, Francis Ouimet was tied for the championship with none other than Ted Ray and Harry Vardon, which required a Sunday playoff. The powerful and rich members who at first made fun of a caddy entering the Open were now believers, and now wanted Ouimet to have the best odds in the playoff so they offered him the most experienced caddy for the playoff, something Ouimet refused... rather strongly. Francis went on to win the playoff with great putting. He shot a 72 against Vardon's 77 and Ray's 79. Vardon was truly a gentleman when asked about the playoff round, saying, "we never had a chance, Francis played splendid golf and putted like a magician. He deserves the trophy and he is a great champion".


The result of Francis' dream of pursuing championship golf, and his appreciation to his loyal caddy, was not only a "nice" story and the theme for the movie "The Greatest Game Ever Played", but it was truly the genesis of other dreamers... Jones, Sarazen, Nelson, Hogan, Snead, Venturi, Harvey Ward, Baby Dickerson Zaharias, Palmer, Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson, Mickelson, then Tiger and Rory and now Jordan Spieth, and who knows, a Joby, a Logan, an Anya or others who truly love the game and dream big. 

All those who dream of beating someone's record, all those who dream of succeeding at what they do, whether it is sports or other, and do not quit in the middle of their pursuit, eventually reap the rewards of their dream.

Dreams come true, and next month, we celebrate 100 years of how one young man's dream changed American golf. When you play your next round, or when you watch your next tournament, and someone is beating someone's record, or someone just won his first tournament, remember Francis.

(Note: if you want to read a great story about golf, read "The Match", a story of a match that pitted Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson against the two best amateurs of the 50's, Ken Venturi and Harvey Ward. The match was played at Cypress Point and was sponsored by none other than Bing Crosby and a car dealership owner and millionaire Eddie Lowery... yes, the same Eddie Lowery who caddied, 100 years ago, for Francis Ouimet).

BLAKE & RIKKI BERGMAN TOP TUMBLEWEED'S COUPLES...

The welcoming "horse race" on Friday, would have never predicted what was to come on Saturday and Sunday. Fourteen teams started, among them five very strong teams who on paper, should have been the top five, among them was Blake & Rikki Bergman good players who didn't look too sharp, were eliminated on the fifth hole. Another strong team, who recently took second in Weatherford, Brad & Dayva Spitzer were eliminated a hole earlier, allowing Robert & Linda Roggendorff and Steve & Annette Flaming almost overtake all of the favorites. Steve & Annette came in fourth and Robert & Linda came in fifth. One of the favorites, long hitting Dustin Gunkel playing with sister Haley, came in beating brother in law Tyler Windsor and wife Tori Gunkel Windsor in a playoff. In third place was the team of Rusty Wilson and daughter Kelsi ... If you were a betting man, you would have bet on these three teams making the 1,2,3 in the tournament as well, but it wasn't to be...


After day one, and with a 61, Blake & Rikki Bergman  and Brian & Marrik Vandersee led Jeff & Janet Case's 62 by one, and three of our local teams by two shots, defending champions David & Rachel Poole who last year shattered all records by scoring 116 for the two days, could only manage a 63 along with Dustin & Haley Gunkel and Brad & Dayva Spitzer who was very sharp with her irons, winning two of the "closest to the pin" contests with shots to 2 feet (#10) and 6" (#7).

It all looked as it would be a shootout on Sunday, however, the shootout never happened, as Blake & Rikki shot a 60, while Dustin & Haley shot the second best round in the the Championship flight with another 63 and ended up in a tie for 3rd when close friend and brother in law, Tyler Windsor and sister Tori overtook them by adding a 59 (the best round of the day and of the tournament), to their opening 66 which "bumped" them from the "A" flight to the Championship flight, where they took second place. Brian & Marrik added a 65 to their 61 and ended up in a tie for third at 126. David & Rachel scored a 65 to be a distant fifth.

In the "A" flight, Eddie & Mary Jane Repp took advantage of the "bumping" of the Windsor's and won with a score of 66-64 / 130. Close in second place, was "Mr. Taylor Made" Steve Flaming & wife Annette who shot 68-63/131; by the way, Steve, the PGA South Central's Section's Taylor Made sales rep celebrated his 64th birthday in Elk City! (Happy Birthday!). Jeremy & Dezeree Gray came in 3rd place with two 66's for a 132 and in fourth, one of the pre-tournament favorites, Rusty Wilson and daughter Kelsi could only manage a 133 (67-66).

The "B" Flight was also close as well, and the team of Mike Cowan and mother Ann Cowan added a 65 to their opening 71 to score a 136, one shot shirt of being bumped to the "A" flight. They beat Mark Simpson and daughter Sarah by two (70-68/138). Three teams tied for third at 139: Rodney & Sarah Cloud (71-68), Aaron Kauk & Joyce Schones (71-68) and Brian & Stacy Fox (71-68) which required a playoff starting on #1. The Clouds were eliminated in the first hole and took fifth. The Fox's won the playoff on the second hole and took third place, leaving Aaron & Joyce in fourth .

In the "C" flight, seniors Dewey & Rita Coats outlasted the young couple of Matt McDown & Gena Morley in a playoff that lasted five holes! Dewey & Rita had scored 75-70/145 while Texas Hold'm experts, Matt & Gena had scored 77-68 for a matching 145. Jeff & Linda Rule had 76-71/147 and took third while Robert & Linda Roggendorff took fourth with scores of 76-73/149. According to Linda, it was the first time they "placed" in several years of visiting Elk City and close friend Ann Cowan. Well... good! Come back and maybe next year you take 1st place! (by the way, on Friday, during the horse race welcoming some of the early arrivals, Robert hit two of the best recovery shots I have seen in a long time, one was a 110 yard shot from the rough on #14 which he used a hybrid to keep it low and which ended only about 10 feet from the hole, and on the very next hole, when wife Linda put their ball -horse race is played in alternate shot format-, in the hazard fronting #15, Robert hit a 60 yard shot to the fringe which almost kept them in the race... never give up!!).

In the "D" Flight, Paul & Sharon Hill had the best score with 78-72/150 which unfortunately "bumped" them to the "C" flight where they tied for 5th. Meanwhile, Conley & Sheri Enrst ended up winning the flight with a score of 78-75/153. Tom & Pat Bender took second with scores of 79-75/154; third place went to Randall & Fae Wright who scored 79-77/156, and there was a tie for fourth place with a 157 among three teams: Ricky & Ashley Marr, Jerry & Karen Sizemore and Jim Thomas & Brenda Holland. All three couples decided to skip playoff and share the winnings three equal ways.

With the hard work of Ann Cowan and Katy Womack and those who preceded them as tournament chairs, the tournament has truly become a favorite in Western Oklahoma... and we are now making plans to see what can be improved for 2014! Thank you to Myra Baker and her staff (Katie & Jessica) for the delicious dinner on Saturday night and thank you to Ed Hughes and his staff for setting up the golf course for a fine tournament!

Looking forward to 2014!!!!!!

MORE UPDATES...

-The Board of Directors would like to get your input -everyone's input, members and not members- on a number of issues and services at the club. Please click on the link on the right side under "Elk City Favorites", print a copy, fill it up and bring it to Myra, myself or hand it to any of the board members. Your opinion is important.

-Terry Nichols is on his way to Brookline, Massachusetts to watch son Brett play in the U.S. Amateur. Along with other 155 golfers, Brett will be playing 18 holes each on Monday and Tuesday. The top 64 will advance to match play. How important is the U.S. Amateur? The finalists get invited to The Masters! That is how important this is! Just to get there, you have to beat many very good players! GO BRETT!!

- My daughter Anya will be spending about a month in Oklahoma after the Solheim Cup, where she will attend with boyfriend Patrick Horstman, who caddies for Jessica Korda, who qualified to represent the U.S. I am betting that we will see Anya playing that tournament one day soon. Anya would like to play and meet some more people in Elk City when she comes. I'll keep everyone posted on the dates.

- Joby Gray played the Oklahoma Stroke Play Championship at The Trails in Norman, OK. He shot 72-78-71. After the 78, he was pretty disappointed -understandable for someone like him-, but gathered himself and finished like a champ.

- Members, don't forget that every other Thursday, we have free instruction for the little ones from 5 - 6 p.m. We will be doing this the next two Thursdays because we missed one recently. For now, we are working on the short game.

UPDATES

Tumbleweed Couples will start with a shotgun start on Saturday and Sunday. Both days 8:30 a.m. Horse Race on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. We still have two openings.

Congratulations to all the teans who represented Elk City this last weekend in Mangum, OK. All of the Elk City teams did well:

Jeremy Gray, Tyler Windsor, Dustin Gunkel & Aaron Kauk: won third in tournament and first on Sunday's score.

Jordan Williamson, Brad O'Hara, Mark Fairchild & Cole Bynum: second place in tournament

Keegan Hall, Derek Dunlap, Warren Mayfield & Harry Mendoza won "A" flight and 1st place on Sunday's score.

Keith Hulen, Matt Brown, Rod Little & Brad Harguess were second in flight B!

IN SHORT, Every team "in the money"!

RUSS SMITH SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Russ Smith, who now spends more time going to sofball games, little league baseball and parks than on the golf course, successfully defended the Club Championship title that he won last year.

Day two started with young Logan Gore leading by one over Russ Smith and Rusty Wilson. Logan had managed a 67 while Russ and Rusty shot 68's. In fourth place was Jeremy Gray and with a 73 was Andrew Albert who is very capable of a low round. As they say, "nothing is written in ink until the last putt drops".

After nine holes on Sunday, Logan was now leading by two shots over Russ and several more over Rusty Wilson who was having one of his worst days ever., He took this advantage to hole #15, the par 5 signature hole that proved to be the difference -in more than one flight.

Logan had hit his tee shot slightly left, in the light rough, but still within reach in the second shot. Russ hit his farther left, but also farther and had a clear shot to the green from the rough between #14 and #15. Logan blinked first, so to speak of, and instead of playing to the safe side of the green, he went straight at the hole -hole was cut on the left side by the water-, and fell short in the hazard. Meanwhile, Russ, after seeing this, played long right, taking the watery grave out of play. Logan dropped and hit his fourth shot just a few inches over the back edge, Russ chipped to within 5 feet. Logan three-putted for a double bogey 7 from 20 feet, while Russ made his birdie 4 which placed him in the lead by one, a lead he kept to the last hole.

No doubt it was a painful loss for Logan, who has talent galore, but is inexperienced when it comes to playing with players, like Russ, who "have been there", who are patient and know how to stick around and wait for the right opportunity to strike. Logan will learn from this experience and will build up his confidence and experience.

Russ had rounds of 68-73 for a 141, while Logan had rounds of 67-75 for an even par tournament of 142. Andrew Albert finished third with a 145, and for the second year in a row, was close, but but could not close it. David Poole, who also has talent to spare, finished fourth with a 147 playing only his 5th or 6th full round of 2013!

In the "A" Flight, Bobby Connell took first place with round of 72-78 for a total of 150. IN second place was Damon Butcher and son Bryce, they both managed a 153. And at 156 was Adam Lewellen. Damon won the net as well with a 137.

The "B" Flight was won by Casey Smith who had 160 after identical 80's. Greg Dodson was second at 162, James Ainsworth third at 164 and Paul Gunkel had 168. Greg Dodson won net with 138.

The "C" Flight was won by Ricky Marr who has rounds of 90 and 84 for a 174. In second was Brad Harrison with 176. In third was Mike Clinton with 180 and Billy Bashaw was next with 187. First net went to Brad Harrison with a 138.

Craig Martin (60) is the new Senior Champion. He had rounds of 75-73 and won by two over Bobby Connell (51) who won the younger senior flight. Next was Eddie Davis (61) who had rounds of 75 and 76. Ronnie Smith (defending senior champion) and Robert Lakey were next at 161.

In the 67 and over senior flight, Dave Bank and Grady Lantz went for a second consecutive playoff in as many years. Last year, Grady Lantz won on the first playoff hole with a par, this year Dave Bank had redepmtion and beat Grady also with a par against a bogey. They both had totals of 168, Grady had matched his age on Saturday with a fine 78, but could not do better than 90 on Sunday, while Dave Bank had 82-86.

With Rachel Poole, we also have a new champion in the women's flight. After day one, Rachel was leading Ann Cowan, the 2011 champion by three and Haley Gunkel, last year's champion by six. However, Ann played some great golf for the first 14 hole and took the lead by two... only to make a big mistake on #15 by visiting the hazard twice and ending up with an 8, while Rachel had a 4. A four shot difference and a lead of two by Rachel going to the last three holes that she never relinquished. Ann Cowan was both, runner-up and first net.

The Women's "A" Flight was won by Ramona Alvarez -my Ramona!- with rounds of 88-97, while the first net was won by Katie Womack.

In all, the tournament was a success with 58 participants, up 8 from last year and up 39 from the previous year. The flights ended up pretty close and competitive, and everyone had fun. My sincere thanks to all participants who continue their help and support to grow golf at Elk City Golf & Country Club.... REMEMBER FRIENDS, THIS IS YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

The top four men's scores are invited to represent the club in the upcoming OGA State Club Championship (Russ Smith, Logan Gore, Andrew Albert & Dave Poole), and the top 16 scores are invited to play in the GPN Bank Bedlam Cup (September 28) against several other golf courses in a match play competition. In the Bedlam Cup, the club has usually had 2 teams (32 players).

See you next year!

JUNIOR TOURNAMENT SETS HIGHER GOALS!!

The junior tournament hosted by 3-B Pumping and B.T.I. had 38 entries -and several who were turned down- and was a great success, not only among the kids who participated, but also well received by parents and all golfers.

All the golfers received a t-shirt and cap donated by the sponsors, and, after the tournament, golfers, caddies, parents and spectators were treated to a great hamburger lunch provided and cooked by Bart Barnett and Brad Harguess.

From the onstart, the tournament was designed to be somewhat serious (scores would be turned in, ball would be played as it lies, players walked, etc), somewhat generous (a maxium of ten would be the score on any hole) and fun: kids were allowed caddies who could use a golf cart, however, the cart would stay on the cart path. It's nice to be your "parent's boss" at times, "mom, give me the 5 iron and more out of the way please" (LOL)

Some parents used a cart, some walked. Caddies ranged from cousins, brothers, sisters and parents, and of course, the gallery was great, and all deserve a "blue ribbon" for helping by following the rules of the tournament and of courtesy. Many of the parents were also scorekeepers, which we are all grateful for. THANK YOU!!!

The 38 young golfers were divided into six "flights", accodring to grade level and gender. Some flights played 7 holes, some 8 holes and some completed nine holes, and the winners are as

follows:

8th-9th Graders:
1st (40) Braden Butcher
2nd (42) Heston Brown (Cordell)
3rd (44) Colin Dyson
4th (48) Colton Heson (Cordell)

8th & 9th Graders (girls)
1st (50) Kelcee Millican
2nd (52) Sierra Stout

5th, 6th & 7th Graders:
1st (41) Baylor Barnett
2nd (47) Grayson Butcher
T3rd (48) Caden Culver
T3rd (48) Lake Scheck

3rd & 4th Graders
1st (29) Tres Hill
2nd (33) Nathan Womack
3rd (38) Ryder Cowan
4th (46) Cooper Scheck

1st & 2nd Graders (Boys)
1st (44) Ty Scheck
2nd (47) Lake Hargrove
3rd (52) Jet Finnell
4th (53) Lane Hargrove

1st & 2nd Graders (Girls)
1st (47) Jade Gray
2nd (64) Brett Barnett

Tournament Note: Brett and Jade played one more hole than the boys, thus Jade's score against the boys, from the same tee markers would have been 41 for a first place overall!!

Pro-Shop Note: Thank you to all the parents and players for your enthusiasm and support, and a special thanks to the score-keepers and of course, last but not least, Bart Barnett and Family and Brad Harguess and Family!