2012 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Steady rounds of 67 earns Russ
Club Championship

As it often happens, when you have good strikers of the golf ball, the results are about who makes a few less mistakes, makes more putts... or misses less of them. According to new club champion RUSS SMTH, a few putts made the difference: he made them, Joby Gray and Andrew Albert didn't.

Russ and  Andrew had opened with a 67 and were followed closely by Joby (defending champion) who opened with a 69 and Jordan Williamson who had a 70.

Day two, however, was not as close as the first day's scores suggested. Russ made the turn at 32, Joby at 37 and Andrew at 36, thus giving the new club champion a lead of 7 over Joby, and four over Andrew.

We know by tournaments on TV that no lead is safe, and nothing is written until the last putt drops. Russ knew that, so he just kept making putt after putt, staying in the present, making par after par, forcing his pursuers to try to take chances to make birdies to catch him. His strategy and execution worked perfect and ended up with a five shot win. Jordan Williamson, had two solid rounds of 70 and was alone in fourth place. Justin Robinson was alone at 143 after ending with the second best score of the day (68), however, his opening 75 had put him too far back.

RONNIE SMITH -Russ' father- had two identical rounds of 73 to win the Seniors division with a 146 and is our new Seniors champion. After round one, Ronnie trailed Jack Christian by one, and led former club champion and former course record holder, Craig Martin by one. The second day, Ronnie made no mistakes while Jack and Craig did, both ending with an 80 and handing Ronnie with a six shot win over Jack. Eddie Davis won the net in the 51-60 age division with actual rounds of 78-72 and a net of 138. Rocky Andresen took second net with a 142.

In the women's division, HALEY GUNKEL won by five over Ann Cowan after two rounds of 74 for a 148. Ann had rounds of 78 and 75, and as in the men's championship, the player who made more putts and less mistakes ended up winning. Long hitting Jackie Oldham was next with rounds of 78-81.

The Club Championship is not only for the very best players. It is a members' championship, where you can compete for a weekend, with peers of your same skill. Because of that, in the men's division we had "A" and "B" flights, the women had an "A" flight and the seniors had a flight for members age 66 and over. All these flights were very competitive, and the winners and high finishers should be very proud

The "A" fight was won by senior golfer GREG DODSON who had rounds of 77-78 for a 155. He won by only one shot over another senior golfer, Danny DeLeon who had rounds of 77-79 (some seniors elected to play the blue tees and were playing both, in the senior flight of their age division and the regular men's tournament in the flight where their handicap placed them. The top two net winners were Keith Hulen, first with a 136 and Blake Brewer was second net with a 139.

The "B" flight was won by DANNY TEEL with rounds of 91-85/176. Terry Anderson won the net with a score of 143. Despite a disappointing 13 (no typo) on #17 the second day, Brad Gilbert ended up in second place gross with scores of  91-104. Richard Harvey won second net with 150.

In the Women's "A" flight, BETTY MAINE won with scores of 87-89/176. Jeannette Scott won second place with scores of 92-94; Mona Alvarez was next with 93-100.

The older seniors flight, 66-83 was as competitive as any golf tournament you'll ever see. After the first round, Don Andrews matched his age of 80 and was tied with Leon Stuart (72). Dave Bank was next with an 82. During the second round, Don Andrews had taken a good lead after 14 holes... until he reached our signature hole #15. Don hit two good shots to 90 yards, but then he pulled his third shot just enough to see his ball hit on the left bank of the green and go down in the hazard.

That is when the tournament took a bad turn for him. Had he missed his shot badly and in the middle of the water, he would have been forced to take a drop and most likely hit the green from 20 yards and score a 6 or a 7, instead, his ball was barely in the hazard, half exposed and he decided to play it. It took him three shots to get out and ended up with a 9 on the hole... and one shot off the playoff between Dave Bank and eventual winner, GRADY LANTZ who after an opening 85 closed strong with an 81. Grady won on the first playoff hole. Don Andrews finished with 147 and Leon Stuart with a 171.

NOTHING IS WRITTEN IN INK UNTIL THE LAST PUTT FALLS!

In closing: As a golf professional, the Club Championship -or Members' Championship-, is my favorite tournament. I truly enjoy watching all those members of different skills competing in their championship in different flights. I enjoy watching them look at the scoreboard and see who can they catch, or who can they beat, or who is beating them! There were members who came to me and said, "I really don't care if I win my flight or not, as long as I beat so and so". The club championship, a tournament that is played strictly under the rules of golf, is an event where many learn that golf is a different game, and a much more fun game, if you play by the rules, and not so so casually taking "gimmies' or improving your lie. I hope you all continue helping your club in making this tournament bigger and bigger. Thank you all

PLAYERS READY FOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Everything is set for the 2012 Club Championship where 50 players will hit the links.  This is the tournament for 365 days of "bragging" rights. The tournament where prestige is more important than prize money (there is none to speak of: the prize is only a few gift certificates and plaques for the winners). This is the tournament where you find out who are the persons who will represent the club. Who are the persons who will be posted on the club's walls for a year, and remembered for years to come, and who will be part of the "News-Makers" of 2012.

The tournament will have three divisions and each division will have flights within the division: Men (3 flights); Senior (3 flights) and Women (2 flights).

Defending champion Joby Gray, will be in the field. Among the challengers you'll have Russ Smith, Andrew Albert, Craig Martin, Jordan Williamson, Brandon Thomas, and even his brother Jeremy will be in the field. Joby cannot afoord msitakes.

The senior flight will be headed by Craig Martin, Ronnie Smith, Jack Christian, Paul Gunkel and  Rocky Andresen. The "Super-Senior" flight is headed by Grady Lantz, Leon Stuart and Don Andrews. Grady (78) and Don (80) are no strangers to shooting their age or better. Leon (72), the younger of the three, hasn't shot his age, but has shot his opponents' age often enough, so it should be a good "shootout"!

The women are headed by defending champion Ann Cowan who will be challenged by Jackie Oldham and last year's runner up, Haley Gunkel. If all three players play at their best, no telling who can come on top, a putt or two will make the difference at the end.

Tee times are set for Saturday (link on the right side). Sunday's tee times will be posted on Saturday after all scores are in. Tournament will end with a lunch where the awards will be announced.

Note: Senior flights will be playing the white tees, however, any senior who plays the blue tees, will also be playing in the Men's division within their flight.

SEE YOU AT THE GOLF COURSE!!!!

A SHORT NINE...

--- Jack Nicklaus used to say that more majors are lost than won. You can say that Ernie Els played a great round to put pressure on Adam Scott, but you can also say that Adam lost his focus and the pressure got to him. Four bogeys to end the day was not his best. Congratulations to Ernie! (By the way.. for all those who like to "draw" the ball: all of the bad misses of the players who fell by the wayside.. were left!!!)

--- Wish Joby Gray, our defending club champion, his best of rounds today. He is in Tulsa qualifying for the U.S. Amateur. If he keeps his composure and focus, he has a very good chance (Note: Joby had a hard time on the greens and shot 81-75 and did not make it)

--- Came to my attention recently: congratulations to Graydon "Grady" Lantz, who bettered his age by 4 last month when he "waxed" a few of his friends with a cool 73! (don't give him strokes!) Other age shooter was Bob Griffith who shot his age of 74!

--- Don't forget: 1) Free lessons to members' kids up to age 13 starting Thursday, July 26, 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.... 2) Sign up for Club Championship (July 28-29) 3) Sign up for Tumbleweed Couples (filling in fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

--- Bedlam Cup matches sponsored by Great Plains National Bank format has been changed: one day (August 25), 27 holes, three formats (2-Man Scramble, 2-Man Best Ball and 2-Man Alternate). Field will be limited to eight teams of 16 golfers (teams can have a minimum of 8 players). Eight Western Oklahoma golf courses will be invited.

--- "Yardage-Course Guide" books available courtesy of several local businesses including several of our members' businesses, which are listed in the link to the right of the page. THANK YOU!

--- Club Championship (36 Holes - Stroke Play) is this weekend. Call in your entry. Saturday we will have preferred tee times for those members who need to work in the morning. The latest tee time will be 2:00 p.m.. Sunday tee times will be in the morning. Men (2-3 flights), Women and senior (2-3 flights of different age groups).

--- Tumbleweed Couples filling is fast. Check the entries on the right side of this page, and if your team is not in, call it in soon! The first 60 paid couples make the field for August 11 and 12! David Dyson and Taylor Neidi, defending champions are already signed up.

--- A new tournament has been added to our schedule: the Love's stores for Children's Miracle Network Scramble will be hosted on Friday, September 14th. More details to follow, but if I was you... I'd start making my team and calling my entry to Billie McGowan at 580-225-9162.

BACK NINE TO FOLLOW SOON!

OILMEN'S TOURNAMENT - AN OILMEN'S FAVORITE

Only companies or people who have ties to the oil industry are invited to this event. That simple. 

Tough spot to hit from, uh!

Andy Blankenship, tournament chairman and Barber-Dyson Ford (represented by David Dyson) did a great job in organizing the tournament and gathering prizes for the participants, most of whom did not go home empty handed: in addition to the prizes for the top three teams in each flight and the winners of the closest to pin and long drive contests, there were around $25,000 worth of door prizes, which included large flat screen t.v.'s, lap top computers, recliners, several $500 gift certificates to local stores, expensive golf equipment, pick up tool boxes, etc.!  


Also, you have the vendors who bring food and refreshments (at least 12 vendors were offering food and/or refreshments) and if you go home thirsty or hungry... well, it is your own fault!


The tournament started promptly at 9:00 a.m. and by 3:00 p.m., everyone was done and in the comfort of the clubhouse's air conditioning, where all the results were posted and all the prizes were awarded to the winners... and the non winners who received door prizes. 


Going around, we saw very good shots, and..... not so good ones.  We saw two almost hole outs from the fairway on #12 from 70 yards, and we saw teams save par from under the tree on #10 (obviously, not a really good tee shot, but great recovery). We saw shots veer off 50 yards wide, and shots that went down the middle of over 300 yards... but we never saw anyone not having fun.

The field was broken into four flights, "A", "B", "C" and "D" according to the scores in the following manner: "A" was formed by the top six teams and ties (there were 36 teams); "B" was formed by the next 8 teams and ties; the next 6 teams and ties made "C" and the remaining teams made the "D" flight. The results were as follows:

"A" - 1st (53) TWO HOT SHOTS; 
         2nd (55) BAKER HUGHES; 
         3rd (58) HUGHES SPECIALTIES.

"B" - 1st (61) TOM'S HOT SHOT;
        2nd (61) REDBONE OIL SERVICES;
        3rd (61) NITEBRIGHT TOWERS

"C" - 1st (63) B.T.I. EQUIPMENT;

"I wish I was playing!! But  I
did not bring my golf hat!"

         2nd (63) J.W. MEASUREMENTS;
         3rd (63) S.F.I.

"D" - 1st (66) CASEDHOLE SOLUTIONS;
         2nd (67) REDMAN SUPPLY;
         3rd (67) COUGHLIN EQUIPMENT.

There were also prizes for closest to the pin in all of the par-3 holes and two long drive contests.

See you next year!

K.E.C.O. - RESULTS

No tournament in Elk City creates so much hype as the KECO-SFI scramble. It might be the prizes, or the amenities or simply because it raises funds for the Red Cross, but the event draws 288 players, and not one complaint... well, maybe one: "why can't we have another tournament like this one tomorrow?"

For some, the difference between praying in
church and praying at the golf course, is that
on the golf course they really mean it!

"We need more putts
to go in!"

Well, the answer might surprise you: Blake Brewer, Chairman of KECO is thinking of turning this into a two day event by having the "A", "B" & "C" flights (maybe add a "D") on Friday and only Championship Flight on Saturday so all can watch. It would be a 72 team tournament on Friday (it is now 72 teams in all) and 20-24 championship teams on a Saturday shootout. I guess we will have to wait and see what Blake and Terry Morse from SFI think: is leaving "good enough" worth it or do you need major changes? Meanwhile, the tournament was a true success.      

You never see this lady
not smiling... never!

The Championship flight had 21 teams and was won by the Taylor Artman's team with a 20 under par score of 51, two shots ahead of 3 teams who scored 53's! After a sudden death playoff among the 53's, William Fogleman's team earned 2nd with a birdie on the 1st playoff hole, Robbie Gipson's team won 3rd in the 3rd playoff hole with a birdie, in 4th, was the team of Nic Bailey. How would you like to shoot 53 and come up empty handed? And just to show you that the championship flight could have gone in many different directions, there were four 54's and five 55's! One putt here or there would have changed results in ways no one can imagine.

Our "big horses" did not disappoint anyone but perhaps themselves and didn't "come in the money". All you can do is do your best and see what happens; Sean Cowan's and Corey Smith's team (defending champions) came in with a 56; Alfred Gaylean's team with a 57; and Dustin Gunkel, whose team recruited Blake Walker who recently scored a 58 on his own ball, posted a 56. Again, Ben Hogan's opinion was right on the mark, "Mr. Hogan, who do you think is going to win today?", "I don't know, that is why they are playing." Thank you guys! We'll continue cheering for you!

"Here, take this back. I don't drink
alcohol when I drive the ball. Give
me a Pepsi like hers"

"Get Close!!"

The "A", "B" and "C" flights were very competitive as well. The "A" flight was won by Southwest Overhead Garage Doors with a 54. They were followed by Barber-Dyson Ford and Heath Martin's team with 55's. Barber Dyson Ford won scorecard playoff for 2nd.

In the "B" Flight, Clark Callaway's team tied with Joe Post Construction with a 60, with Callaway winning the scorecard playoff. In a tie for 3rd, with 61's we had Ace, Chuck's, Rt 66 Sweet Spot, S&T Oilfield and Thru Tubing Solutions.  Rt. 66 won the scorecard playoff to win 3rd place outright.

Who says superstition is
not part of golf?

"I like it better in the cart.
Now I can relax and
watch the good players!"

In the "C" flight, there was a tie for first with 64's we had six teams: Ann Cowan, D.J. DeLeon, Myofascial Pain Clinic, S&W Oilfield Services, Tom Scrivner and the old formed, but newly renamed team of "NOOF" (you will have to ask Dr. Dave Bank for the meaning of the acronym). After the scorecard playoff, the results for first, second and third were: Tom Scrivner, S&W Oilfield and Myofascial Pain Clinic in that order.

BACKSPIN & TOPSPIN

BACKSPIN...
---Now that Anya is out of the "Big Break", I will miss the "get togethers" with all of the members who joined us seven straight Monday nights at the club. It was fun! The day she got eliminated I was on the road to Wisconsin to watch her play in the U.S. Women's Open and I watched the show at a restaurant on the road. It was not a good feeling. It is ironic that when she started playing better, it is when she ended up being eliminated. That is golf, and that is what happens in "reality shows", it does not always work quite the way you think it should be... not that I should be partial, uh?

While in the Big Break she didn't putt very well, she putted very well in the Open. Her problem was the driver which is usually pretty solid, however, this time, while she hit it solid, it was all over the place. Tough to play golf when you have no clue where the ball is going off the tee. Had she been missing one way, it would have been easy to correct, but she was missing right or left, and it was just a guess. It reminded me of Tiger a few weeks ago when he said after missing a cut: "I have Sean Foley's downswing and Hank Haney's backswing. Kind of tough playing that way". Pretty much the same frame of mind for Anya. Her scores of 82-82, included no three putts at all. Ben Hogan was right in saying that the most important club in the bag is the driver because it sets up the way you must play the hole. Anya's plans are to continue practicing  and playing. 

---Thank you to Blake Walker, Dustin Gunkel, Jeremy Gray, Jordan Williamson (73-75/148), Paul Gunkel, Brad Gilbert, Blake Brewer, Greg Dodson, Brian Carnes, Ricky Nagle, Sy Freeman and Mike Proctor for representing Elk City Golf & C.C. in the Dodge City Individual Invitational last weekend. Blake Walker was best among our members by finishing second in the Championship flight after scores of 67-72/139. Dustin also played very solid with a 71-73 for an even par 144.

TOP SPIN...
Keep the ball rolling forward by being aware of what is coming up:
--- KECO (this coming Saturday. We have 72 teams, 20 of which will be in the Championship Flight). Last year's winners had a 51!!! If you are not playing, come and watch!! - Championship Flight goes out in the afternoon at 1:00 p.m.). Dinner and players' party will precede the tournament on Friday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Elks Club. We will publish tee times and pairings in our "Links to Elk City Favorites" section on the right by Wednesday night.

--- The following Friday (July 20), we have the "Oilman's Tournament". 36-40 teams will tee it up! Lots of door prizes.

--- As last year, the Club Championship (36 holes, stroke play) will be flighted and will be the same weekend for men and women. This year, if there are enough players, we will have two senior flights: 50-64 and 65 and over. All players 49 and under, will be flighted as well. Defending champions are: Joby Gray (Men's Champion); Ann Cowan (Women); Harry Payne (Seniors); Paul Gunkel (A Flight); Don Murphey (B Flight). Tournament is set for July 28-29. There will be a Match Play Championship at a later date TBA.

--- Tumbleweed Twosome is already drawing several couples. Call to sign up as soon as you can. A list of players who are already signed up will be listed in the Favorites Section on the right of this page later this week.

--- GPN Bank's Bedlam Cup was moved from October to August. This year there are some changes, some of which are worth noting here:
a) It will be one day only (Saturday, August 25)
b) Players will invited at low or very little cost
c) Elk City will qualify two teams to represent the two branches in Elk City, but they will be playing against each other
d) The Club Championship and a later event will help us qualify and select our team. More details available later in July.
e) As last year, it will be match play, but play will be in different formats (the tournament will be played at 27 or 36 holes in one day and each nine holes will have a different format: formats being considered are "Best Ball", "Alternate Shots", "Scramble", "Aggregate" or Individual). IT WILL BE FUN!!