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!

OILMAN'S TOURNAMENT-PARTY.... A SUCCESS

The day was sunny and warm, and nothing like the beginning of the week when thunderstorms and constant rain would have made this tournament impossible to happen.

Thirty six teams (144 players) made up the field for the annual Oilman's Tournament... with dozens of volunteers and thirteen, yes, thirteen companies who came to cook and offer drinks for all the participants. You could literally be on any hole and drive you cart a few yards and get a bbq rib, or a sausage or a steak and anything in between, or bottled water or soft drinks, and gifts. From 6:30 a.m. to the time the players were finished at 3:30 p.m., you could have breakfast, lunch and then an early dinner.

And, of course, as in every tournament here, you could hear music across every fairway from the various carts who have radios, or from the vendors themselves. In Western Oklahoma there is no, "quiet please, I'm hitting" fore shouts. There is only smiles, golf, camaraderie, friendships, all accompanies by fairly music and a little golf. Scrambles are parties, and whether the prizes are $10,000 or $1,000, the music never stops in Elk City. You want quiet during your round? Don't come to Elk City; you want to attend a party and have fun? This is the place.

In this tournament, no one leaves the course without some sort of gift. In addition to the "goodie bag" which includes gifts totaling $50 or more, the players come back to the clubhouse to the biggest drawing held at Elk City Golf & C.C. every year courtesy of phone calls, and phone calls by Andy Blankenship (tournament director), James Atkinson and all of their friends. This year, there were easily $25,000 or more of gifts, you could win anywhere from a dozen of Titleist ProV1 balls, to many $300 clubs, sets of clubs, grills, TV's, and $50 to $500 gift certificates and more.

All of which makes the tournament prizes for the winners look small... but they aren't!

David Dyson (Barber-Dyson Ford) and Erika Elston, representing GPN Bank, led the drawing as soon as players finished while the tournaments winners were being determined at the back of the loud banquet room, all of which required the help of Andy Blankenship and James Atkinson and others, both, to call the winning tickets as well as calling teams who were in scorecard playoffs. But in the end, all worked out and we will have to wait to next year to see if the Andy, James, David and the folks from GPN Bank can outdo themselves.

The thirty six teams were divided in 4 flights, with three winners in each flight. There is no time for playoffs here., so if there is a tie, the winners are determined by a scorecard playoff starting at a hole drawn from the pile of scorecards by one of the players. This year, the flight break downs were as follows: "A" 56-60, "B" 61-63, "C" 64-66 and "D" 67 and over, and after all was finished, the winners were as follows:

"A" Flight:
56 - IMPACT SERVICES
59 - Baker Hughes
59 - Milford Pipe

"B" Flight:
62 - ENTZ CHEMICAL
62 - C.U.D.D. Pressure Services
62 - Thru Tubing

"C" Flight:
64 - J & A OILFIELD
64 - Two Hot Shots
64 - C.D.L. Construction

"D" Flight:
67 - NATIONAL OILWELL
67 - Powell's Services
67 - Coghlin

LOCAL UPDATES....

PEOPLE
- Congratulations to Brad & Dayva Spitzer, who last weekend, as we were hosting the KECO, placed second in the Weatherford Couples Invitational. They shot 64-66 and lost by one.

- Good luck to Joby Gray, Jeremy Gray & Jordan Williamson, they are on their way to Wichita, KS to play the qualifier for the U.S. Amateur at Whichita C.C. The U.S. Amateur, the premier amateur tournament in the world, will be played at The Country Club, in Brookline, Massachusetts in August 12-18. Wouldn't it be cool if we get to cheer for one or more of our local golfers where our professional players made the greatest comeback of all time in the Ryder Cup (1999) and where the first American amateur, Francis Ouimet, won the U.S. Open against the greatest golfers of his time? Play well guys! (Note: Berek Dyson will be caddying for his former Elk City H.S. teammate... lets see some good karma here!)

- Ann Cowan is off to Oklahoma City to play in the WOGA State Championship. Practice round was cancelled yesterday due to the rain. The tournament is being played at The Greens. Play well Ann!

- Allen Robinson is back in action! We saw him play with wife Kathy and best friends and in-laws Larry & Lana Hudgens!

- Smiley Bob Griffith is back in Elk City after a little scare last week, and recovering at home,.... and as always, in good hands with wife Linda! But friends, don't quit praying!

TOURNAMENTS
- This Friday we will host the annual "Oilman's Tournament" which, as it's name says, it is only for people in the oil (and gas) industry work force. This is a tournament as well as a party with lots of prizes (no one leaves here without a prize). It is great camaraderie as well as friendly competition. Last year, the overall winners were the team of COUGAR OIL won the event with a 52. Andy Blankenship is Tournament Director. As always, there will be plenty of delicious food!

- Wednesday, July 24, Junior Tournament. Ages 6-16 hosted and sponsored by 3-B Pumping (Bart Barnett & Fam.). Brad Harguess, a specialty chef in hamburger cooking, will be broiling the hamburgers for the kids that day. We will have caps for the first 36 juniors who sign up! Also, parents, we need some volunteers for the scoring! The sooner you all sign (juniors and parents), the better we can plan for enough food for everyone!

- Next week, on the last weekend of July (July 27-28), we will host the Club Championship. Entries are light now, but we expect good participation. Folks, this is YOUR tournament, your championship. We encourage you to enter, the men's and women's divisions are flighted. We have four divisions: Men, Seniors, Super Seniors and Women. Defending champions, in that order are: Russ Smith, Ron Smith, Grady Lantz & Haley Gunkel. Greg Dodson, Danny Teel & Betty Maine were the winners of the men's, "A", "B" and Women's "A" flights respectively. All participants receive a tournament memento.

- And, coming sooner than you think!!!!!!! Our popular Tumbleweed Couples will be played in August 10-11. Kati Womack and Ann Cowan will continue to chair the event. Entries are open now, so call asap, it fills quickly! David & Rachel Poole will be defending their title.

K.E.C.O. - S.F.I. Results

When it comes to enjoying golf, competition and excitement, not many places can compare to friendly Elk City, OK!!!! Wow!

The 16th K.E.C.O. - S.F.I. tournament started and ended with a great show. First, on Friday night, the day before the "main event", Blake Brewer, Tournament Director, invited 13 championship caliber players for a friendly and competitive "horse race" that turned out pretty exciting, particularly when two of our members and local favorites, smiley Dustin Gunkel and soft spoken Cory Smith were in the last four golfers competing for the first three places. Up to that moment, Dustin was the hottest player in the field, with four birdies in the first 5 holes. 

It was not to be for Dustin, who lost the chipoff against Cory and eventual winner, Raleigh Hughes on #16. Cory was eliminated on #17 and placed third (the horse race was on the back nine), when his downwind tee shot hit on the back of the green and rolled another 20 feet and could not get it up and in to a front hole location.

On the last hole, the short par 5 #18, Raleigh was only a few feet from a disastrous out of bounds, and not only managed an approach to 45 feet, but ended the race with a perfect putt to the center of the cup for eagle to defeat Lane Branum with about 40-50 people watching. Off to a great steak dinner for all tournament participants, a good rest and expectations for Saturday's round. By the way, the dinner yielded over $3,500 for a local charity!

The tournament hosted 22 teams in the Championship flight and 50 teams for the "A", "B" and "C" flights, and all flights were very competitive, and while the last score was posted at about 7:30 p.m., the tournament was not over! While the winner in the Championship Flight had been determined by the outstanding score of 51 by Nic Bailey, Doug Dixon, Jay Shutler & Brad Durr, three other teams had tied for second place only one shot back, which meant a playoff for 2nd, 3rd and 4th!

Among these three teams was the only local team out of three that made it to the top 5, the team of our former club professional Cory Smith, his brother Russ Smith and close friends Sean Cowan and Joel Burlson. This meant that the gallery of about 80 would not only be big, but it would have a team to really cheer for, and off they went to #10.

The format called for a scramble and sudden death playoff with the rotation of #10, #11 and #18; also, for each hole that the playoff continues, teams drop a player from their lineup until only one player represents a team. All teams tied #10, Elk City dropped Sean Cowan. The team of Keith Pasby, Stetson McMillior, Kyle Robin & Conner Smith eagled #11 and won 2nd place.

Elk City, not surprisingly for me, but to the disappointment of many who would like to have seen the two brothers come up #18, dropped Russ (I feel that it was a gentlemanly thing to do, since Joel came from out of town to join their friends). Cory made a great 8 footer to tie and off they went to #10, where Cory would be the last player. The sun had already given us its last light of the day 15 minutes before, so, with members' carts lights shinning on the surface of the 10th green, Cory again, made a 10 footer that ended the playoff when Ben Blundell could not convert a five footer. It was 9:20 p.m. and the group had not lost anyone in the gallery!

The rest of the results are as follows (all ties in "A", "B" and "C" flights were determined by a scorecard playoff starting at a hole drawn by a player in front of all concerned):

"A": 1st (54) Lucky Star Casino, 2nd (56) EFS #3, 3rd (57) First Choice Homes, T4th (57) L&R Tire and (57) Puckett Foods.

"B": 1st (60) Steve Welch, 2nd (60) EFS #2, 3rd (60) Bigby Energy, T 4th (60) Ronnie Smith, MLB Consulting and Barber Dyson Ford.

"C": 1st (66) Wellmark, 2nd (66) S&K-S&W, 3rd (66) BVG Construction, 4th (66) Post Construction.

Now, the only two things to think about are.... The OILMAN'S coming up next week and closing the month with a junior tournament on the 24th and the Club Championship on the 27th and 28th!!

Note: Rowdy Nagle, who has been our "right hand" in the shop for the last 16 months or so, will be leaving us at the end of this month in order to pursue college education in Oklahoma City. We are happy for him.... but we will miss him!!

More photos in this post to follow. You can see our 2013 KECO-SFI album in facebook

FIRECRACKER TOURNAMENT RESULTS... deja-vu

Aaron Kauk, Tyler Windsor, Terry Schones
(who shed a tear or two), Caoch Brain Hunt,
Dustin Gunkel & Van Storm.

Anyone who says a mulligan does not help, better think again. That said, when you have players shooting in the 50's, I don't care if they took a mulligan or two, that is some serious golfing.

The "One Man Mulligan" tournament, which at the beginning of the week only had a few entries, ended up with 70 players, with a "deja vu" group out of which we had the individual winner for today's event:

Twenty some years ago, just like we did the last four years, Elk City had a very good golf team that won its share of tournaments and state championships. Four of those players in the 90's were Tyler Windsor, Van Storm, Aaron Kauk and Dustin Gunkel; their coach was Brian Hunt, who is now coach in Canute, OK.

Well, these five got together again and not only enjoyed the great weather and each other's company and great scores, but also the company of several of the local supporters who wanted a little taste of nostalgia. In all, it was a fitting end: one of these players' scores ended up in a tie for first and then won in a playoff!

Dustin Gunkel, who now plays golf only part time (his line of work has him working 2 weeks in, 2 weeks off), had a 57, matching Alfred "Thumper" Gaylean, and off they went to a playoff which started -and ended- on #18. With about three dozen people watching -
some from the deck that faces #18 and some who drove all the way with them-, Dustin Gunkel holed from about 6 feet for an eagle 3, while Thumper had previously missed a 12 footer for a 3 as well.

This is not a "serious" tournament (obviously not with mulligans), however, the competition is dead serious for all, particularly for the better players who want bragging rights for the next 12 months, as both golfers have had many significant golf accomplishments in western Oklahoma and are well known for their skill and friendship as well.

Just one shot behind, at 58, were Joby Gray and Mark Fairchild, one young golfer who is coming of age, and one mature golfer who also has had his share of accomplishments. A shot back at 59, was senior golfer Eddie Davis.

"This is Juloy 4th, isn't it?"

The complete results, which recognized gross and net, were as follows:

GROSS:
1.- (57) Dustin Gunkel
2.- (58) Mark Fairchild
3.- (59) Eddie Davis
4.- (61) Joel Paden
5.- (62) Cole Bynum
6.- (63) Craig Martin
7.- (65) Rusty Wilson
8.- (66)T Tyler Windsor, Ann Cowan

NET (Gross Score in Parenthesis):
1.- 57 (57) Alfred "Thumper" Gaylean
2.- 58 (58) Joby Gray
3.- 60 (60) Jordan Williamson
4.- 62 (62) David Poole
5.- 62 (62) Heath Barnett
6.- 63 (63) Rachel Poole
7.- 64 (70)T Brian Hunt, Jeff Donaghey

(Note: Tiebreakers were as follows: low score combination wins tie, for instance, a gross of 70 and net of 64 wins the tie against a gross of 72 and net of 64. If tie persists, lowest nine wins tie, otherwise, prizes split).

For other pictures, visit our Facebook page.

4th of July Tournament Results

Part of the gallery.... (had left my wide angle in the shop)

To say that the conclusion of this year's "4th of July Tournament" was "exciting", would be a gross  understatement. It finished with a "big bang", or more appropriately, with "fireworks" if you will.

I had been doing the scoreboard for the better part of two and a half hours, and wishing I was on the golf course watching the last few holes of the Championship Flight, and see if any of our locals had a chance, when Ann Cowan came in and said to me that Joby Gray had just missed a

Joby teeing off during the playoff
looks in form.

short putt to win the tournament outright and that he would be in a playoff against Eric Fox, the first day's leader.

Eric Fox reading his putt on #1

The tournament's scores had already brought some excitement and good light hearted moments from fellow golfers gathering around the scoreboard as a couple of players had been "bumped" to another flight for scoring significantly lower than the day before, but did so with great
character and pride. Matt Salazar, who is a proud member of our military and a very good golfer, had had a bad day -for his skill-, on Saturday by scoring an 82, but came back with a 72.

Joby's approach to 12 feet earned him a
pressure matching birdie 

As well, Brad Spitzer, who started with an 83, came back with a 74. Both players were in the last group of the "B" flight and by #15 or #16, knew that if they finished strong, they would be "bumped". They didn't care: they came to play as best as they could and did, and got bumped to the "A" flight, giving room in the "B" flight for two others to come "in the money". Hats off to these two players! Back to the playoff...

Eric's tee shot on #3 found the rough
and could not recover

After spending a few minutes giving the respective prizes to those players who had to travel back to their hometown (all the other flights' results had been decided), I went to do my job as referee of a playoff at my course, and more importantly (remember, I am a golfer too!), I went watch the playoff! 

Joby's tee shot found the fairway,
approached to 16 feet and two
putted for his win.

As a golfer, I was not disappointed at all as there was great golf
played; and as the local head professional, I was very happy that one of our members and a "popular golf son" of a new generation of Elk City golfers, ended up on top: Joby Gray, who made up four shots in the last round by scoring a closing 68, and then won a sudden death playoff that lasted three holes by scoring 4,3,4 against Eric's scores of 4,3,5. More on the playoff later, for now, allow me to publish all of the results: 

Championship Flight:

1st - Joby Gray 72-68/140 (4,3,4)

2nd - Eric Fox 68-72/140 (4,3,5)

3rd - Andrew Albert 69-73/142

4th - Robert Parker 73-71/144

"A" Flight
1st - Mike Chambless 75-72/147

2nd - Aaron Kauk 74-78/152

T3rd - Michael Robinson 78-76/154, Trey Scales 74-80/154, Matt Salazar 82-72/154 (Matt was "bumped from the "B" Flight)

"B" Flight

1st - Rod Little 84-78/162

T2nd - Brady Baker 83-80/163, Minvesh Bhathela 82-81/163

4th - Ann Cowan 85-80/165

("Bumped" - Matt Salazar with 154 and Brad Spitzer 157)

"C" Flight

1st - Chris Stark 88-83/171

2nd - Rich Hammonds 87-86/171

3rd - Ricky Marr 89-88/177

4th - Don Murphey 88-92/180

("Bumped" - Chris Pearson, 166)

Finishing Comments:

Watching the playoff was very rewarding in other ways as well: I see Joby almost every day, and even when I do not see him, many times he "texts" or calls to see if I can leave a bucket or two of range balls for him to practice after we are closed when the weather is a bit cooler during this time of the year, but let's not misunderstand here, cooler weather is not why he does it, the reason is daylight! There is not enough daylight for him for enough golf. 

Anyway, now I am free to share the following story: On Saturday afternoon, when I was doing the Sunday pairings, Joby came to visit and asked who was I going to put in the last group for Sunday. Joby had finished day one with a 72, and was tied for fourth with Bobby Connell, but unknown to Joby, I had already decided the last group: I had 7 golfers to pair, and wanted a foursome following a threesome and not the other way around, and had also decided who of the two 72's would be in the last group: Joby.

Before his visit, I had decided this for several reasons, from practicality to making groups that would be comfortable with each other, to possibly enhancing the last pairing for those who wanted to follow the last group. I made none of this known to Joby, but by the tone of voice in his question, it was evident that he wanted to persuade me to do what I had already decided to do, nevertheless, I did not readily "agree" and allowed him to "convince me", which "he did" when he said, convincingly, confidently, yet, not cocky or braggadocios, "If you put me in the last group, I promise I'll win this thing. If the last group is a foursome, please put me there". I did (as "requested"), and he did (as he promised), even if after some dramatic moments. Anyway, I knew that there was no guarantee that he would win, but I knew that he really wanted to give it his best and that win or lose, he should have the opportunity to be there. If I was a coach and a player comes to me and says, "put me in, I want to win and another one says, I'll do whatever you want me to do", I'll sit the second player down. He did not disappoint himself. Congratulations! 

Note: I have to congratulate and thank the gallery (over two dozen people) during the playoff, most of whom were local, and obviously wishing for Joby to win. Nevertheless, all of them recognized that two good players had earned that place and were respectful of both as players during the playoff. For instance, when Eric hit hit approach on #1, everyone clapped and cheered. As well, when Eric holed out for birdie on #2, everyone clapped. In both instances, when Joby responded, they also clapped and cheered, and even though Joby's response was exciting because of the significance of the moment, out of respect for the visitor, no one overdid it. Thank you! You all showed great class!

Sorry if I got a little long above, but the circumstances and the story above was what Paul Harvey would have called, "The Rest of the Story! so, Good Day!" (perhaps only shorter)