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).

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