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!