Arkansas takes three first place trophies at the Payne Stewart Major Championship!
Paul C. Gomez, Branson, MO (May 22, 2011) Three first day leaders didn't let the pressure of being overnight leader keep them from taking home Crystal!
Championship Flight (0-3.9) – Michael Dryer from Bella Vista, AR was defending champion and day one leader, but things started slipping on his final 9 holes. Dryer said his playing partners made great saving pars as the winds started gusting through the Ozarks making things tough. Dryer made some par saving putts of his own and a birdies on his 16th hole to take home the trophy by one stroke with a 74-79 (153) and qualify for the National Championships at PGA West in La Quinta, CA.
Al Smith of Cabot, AR just missed qualifying by one stroke in the Championship Flight. Smith's 77-81 (158) was good for fourth place.
Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) –Wayne Baldwin of Russellville, AR took his new irons to Payne Stewart Golf Club and also held on to an overnight lead. Baldwin said he managed to keep it in play and take advantage of the great shape the course was in. Baldwin's 85-85 (170) was a six point lead over second place and also qualifies for the National Championships in September.
Patrick Runions of Rogers, AR tied for fourth place while
Brian Smith of Rogers, AR and
Amory Cole of Jonesboro, AR placed seventh and eighth, respectively.
Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – Brian Buchanan of Cabot, AR played his first major on the AM Tour and qualified for Nationals by shooting 88-85 (173) and taking third place.
Dan Nieman of Rogers, AR placed 16th.
)David Snow of Bentonville, AR placed 9th in the Senior Hogan flight and
Russell Ingle of Bella Vista, AR placed 14th.
Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9)John Tusieseina of Conway, AR placed eighth in the Sarazen flight and
Craig Merrill placed twelfth in the Senior Sarazen Flight.
Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) Richard Ulrich of Bentonville, AR tied for second place in the Jones flight missing first place by one stroke! Ulrich felt confident coming into the Major and his confidence paid off shooting 96-96 (192) and earning a spot in the National Championship!
Joe Tomandao of Rogers, AR placed sixth and
Carl Imhof of Rogers, AR placed tenth.
Senior Snead Flight (20.0 +) – Dennis Baxter of Bella Vista, AR was the third Arkansan who slept on a lead after day one and told himself he would just need to have fun and relax. Baxter shot a 97-99 (196) to win his flight by three strokes. Baxter said he just told himself to stay positive no matter how bad things seem, stay in the moment and smile!
Pat Cashin of Dora, MO placed second with a 99-100 (199) and also qualifies for Nationals.
David Pemberton of Huntsville, AR placed seventh and
Don Mayberry of Rogers, AR placed eighth.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO QUALIFY!
The "second half" of the season starts with our next event at
The Highlands in Bella Vista, AR on June 18th. The "second half" contest gives newer players to the Tour to still have an opportunity to qualify for Nationals.
