The Highlands at Bella Vista

Paul C. Gomez, Bella Vista, AR (June 18, 2011)  While most people were wondering if Rory McIlroy would finish what he started and whether the President and Speaker of the House could start any kind of negotiations, it proved to be finishing that made all the difference at The Highlands at Bella Vista.  A combination of short but tight fairways and long par three's made it a challenge for players of all skill levels!

Flight Winners:

Kelly Sudduth

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – Making up a six stroke deficit after 12 holes, Kelly Sudduth of Bentonville, AR finished the last six holes one under par to shoot 80 and win his first event of 2011.  Brian Smith of Rogers, AR, Patrick Runions of Rogers, AR., and Chuck Rummel of Hatifield AR all tied for second with an 83.

Dan Nieman

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – Dan Nieman of Bella Vista, AR and Mike Quesenberry of Wentzville, MO both had a stretch of five pars through holes 12 and 13 respectively, but Nieman's 3 stroke lead after 9 was just enough to hold off Quesenberry's one stroke better back nine.  This is Nieman's 2nd victory in 2011.

Richard Ainsworth

Senior Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) After 13 holes, only 2 strokes separated the top 3 leaders, but Richard Ainsworth of Maumelle, AR played the last five holes only one over par proving to be enough to win his 2nd event of the year.  David Snow of Bentonville, AR edged out Keith Vess of Russellville, AR for second place.

Dan Freeman

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) Daniel Freeman of Russellville, AR and John Tusieseina of Maumelle, AR battled to the end. Through 12 holes they were tied, but Freeman's back nine was four strokes better to overcome his one stroke deficit at the turn.  Freeman earns his first victory of 2011 with this win.

Richard Ulrich

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – Another tight race to the end in Jones flight was settled on the last 3 holes.  Richard Ulrich of Bentonville, AR and Joe Tomandao of Rogers, AR were tied and only two strokes ahead of  Carl Imhof of Rogers, AR with only six holes to play.  Ulrich was able to hold on to win by one over Imhof and 2 over Tomandao.  This is Ulrich's 3rd victory of the year.

Hank Hecksher

Senior Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) A strong four par finish by Hank Hecksher of Rogers, AR was enough to come from behind to beat Steven Rousseau of Springfield, MO by three strokes and win his first event of 2011.  Good finish Hank!  Michael Petersen of Ozark, AR finished third.

Dennis Baxter

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – Dennis Baxter of Bella Vista, AR turned in the solid performance of the day avoiding the dreaded "other" along with 10 pars to edge out  Mike Calhoun of Rogers, AR who also played well by two strokes.  Baxter was only one back after 9, and remained there through 14 holes.  Hole 15 was the difference maker with Baxter overtaking Calhoun and holding on to finish.  Baxter's victory is his first local victory after winning the Payne Stewart Major Championship in Branson.

Maximum Performance  Tournament Champion - This year's Player of the Year Award will be based on net scores against the entire field based on a player's lowest index.  Dennis Baxter's performance earned him the Maximum Performance Tournament Championship with a remarkable net -8.  Mike Calhoun placed second at -4 net.

Skins Results:

Palmer Flight: Patrick Runions (2), Kelly Sudduth (2), Chuck Rummel (1), Brian Smith (1)

Hogan Flight: Chad Linam (1), D. Nieman (2), Quesenberry (2), Robert Tillman (2), Mike Lewis (1)

Senior Hogans: Richard Ainsworth (3), Dale Stringer (3), Keith Vess (2), David Snow (2)

Sarazen Flight: Daniel Freeman (5),  Ralph Santopietro (2), Danny Miller (1),  John Tusieseina (1)

Jones Flight: Jeremey Sudduth (3), Carl Imhof (3), Joe Tomandao (2) 

Snead Flight:  Sam Reeves (3), Mike Calhoun (1), Dennis Baxter (2)

For a complete list of results and pictures visit our GCAT Facebook Page or go to the results site. 

For more information about the GCAT of Arkansas:

Paul C. Gomez

Arkansas Director, Golf Channel AM Tour

917-553-3814

pgomez@GCAmTour.com