The AM Tour went to the Winstar Golf course in Thackerville, OK last weekend for a 180 player battle for ten trophies in The Red River Shootout. The Arkansas Tour represented well by winning two of the ten first place trophies.
The weather was refreshingly not-hot for the two days and the wind didn't howl for most of the weekend as typical for an open Oklahoma course. This made it possible for some great rounds in all flights. Six open flights and four senior flights competed over the two day event.
Sarazen Flight (12.1-15.9) It was going to take either a spectacular second day round or some real help from the first round leader for Kirby Rogers of Muldrow, OK to come back from behind. Rogers was back four strokes and tied for third with a good score for his flight - an 82. Instead, Rogers proved that steady wins the race as he shot a second 82 and edged out the first round leader by one stroke. His first place victory came with no birdies or eagles, 4 double bogeys, and 12 bogies. However, he made 20 pars. Rogers said he had some great “up and downs” all weekend to save par. Congratulations, Kirby!
Senior Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) Sleeping with a five stroke lead might make some players nervous. But for Dennis Baxter of Bella Vista, AR, it proved to not be his demise. A first round 79 was spectacular for his flight and included three birdies! But he would not run away with the event. He was thrust into a playoff when someone shot a 78 on the second day to force while Baxter finished bogey-bogey. On the second hole of the playoff, Baxter for the first time all weekend parred hole #2 to win the flight. Baxter said he kept his driver in the bag and played conservatively. He played the par 3's at 2 over par for both days! Baxter said it helps that he loves playing the AM Tour and the people he gets to play with. Congratulations, Dennis!
Sarazen Flight (12.1-15.9) It was going to take either a spectacular second day round or some real help from the first round leader for Kirby Rogers of Muldrow, OK to come back from behind. Rogers was back four strokes and tied for third with a good score for his flight - an 82. Instead, Rogers proved that steady wins the race as he shot a second 82 and edged out the first round leader by one stroke. His first place victory came with no birdies or eagles, 4 double bogeys, and 12 bogies. However, he made 20 pars. Rogers said he had some great “up and downs” all weekend to save par. Congratulations, Kirby! 
