The Battle at Fort Smith

Paul C. Gomez, Alma, AR (April 12, 2014)

After what seemed like the most oppressive winter for golf (read two snow cancelations), the AM Tour of Arkansas finally started the spring season.  The weather in Alma was perfect if not a bit windy.  The greens were fast and the competition was on! The results of these rounds would have been all different if there were a "triple-bogey" maximum rule.  This is why the AM Tour plays GOLF!

Flight Winners

Palmer Flight: (4.0-7.9) – It turned out to be a front nine

Scot Carter

battle between Scot Carter of Bella Vista, AR and Matt McClain of Decatur, AR.  Both players battled the fast greens and increasing winds on the back side to shoot 6 over par.  The three stroke difference between the two came down to one big hole on the front side.  Carter held on the entire back side never trailing once and shot 79. Carter said all day long he was glad to two-putt any of the fast greens with treacherous hole locations.  Carter also won the low net  Showcase Trophy and Awards  Tournament Champion competition against the entire field.



Senior Hogan Flight: (8.0-11.9) – One is not only the loneliest number, but it's the number Tom Stephens of Bella 

Tom Stephens

Vista, AR was better than Ron Stratton of Bella Vista, AR on each nine holes to secure his first victory on the Am Tour!  Golfin' buddies back home, Stratton made his first appearance on the AM Tour. "The round started great with a birdie on #1 and stayed positive all day" said Stephens.  Stephens' 41-43 was enough for a two stroke victory.  This is Stephens' first victory after only two tries!  

Senior Sarazen Flight: (12.0-15.9) –  "This is why you play

Dennis Baxter

every hole" said Dennis Baxter of Bella Vista, AR after winning the Senior Sarazen Flight by only two strokes after Kerry Greer of Oklahoma City, OK had a rough 18th hole to end his round.  Baxter, a seasoned competitor, has been there before, and not always on the winning end.  Baxter wins his first event of the 2014 season with this victory!

Jones Flight: (16.0-19.9) – It was a three man race to the finish in the Jones flight with some of it also coming down to

Michael Mortari

the last hole.  Craig Merrill of Roland, AR jumped out to an early lead by taking a 3-shot lead over the field.  His 18th hole also cost him the trophy. Brian Enos of Farmington, AR made a run for the trophy by starting the back nine with a birdie. A big number on #14 dashed his hopes.  In the end, it was Michael Mortari of Dixon, MO who took the trophy by avoiding any big numbers on the back nine.  Mortari has played twelve events since November and this makes his third victory! 

Scot Carter - Tournament Champion with a +3 net score 

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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