The Midwest Classic at Blackwolf Run

Paul C. Gomez, Kohler, WI (May 19, 2014)

Home of the famed Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run River and Blackwolf Run Meadow Valleys courses, this is a golfer's paradise and perhaps one of the most scenic destinations the AM Tour visits. Home of an upcoming PGA Championship and to the previous LPGA US Open, Arkansas players came prepared for challenging conditions and courses.  They were not disappointed!

Senior Championship flight player, Bob Brooks of Bella Vista, AR started the two day event with a birdie on his first hole on the spectacular River Course and rolled along at even par for his first seven holes.  Things started looking

Bob Brooks

shaky through his 8th through 11th holes going six over par in four holes.  But just like a reigning national champion should, he buckled down and birdied the next two holes shooting five over par his first day.  Day two was the round Brooks needed to secure his victory with a round that "could have been."  Four birdies secured a round of +3 and a two day total of +8 (152) which gave him a five stroke victory!  Congratulations, Bob!
  
Two Senior Hogan players from Bella Vista, AR also made the trip to compete against other 8.0-11.9 handicappers!  Having already qualified for the 2014 National Championship tournament at Talking Stick and Grayhawk in Scottsdale, Arizona, Tom Stephens of Bella Vista could just enjoy the amazing golf!  Stephens finished tied for 11th place. Both Stephens and Ron Stratton, also of Bella Vista, played competitively in a field of 20 players. Stratton finished in 15th place in his first experience at a Major Championship.

Senior Hogan player Craig Merrill of Roland, AR battled health issues during the weekend but played with heart against other 16.0-17.9 handicappers and finished in 12th place. Also competing in Kohler was Palmer Flight player Matt McClain of Decatur, AR, who finished tied for 16th in the 4.0-7.9 handicap flight.  

The next Arkansas tour event is The Shootout at The Highlands.