Country Club of Arkansas Results

We avoided the rain and wind and the GCAT of Arkansas came to play!

Paul C. Gomez, Maumelle, AR (April 23, 2011)  Spring golf is full of surprises.  Our surprise was that we got no rain, gentle winds, and a challenging course to play no matter the tee boxes!  The course was green, if wet, and the greens were slick!

Flight Winners:

Al Smith

Championship Flight (0-3.9) – .Al Smith  of Cabot, AR plays the kind of golf game that most would love to play -  predictably boring fairways and greens.  A +2 front and a +2 back yielded him Championship Flight Champion with a 76.  Al played the par 3's one over par, the par 4's two over par, and the par 5's one over par to edge out John Garrett of Cincinnati, OH who finished with a +6 78.  Garrett turned in his best tour performance to date.

Jim Badovinac

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – The Hogan flight remains our largest this year with 11 competitors in Maumelle.  First through third place were separated by only two strokes!  It looked like Dan Nieman of Bella Vista, AR was going to run away with it after 9 when he was even par!  But Jim Badovinac, of Harrison, AR would not relent and turned in a +5 on the back to make up the 3 stroke deficit.  His birdie-birdie start on the back nine gave him the one stroke edge to take first place with a +9 (80).  Brian Buchanan  of Cabot, AR also made a charge, bu the par 5's kept him from taking the lead. His +10 (82) was good for third place!

Craig Merrill

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) Craig Merrill of Roland, AR made hay on the par 3's playing them even par which proved to be the big difference earning him his second victory on the GC Am Tour of Arkansas!  He, Charles Moore of Cabot, AR, and Jake Badovinac of Harrison, AR were only two strokes apart after 9, but Merrill hung in during the back to claim the victory!

Michael Petersen

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – Michael Petersen of Ozark, AR did it again!  Petersen's +5 front nine is what really won him the event leading the field by 4.  Interestingly, the entire flight was only four strokes apart on the back nine, so Petersen's front nine 41 was the buffer he needed for the victory.  Joe Tomandao of Rogers, AR placed second with a balanced 46-47 (93). 

Maximum Performance Tournament Champion  - This year's Player of the Year Award is be based on net scores against the entire field based on a player's lowest index.  Tournament Champion by one stroke with a net 71 was Jim Badovinac, of Harrison, AR who just edged out Craig Merrill of Roland, AR who shot a net even par 72!  Third place with a net +1 (73) was Michael Petersen of Ozark, AR.

Skins Results:

Championship Flight: Ben Loftis (2), John Garrett (1), Nick Holder (1), Wayne Baldwin (1)

Hogan Flight: John Tusieseina (1), Dan Nieman (1)

Sarazen Flight: Craig Merrill (6), Charles Moore (2), Jake Badovinac (3)

Jones Flight: Michael Petersen (3), Scott Bundrick (2), Joe Tomandao (1),  Richard Ulrich (1), Sam Reeves (1)

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

Player of the Year FAQ's

The Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Arkansas would like to welcome Dr. Scott Bennington and Maximum Performance Spine Sports and Physical Therapy as this year's sponsor of the Player of the Year Award!

Sponsoring the GC Am Tour of Arkansas Player of the Year

I have had personal experience with Dr. Scott's knowledge of golf injury treatment and can wholeheartedly recommend the unique Active Release Technique which they employ to alleviate sports injury issues.  You'll be hearing much more from Maximum Performance in the days to come.

This year's Maximum Performance Player of the Year award will be based on tour performance against your lowest handicap ("regular round" or "tournament index") against the entire field on the day of that tournament.  Points are awarded as follows:

Champion	100
2nd	70
3rd	55
4th	50
5th	45
6th	40
7th	35
8th	30
9th	25
10th	20
11th ->	10

25 extra points awarded for playing a major.  (You must notify me of your play)

Points doubled for playing our Tour Championship at Eagle Crest in Alma.

In case of a tie for that day's Tournament Champion, a scorecard playoff will determine the winner.  All other ties will split the combined point totals (e.g., tie for second pays 95 points each).  Tournament Champion results will be announced after all other contests are presented on that day.  The Maximum Performance Player of the Year will be presented at the conclusion of our Tour Championship in Alma.  

Prizes will include a personalized staff bag, free rounds of golf, and other great golf accessories! Thank you Maximum Performance for making this prize package possible!


*NOTE:  Sponsorships for any individual event's prize fund is still available. Contact pgomez@GCAmTour.com for more information!

Stonebridge Meadows Results

Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club Results

The wind blew!

Paul C. Gomez, Fayetteville, AR (April 9, 2011)  Winds gusts to 40 mph wreaked havoc for everyone, but the Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Arkansas came to play with 42 players - the largest ever turnout on this otherwise great day for golf.

Flight Winners:

Mike Dryer, Champ Flight Champion

Championship Flight (0-3.9) – The wind seemed to be no issue for Michael Dryer from Bella Vista, AR  who turned in his best score on tour while defending his 2010 title.  The four birdies and one bogey 69 in the conditions of the day proved tough to beat.  Al Smith  of Cabot, AR played a steady even par back nine to finish +5 for the day at 77 and take second place.  

Brian Smith, Palmer Champ

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – On his first tour event, Brian Smith of Rogers, AR played the par 3's to even par which proved to be just enough to edge out Patrick Runions of Rogers, AR.  Smith's 41-40 was enough to earn first place while Runions's 43-43 captured second.

Dan Nieman, Hogan Champ

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – Seven Hogan players competed neck to neck all day in the blustery winds.  It came down to survival and steady play for Dan Nieman of Bella Vista, AR whose back nine 3 over par earned him his first victory of 2011.   Brian Buchanan  of Cabot, AR made a charge on the back nine and came in second by one stroke with a steady 4 over par back nine.  It came down to the par 3's again.  After 9, Kirby Rogers of Muldrow, OK was two strokes up on the field, but two water balls on #17 were too much too overcome.

Lance Jones, Sr Hogan Champ

Senior Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) Eight Senior Hogans battled to a tight finish.First through fourth place were separated by only four strokes, but with one tournament of experience under his belt, Lance Jones of Cabot, AR eeked a victory by one stroke over Mike Johnson of Tahlequah, OK. Keith Vess of Russellville, AR was only one stroke back and came in third place.  After 9, Vess led by one, but Jones's 42 back nine edged out Johnson's 45 for the victory.

Jay Williams, Sarazen Champ

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) A tight race in the Sarazen flight came down to the par 5's.  Jay Williams of Van Buren, AR played them at +2 while Christian Abels of Tahlequah, OK played them at +6. Abels was unable to make up the two stroke deficit that Williams held at the turn as they both played the back nine at +8.  Ables charged, but Williams held on for a 43-44 victory.

MIchael Petersen, Jones Champ

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – The largest flight of the day was the ten player Jones Flight.  Another tight finish with only four strokes separating first from fourth place made for an exciting finish.  Jeremey Sudduth of Bentonville, AR was tied for first after 9 and through fourteen had a 3 stroke lead.  Sudduth and Michael Petersen both birdied #15 and parred #16.  From one behind through 17, Petersen hung on with a bogey on #18 to win by one with a 43-43 (86).  Loyd Welch of McAlester, OK made a charge to finish two behind Sudduth to claim third place.

Mike Calhoun, Snead Champ

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – Mike Calhoun of Rogers, AR played his way to two victories in a row in the Snead flight by charging out with three pars and one bogey in the first four holes.  Dennis Baxter of Bella Vista, AR made a charge on the back nine, but Calhoun had built too large a lead finishing 45-46 (91).  David Pemberton of Huntsville, AR came in third place.

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.  Tournament Champion via scorecard playoff was Michael Dryer whose tie with Michael Petersen came down to the 2nd handicap hole playoff.  Both players netted a -3 (69).  Jeremey Sudduth of Bentonville, AR placed third!  Great shooting guys!

Skins Results:

Championship Flight: Michael Dryer (6),  Al Smith (1)

Palmer Flight: Brian Smith (5), Patrick Runions (2), David Ake (1)

Hogan Flight: Chad Linam (2), Daniel Freeman (1), D. Nieman (1), B. Buchanan (1), K. Rogers (1), John Tusieseina (1)

Senior Hogans: Mike Johnson (1), Jim Crawford (1), Keith Vess (2), Ralph Santopietro (3)

Sarazen Flight: Craig Merrill (1), Jay Williams (1), Danny Miller (2), Christian Abels (3)

Jones Flight: Richard Ulrich (3), Carl Imhof (2), Loyd Welch (2), Nathan Gill (1), Jeremey Sudduth (1), Joe Tomandao (1) 

Snead Flight:  Mike Calhoun (6), Dennis Baxter (2)

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

Next Event:  April 23, Country Club of Arkansas, Maumelle, AR

Stonebridge Meadows Tournament Information

The weather has continually looked better and better - high of 85 with 20% chance of rain, for what will be the largest GC Am Tour of Arkansas event to date with 42 players!  

1. Please check in in the clubhouse as soon as you arrive.  Either I or my wife will be there to take your skins entry and check you in - there are too many of you for me chase you down so if you want in, you must check in at the pro shop.  If you can arrive an hour early that would be great.  Your GCAT Player's handbook states:  "All Tour players must personally check in on site at least 30 minutes prior to the assigned tee times and be at their starting point at least 10 minutes prior to their assigned tee time. Failure to do so may result in a player forfeiting his/her tee time." 
2. Please do NOT take your preassigned golf cart with cart sign to the practice facility unless your playing partner has arrived.  You may drive to the range once you get your token from the pro shop.
3. Please remember that it is your responsibility to know all information posted on the tournament information page for this event.  
4. Live mobile scoring is available your GC Am Tour app for both iPhone and Android by downloading at the appropriate app store.  You can also share the following links with anyone who wants to follow you:  http://bit.ly/sb4911
5. Assuming no withdrawals or DQ's, payout will be as follows:

• 1st Place Championship: $80 golf galaxy gift card and 1st place medal (1 guest)
• 1st Place Palmers: $100 golf galaxy gift card and 1st place medal
• 1st Place Hogans: $120 golf galaxy gift card and 1st place medal (1 guest)
• 2nd Place Hogans:  $20 golf galaxy gift card
• 1st Place Senior Hogans:  $100 golf galaxy gift card and 1st place medal
• 2nd Place Senior Hogans: $60 golf galaxy gift card and 2nd place medal
• 1st Place Sarazens: $80 golf galaxy gift card and 1st place medal
• 1st Place Jones: $100 golf galaxy gift card and 1st place medal (1 guest)
• 2nd Place Jones: $50 golf galaxy gift card and 2nd place medal
• 3rd Place Jones: $30 golf galaxy gift card and 3rd place medal
• 1st Place Snead: $60 golf galaxy gift card and 1st place medal

• Please bring $20 cash ($5's appreciated) for your optional skins game entry fee.  Assuming 100% participation, the skins pot will be worth the following :

• Championship: $100 
• Palmers: $100 
• Hogans: $140
• Senior Hogans: $160
• Sarazens: $100 
• Jones: $200 
• Snead: $60 

Photos and a recap will be on our Blog, Facebook Page and on the tournament information page for this event.


Paul C. Gomez
Tour Director, Arkansas
Links to: Home Page, Blog, FAQ's, Facebook Page
pgomez@GCAmTour.com
917-553-3814
www.golfchannel.com/amateurtour

Yardages and Tees

A common question contestants ask is "what tees (distance) will I play?"

The distance is not always "the blues" or "the whites."  But before we go there...

There is much more to competitive golf than simply distance.  Shaping shots, putting, chipping, etc. are just as important.  That being said, it's important to pay attention to distance (especially on our local tour).  The chart below (found in your player's handbook) describes the general distance you can expect to play on any given Saturday.  Sometimes, we will need to create a custom set of tees to make a course play shorter or longer for a particular flight. 

If we have to combine flights, even more careful consideration will be given to how far a par 3 plays, and how long a carry one will have over trouble from the tee.  As a rule, you should expect that you will play the longest allowed distance for your flight.  This is not length for length's sake, but it is primarily to help you prepare for both any Major event and for the National Championship.  Both of these venues will challenge you at your best for your flight.

Generally speaking, the lowest two flights will play the back (black) tees, middle two flights will play the middle (blue) tees and highest two flights will play the forward (white) tees.  Ladies will always have the option to play one tee forward of their assigned flight tees.

Questions?  Feel free to ask or comment here.

Russellville Results

Russellville Country Club Results

The Golf Channel AM TOUR started the 2011 Calendar season in Russellville, AR

Paul C. Gomez, Fort Smith, AR (March 26, 2011)  Cold and wet are not the most favorite two words for a golfer starting the tournament season, but weather kept no one away from the largest event hosted by the GC AM Tour of Arkansas to date!  A misty morning eventually gave way to warmer temperatures and drier grips.  The course was tough enough!

Flight Winners:

Mike Dryer

Championship Flight – Michael Dryer from Bella Vista, AR defended his title and continues his winning streak with a solid performance.  Even par through nine holes, Dryer seemed in command early.  Two below par through 15, He held on to his place even after going 5 over in the last three holes to finish with a 75.  New to the tour, Brent Boland of Hector, AR placed second.

Wayne Baldwin

Palmer Flight – Playing his home course, Wayne Baldwin of Russellville, AR had a strong finish to pull ahead of Nick Holder of Maumelle, AR and MIke Lewis of Mena, AR to win the Palmer Flight.  The three players were only one stroke apart after 9, but Baldwin's two over par back nine finish secured him the victory with a 79.

Brian Buchanan

Hogan Flight – Six players competed for the Hogan victory medal and played it rather closely.  In the end, it was Brian Buchanan of Cabot, AR who came from behind two strokes behind Jim Badovinac, of Harrison, AR and shooting only three over par on the back nine.  Buchanan's 84 bested Badovinac's back nine by 7 strokes.  Guest player Paul Knarreborg of Cabot, AR would have placed second by one.  (Guests scores are informational only).

Richard Ainsworth

Senior Hogan Flight – Five new tour members comprised the first Senior Hogan flight on the AR Tour!  A steady performance by Richard Ainsworth of Maumelle, AR gave him a clear victory.  His consistent 85 (41-44) round was triple-bogey free (only two doubles) and earned him his first victory.  Dale Stringer of Russellville, AR and Keith Vess of Russellville, AR not only rode together, but both members at Russellville Country Club tied for second place.

Craig Merrill

Sarazen Flight – It came down to avoiding the big number for Craig Merrill of Roland, AR who edged our Jake Badovinac of Harrison, AR by four shooting 41-45 (86) and winning by four.  Badovinac's 44-46 included one too many big holes to fight his way back.  Merrill earns his first victory in his first event on the GC AM Tour of Arkansas!

Richard Ulrich

Jones Flight – Five of the six contestants in the Jones Flight were relatively close, but Richard Ulrich of Bentonville, AR put on a putting clinic to roar passed the competition.  With 8 one putts and 26 total, Ulrich had the third best gross score of the field shooting 40-41 for an 81.  2010 Defending Champion Michael Petersen of Ozark, AR just eeked out Carl Imhof of Rogers, AR with a 91.  Imhof had two birdies which nearly earned him second place.

Mike Calhoun

Snead Flight – Seven pars with three right out of the gate propelled Mike Calhoun of Rogers, AR to victory over Ed Polanec of Leesville, LA and David Pemberton of Huntsville, AR.   With only one 'big number' on the card, Calhoun turned in a very solid 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 Tournament Index.  Players scores with no TI will be based on their established or determined handicap.  Tournament Champion by ten strokes was Richard Ulrich shooting a net nine under par 62. Mike Calhoun finished second against the field and Wayne Baldwin  and Michael Petersen tied for third.  Full results are available here.

Skins Results:

Championship Flight: Michael Dryer (5), Brent Boland (1), Al Smith (1), and Chuck Rummel (1)

Palmer Flight: Wayne Baldwin (2), Nick Holder (2), Mike Lewis (2), David Ake (1)

Hogan Flight: Jim Badovinac (2), Brian Buchanan (2), Daniel Freeman (2), John Tusieseina (2)
Senior Hogans: Richard Ainsworth (2), Ralph Santopietro (2), Keith Vess (2), Lance Jones (1), Dale Stringer (1)

Sarazen Flight: Jay Williams (4), Craig Merrill (3), Jake Badovinac (1)

Jones Flight: Richard Ulrich (6), Carl Imhof (3), Dennis Baxter (2), Hank Hecksher (2)

Snead Flight:  Mike Calhoun (7), Ed Polanec (3), David Pemberton (1)

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

10 Habits to Eliminate Slow Play

With the start of a new year comes the need for some reminders on how to eliminate slow play on the golf course.  Typically, slow play is not because someone takes too long to execute a shot, but more likely because they wait to long to prepare for execution.  Here are some helpful habits to develop!

1. KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP IN FRONT OF YOU.  Focus on keeping pace with the group in front of you. Do not be concerned with the group behind you. We will worry about the group behind you!
2. PLAY READY GOLF. There is no penalty for playing out of turn in stroke play. If you are approximately 100 yards from the green on the left side of the fairway and a fellow player is the same distance on the other side of the fairway, make eye contact and determine which one is going to play next. 
3. KEEP AN EYE ON EACH OTHER’S SHOTS. Help look for lost balls AFTER you have hit your shot. If all four members are looking for the ball at the same time, the group has come to a dead, screeching halt.
4. THE CART DRIVER should drop off the passenger at his/her ball and then drive immediately to his ball. Do not wait for him to hit UNLESS you would be in his line of flight.
5. THE PASSENGER should take 3 clubs (the one you think, one more and one less) and send the driver to his ball.
6. IF YOUR NEXT SHOT IS A WEDGE OR SHORT IRON TO THE GREEN, take your putter with you and tell the driver to go on without you.
7. KNOW WHEN IT’S YOUR TURN TO PUTT.  Somebody call out the order: “Ray, your away, Jack your next, then Gene ...” If you want to check your putt out from both sides, get a look from one side BEFORE it becomes your turn.
8. PUTT CONTINUOUSLY when possible.  You may choose to putt out to increases your group’s pace of play.
9. NEVER RECORD SCORES AT THE GREEN. Drive off and do it at the next tee box. 
10. NO HONORS! Get ready and tee off! 

None of these points should make you feel rushed - they should only make you feel prepared!