The Shootout At The Highlands

Paul C. Gomez, Bella Vista, AR (May 24, 2014)

The Shootout At The Highlands

Allen Huffman

Championship Flight: (0.0-3.9) – It was a two man match for the top title between Allen Huffman of Holiday Island, AR and Sam Greenleaf of Broken Arrow, OK.  Both men would agree that the tight and tree lined Highlands course in Bella Vista, AR was the true victor. Huffman had two birdies on the back nine to shoot only two over par on that nine coming back to win.  With this victory, Huffman defends his title at the challenging venue.

Hogan Flight: (8.0-11.9) – Seven Hogan players from Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas competed from just over 6,000 yards that felt like nearly 7,000 in the wet conditions.

David Price

 At the end of what is arguably the harder and first nine holes, David Price of Pawhuska, OK was in fourth place behind by three strokes.  The field came back to him and he picked up four strokes to edge out Steve Nufer of Dodge City, KS by just two strokes.  It's Price's first victory in seven attempts in the 2014 season.

Sarazen: (12.0-15.9) – A four hour drive turned out to be no obstacle to Kerry Greer of Oklahoma City, OK.  A basic

Kerry Greer

bogey round front nine for Greer followed up by a five par and five over back nine was all he needed to keep ahead of the pack and win his first event of the 2014 season.  Greer also had the best round of the day against his handicap to win the Tournament Champion of the day.

Jones Flight: (16.0-19.9) – The largest field of the day was the combined Jones and Snead flights with eleven players.  Four players were only three strokes apart after nine holes.

Wallace Stine

 Wallace Stine of Lees Summit, MO and Steve Rutherford of Bentonville, AR were tied at 43 and started separate from the field almost immediately.  New tour member Timothy Marta of Bella Vista, AR tried to stay in it but stumbled coming in and finished in third place. Through 16 holes Stine and Rutherford played head to head and were tied.  The par 5 #17 proved to be the pivotal hole when Stine's bogey bested Rutherford by four strokes and he held on to win. 

Next on the schedule for the Arkansas Tour are The River Valley Rumble at Fianna Hills on Sunday, June 8th and The Stonebridge Standoff at Stonebridge Meadows on Saturday, June 21st!

Special thanks to the ladies of Belle Journee Spa in Rogers, AR who came out to give our players a free warm up therapy massage! Thank you Amber, Shelly and Kendall!

Bell Journee Spa

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.

The Valley View Open

Paul C. Gomez, Alma, AR (April 27, 2014)

Flight Winners

Hogan Flight: (8.0-11.9) – Given the blowing wind and the

Derek Goodson

still growing in conditions of the golf course, Derek Goodson of Fort Smith, AR felt like he left a few strokes out there.  "It wasn't pretty, but it was good enough!" might be one way to translate what Goodson said after the round.  For seven holes, it was a back and forth round between Goodson and John Trull of Bella Vista, AR.  A misstep by Trull gave Goodson the opening he needed. He took the advantage and never looked back for this third victory in three years on the AM Tour.

Jones Flight: (16.0-19.9) – It looked like it might be a tight race between Craig Merrill of Roland, AR and home course

Craig Merrill

resident Jeff Thompson of Farmington, AR.  Thompson, who lives on the course, gave Merrill a pretty good run through seven holes, but Merrill's competitive experience coupled with a birdie on #8 against Thompson's "other" sealed the fate of the Jones flight.  Just to seal the deal, Merrill finished with a birdie on the 18th to win the Jones Flight.

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Next on our local tour is The Shootout At The Highlands in Bella Vista, AR.  Sign up by this Friday, April 2nd and save $10 on your skins game entry fee!  Deadline is May 16th.

The Highlands, Bella Vista, AR

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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

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

2014 Schedule Announced

2014 Schedule Announced

We are happy to announce our 2014 schedule. This season's events include four private clubs, five great public courses and five Major Championships.

• March 22: The Maumelle Spring Classic (Maumelle CC)

• April 12: The Battle at Fort Smith (Eagle Crest GC)

• April 26: The Valley View Open (Golf Club at Valley View)

• May 24: The Shootout at the Highlands (The Highlands GC)

• June 8: The River Valley Rumble (Fianna Hills CC)

• June 21: The Stonebridge Standoff (Stonebridge Meadows GC)

• July 12: The Cypress Creek Challenge (Cypress Creek GC)

• August 2: The Rivalry at River Cut (River Cut GC)

• August 16-17: The Arkansas Tour Championship (Shadow Valley CC)

The 2014 National Championship will be at Talking Stick Resort and Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona!

The season will culminate with special awards to flight winners* and an awards ceremony.

The NWA Fall Championship

Paul C. Gomez, Rogers, AR (November 16, 2013)

Rain was the original threat to competition at Shadow Valley Country Club in Rogers, but the real opponent turned out to be the wind!  Gusts up to 25 and 30 mph proved a big challenge to all players.  The golf course was in great shape. The fall leaves made golf searching a challenge as well.  

Flight Winners:

Bob Brooks

Championship Flight: (0.0-3.9) – Knowing how to hit boring knock-down shots through the wind gave Bob Brooks of Bella Vista, AR the edge he needed to climb back from a rocky start and finish even par.  After going two over after five holes, Brooks finished the last 13 holes two under par.  Brooks, the 2013 Senior National Champion, wins his first event of the 2014 season with this victory.  Congratulations, Bob.

Palmer Flight: (4.0-7.9) – Matt McClain of Decatur, AR came

Matt McClain

to defend his title in the Palmer flight.  Although he started slowly, through 15 holes he was only 8 over.  The high winds caused more strokes than he wanted, but victory is still sweet.  Even with one disaster hole, he was never in real danger of losing his place atop the flight.  Congratulations, Matt.

Sarazen Flight: (12.0-15.9) –   It cold have been anyone's

Charles Dickerson

title in the Sarazen flight.  After 9 holes, 5 players were less than two strokes apart.  That's when Charles Dickerson's prototype irons on loan from his buddy kicked into gear.  Dickerson, of Columbia, MO fired off 4 birdies to shoot even par on the back 9.  The victory was good enough not only for his flight, but also for the Showcase Trophy and Awards Tournament Champion and his first victory of the 2014 season!  Congratulations, Charles. 

Jones Flight: (16.0-19.9) – Perhaps the best battle of the day was in the Jones flight.  With an impressive start

Steve Rutherford

including two birdies through 8 holes, Mike Calhoun of Rogers, AR led his flight by 3 strokes over Carl Imhof of Rogers, AR.  Steve Rutherford of Centeron, AR looked to be out of it completely with one rather disastrous par 5.  Calhoun stumbled on the 9th hole and couldn't catch up.  Imhof led by four going into the last hole and problems on the green let Rutherford in with a final hole birdie after going only 5 over on the last 10 holes! Rutherford said that after the disaster hole he decided to just have fun!  Way to focus and not give up, Steve!

Snead Flight: (20.0+) – Perseverance paid off for Brandon

Brandon Walters

Walters of Springdale, AR.  It took twelve tries, but Walters wins his first event on the AM Tour with this victory.  A steady front nine kept him in the game even after a stumble on the 11th hole.  A nice come-back par on #12 put him back on the path to a strong finish and a comfortable victory.  Congratulations, Brandon!

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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

The Payne Stewart Classic

Paul C. Gomez, Branson, MO (November 2, 2013)

The leaves were turning and the setting was perfect.  The colors were as stunning as one would expect in the Fall in the Ozarks.  Payne Stewart Golf Course was as challenging as it was scenic.  Preceded by days of rain and a turn in the weather put all carts on the path and all players on notice - the day was going to be a test of perseverance as much as a test of skill.

Flight Winners:

Chas Goines

Championship Flight: (0.0-3.9) – Chas Goines of Rogers, AR came out on fire going two under par through four holes.  A small stumble after the hot opening gave Mark Lutgen of Blue Springs, MO a chance to make up some ground.  The four stroke lead Goines gained after the front nine, however, proved to be insurmountable even though Lutgen made a go for it on the back nine.  Goines finished with an 8 over par 78 to win the flight and his first AM Tour event. 

Palmer Flight: (4.0-7.9) – There were only two birdies in the entire Palmer flight and Gary Penna of Little Rock, AR started with one on the first hole.  Had he finished with a

par on the last hole, he could have avoided a playoff.  However, Don Karl of Lees Summit

Don Karl

Mo., came to defend his title as the 2013 Palmer Champion.  Two strokes down after nine holes, Karl survived a quad to get into a playoff with Penna.  Both shot an 88.  On the second hole, Karl birdied the challenging 180 yard par 3 to repeat as champion!


Hogan Flight: (8.0-11.9) – Close races to the end defined the Hogan flight.  Kirby Rogers of Muldrow, OK led the field after nine, although not by much.  However, Steve Moorehead of Overland Park, KS got hot quickly on the

Steve Moorehead

back nine going one under after five holes.  That was what he needed to pull ahead of the crowd and win with and 84 by two strokes.  Moorehead launches a strong 2014 season with this win, another first place and a second place win!  

Sarazen Flight: (12.0-15.9) –   Stanley Emerson of Topeka, KS started with a bang by birdieing the difficult first hole with a laser iron to the green and finishing only one hold behind after 9.  Randy Miller of Wentzville, MO finished the

Randy Miller

front nine one ahead with a 42.  It was his one under par through the last six holes that that propelled him to a fourteen stroke win over the field and to the low net round of the day.  The round earned was also a net par to his USGA index and earned him the title of Showcase Trophy and Awards Tournament Champion and his first victory of the 2014 season! Congratulations, Randy!

Jones Flight: (16.0-19.9) – It was a back and forth battle all day between Louis Ralph of Olive Branch, MS and Carl Imhof  of Rogers, AR.  After nine holes, Imhof led Ralph by a

Louis Ralph

stroke.  Imhof started the back nine with some big scores and through 15 holes Ralph had pulled ahead by two.  A rough finish by Ralph resulted in a tie that led to the second playoff of the day.  It only took one hole for the long trip from Mississippi to result in a victory for the 65 year old.  Congratulations, Louis!

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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