The Battle at Big Sugar

On arguably the most difficult golf course in NWA on a hot day behind a local club championship - but the Am Tour of Arkansas would not give up the Battle at Big Sugar. 

Paul C. Gomez, Pea Ridge, AR (July 30, 2011)  Big Sugar Golf Club already plays at leaset 4.5 hours in the best of conditions, add to that a local stroke play event ahead of us and extreme heat, a 5.5 hour round took determination and hydration just to finish!  It's a good thing that Maximum Performance's  Dr.'s Bennington and Roeder came early to give free consultations and adjustments before the round!  The course itself was in great shape despite the heat, and good scores resulted!

Flight Winners

Brian Smith

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9)  A very tight, nose to nose competition between Brian Smith of Rogers, AR and Wayne Baldwin of Russellville, AR ended when Baldwin missed a birdie putt on the last hole for a playoff.  Smith turned in the low round of the day by one with a solid 79!  Chuck Rummel of Hatfield, AR was in the running early, but he struggled on the challenging back nine and placed third.

Daniel Freeman

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) – The back nine was also the difference in the Sarazen flight.  Keith Vess of Russellville, AR had a solid lead going to hole ten, but only Daniel Freeman and Dale Stringer, both of Russellville, AR had better front nines than back.  Freeman's two birdies gave him the edge he needed to win his second event in a row.  John Tusieseina of Conway, AR placed third. 

 

Jeremey Sudduth

Jones  Flight (15.9-19.9) One birdie and one bogey was the difference between Jeremey Sudduth of Bentonville, AR and Dennis Baxter of Bella Vista, AR. Both players had ten pars, but Sudduth's back nine play helped him pull ahead for his first victory of 2011! Michael Petersen of Ozark, AR and Richard Ulrich of Bentonville, AR tired for third place.

Maximum Performance Tournament Champion  - This year's Player of the Year Award is  based on net scores against the entire field based on a player's lowest index.  Tournament Champion was Dennis Baxter of Bella Vista, AR who shot a net 63.  Jeremey Sudduth was second and Brian Smith was third.

Skins Results:

Palmer Flight: Baldwin (1), Tillman (2), Smith (1)

Sarazen Flight: Freeman (3), Abels (2), Stringer (2), Merrill (1), Tusieseina (1), Vess (1)

Jones Flight: Sudduth (1), Petersen (1)

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

For more information about the GCAT of Arkansas:

Paul C. Gomez

Arkansas Director, Golf Channel AM Tour

917-553-3814

pgomez@GCAmTour.com

Season ending news

The Arkansas Tour Championship is a little less than one month away - August 20-21.  Here's why I'm writing you now...

Eagle Crest Golf Course

• If you think you are playing, please register ASAP so that I can determine whether a shotgun start might be something we can negotiate with the golf course.  It won't necessarily make your day shorter, but it will make it so that we can all finish at the same time and celebrate the season end together.
• Since it's the only event we have in August (at least for this year), I need to get an idea as to how many gift cards to have in hand for that event.
• We will have a post event celebration awarding our player of the year, flight champions, nationals contenders, and a general year end celebration and the sooner I can get a count, the better!

Nationals are at the end of September. If you have not yet told me you want to go, please do so asap - I will do all I can to help you get there!

Player of the Year Sponsor, Maximum Performance, is coming to Saturday's event at Big Sugar to provide a free consultation and stretch to players!  Dr. Scott Bennington will also be coming to the Tour Championship event! Dr. Scott is working on a TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) certification!

October brings the beginning of the 2012 season.  We already have the Shadow Valley Country Club on the schedule and we are working on one more great site for October.  We hope to have one Central Arkansas (warmer!) event in November!  

More tournaments next year!  I am on the search for about two more premier venues for 2012.  If you have influence somewhere you'd like to see an event, now is the time to help me start laying the groundwork.

Thanks for being a part of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour of Arkansas!

Greystone

Paul C. Gomez, Cabot, AR(July 2nd, 2011)  Just because it was a holiday didn't mean these players didn't come to play!  There were some fireworks, and it was HOT!

Flight Winners

Championship Flight (0-3.9) Ed Passini of Cabot, AR and Ben Loftis of Little Rock, AR were tied after 9, but Passini's performance on the par 4's gave him the victory over Loftis as Passini held on to win his first event on the Am Tour on his home course. Congratulations and welcome, Ed!

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9)   Wayne Baldwin of Russellville, AR played a solid back nine and edged out Nick Holder of Maumelle, AR.  Baldwin was one stroke better on both 9's over Holder to give him a two stroke victory.  Amory Cole, of Jonesboro, AR placed third.

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – Brian Buchanan  of Cabot, AR overcame a four stroke deficit on the last three holes to win his second event on the Tour this year.  Buchannan shot birdie-birdie-birdie to finish impressively!  Dan Nieman of Bella Vista, AR and Doug Loftis of Little Rock, AR tied for second just three strokes off of Buchanan.

Jones/Snead  Flight The Jones and Snead flights were combined and Michael Petersen of Ozark, AR can probably credit his steady play on the par 3's for his victory.  A good back nine also secure his victory.  Jim Dial of Bryant, AR and Sam Reeves of Bentonville, AR finished second and third respectively. 

Maximum Performance Tournament Champion  - This year's Player of the Year Award is  based on net scores against the entire field based on a player's lowest index.  Tournament Champion by two strokes was Craig Merrill of Roland, AR who shot a net one under par 71.  Second was Doug Loftis and tired for third were Wayne Baldwin and Dan Nieman . 

Skins Results:

Championship Flight: Ed Passini (7), Ben Loftis (6)

Palmer Flight: Wayne Baldwin (7), Nick Holder (2), Amory Cole (1)

Hogan Flight: Dan Nieman (2), Richard Ainsworth (2), Brian Buchanan (2), Doug Loftis (1)

Jones Flight: Michael Petersen (6), Jim Dial (3), Sam Reeves (1)

For a complete list of results and pictures visit our GCAT Facebook Page or go to the information 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 Highlands at Bella Vista

Paul C. Gomez, Bella Vista, AR (June 18, 2011)  While most people were wondering if Rory McIlroy would finish what he started and whether the President and Speaker of the House could start any kind of negotiations, it proved to be finishing that made all the difference at The Highlands at Bella Vista.  A combination of short but tight fairways and long par three's made it a challenge for players of all skill levels!

Flight Winners:

Kelly Sudduth

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) – Making up a six stroke deficit after 12 holes, Kelly Sudduth of Bentonville, AR finished the last six holes one under par to shoot 80 and win his first event of 2011.  Brian Smith of Rogers, AR, Patrick Runions of Rogers, AR., and Chuck Rummel of Hatifield AR all tied for second with an 83.

Dan Nieman

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – Dan Nieman of Bella Vista, AR and Mike Quesenberry of Wentzville, MO both had a stretch of five pars through holes 12 and 13 respectively, but Nieman's 3 stroke lead after 9 was just enough to hold off Quesenberry's one stroke better back nine.  This is Nieman's 2nd victory in 2011.

Richard Ainsworth

Senior Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) After 13 holes, only 2 strokes separated the top 3 leaders, but Richard Ainsworth of Maumelle, AR played the last five holes only one over par proving to be enough to win his 2nd event of the year.  David Snow of Bentonville, AR edged out Keith Vess of Russellville, AR for second place.

Dan Freeman

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9) Daniel Freeman of Russellville, AR and John Tusieseina of Maumelle, AR battled to the end. Through 12 holes they were tied, but Freeman's back nine was four strokes better to overcome his one stroke deficit at the turn.  Freeman earns his first victory of 2011 with this win.

Richard Ulrich

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) – Another tight race to the end in Jones flight was settled on the last 3 holes.  Richard Ulrich of Bentonville, AR and Joe Tomandao of Rogers, AR were tied and only two strokes ahead of  Carl Imhof of Rogers, AR with only six holes to play.  Ulrich was able to hold on to win by one over Imhof and 2 over Tomandao.  This is Ulrich's 3rd victory of the year.

Hank Hecksher

Senior Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) A strong four par finish by Hank Hecksher of Rogers, AR was enough to come from behind to beat Steven Rousseau of Springfield, MO by three strokes and win his first event of 2011.  Good finish Hank!  Michael Petersen of Ozark, AR finished third.

Dennis Baxter

Snead Flight (20.0 +) – Dennis Baxter of Bella Vista, AR turned in the solid performance of the day avoiding the dreaded "other" along with 10 pars to edge out  Mike Calhoun of Rogers, AR who also played well by two strokes.  Baxter was only one back after 9, and remained there through 14 holes.  Hole 15 was the difference maker with Baxter overtaking Calhoun and holding on to finish.  Baxter's victory is his first local victory after winning the Payne Stewart Major Championship in Branson.

Maximum 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 lowest index.  Dennis Baxter's performance earned him the Maximum Performance Tournament Championship with a remarkable net -8.  Mike Calhoun placed second at -4 net.

Skins Results:

Palmer Flight: Patrick Runions (2), Kelly Sudduth (2), Chuck Rummel (1), Brian Smith (1)

Hogan Flight: Chad Linam (1), D. Nieman (2), Quesenberry (2), Robert Tillman (2), Mike Lewis (1)

Senior Hogans: Richard Ainsworth (3), Dale Stringer (3), Keith Vess (2), David Snow (2)

Sarazen Flight: Daniel Freeman (5),  Ralph Santopietro (2), Danny Miller (1),  John Tusieseina (1)

Jones Flight: Jeremey Sudduth (3), Carl Imhof (3), Joe Tomandao (2) 

Snead Flight:  Sam Reeves (3), Mike Calhoun (1), Dennis Baxter (2)

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

Payne Stewart Major Championship Results

Arkansas takes three first place trophies at the Payne Stewart Major Championship!

Paul C. Gomez, Branson, MO (May 22, 2011)  Three first day leaders didn't let the pressure of being overnight leader keep them from taking home Crystal!

Championship Flight (0-3.9) – Michael Dryer from Bella Vista, AR was defending champion and day one leader, but things started slipping on his final 9 holes.  Dryer said his playing partners made great saving pars as the winds started gusting through the Ozarks making things tough.  Dryer made some par saving putts of his own and a birdies on his 16th hole to take home the trophy by one stroke with a 74-79 (153) and qualify for the National Championships at PGA West in La Quinta, CA.  Al Smith of Cabot, AR just missed qualifying by one stroke in the Championship Flight.  Smith's 77-81 (158) was good for fourth place.

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9) –Wayne Baldwin of Russellville, AR took his new irons to Payne Stewart Golf Club and also held on to an overnight lead.  Baldwin said he managed to keep it in play and take advantage of the great shape the course was in.  Baldwin's 85-85 (170) was a six point lead over second place and also qualifies for the National Championships in September.  Patrick Runions of Rogers, AR tied for fourth place while Brian Smith of Rogers, AR and Amory Cole of Jonesboro, AR placed seventh and eighth, respectively.

Hogan Flight (8.0-11.9) – Brian Buchanan of Cabot, AR played his first major on the AM Tour and qualified for Nationals by shooting 88-85 (173) and taking third place.  Dan Nieman of Rogers, AR placed 16th. )David Snow of Bentonville, AR placed 9th in the Senior Hogan flight and Russell Ingle of Bella Vista, AR placed 14th.

Sarazen Flight (12.0-15.9)John Tusieseina of Conway, AR placed eighth in the Sarazen flight and Craig Merrill placed twelfth in the Senior Sarazen Flight.

Jones Flight (16.0-19.9) Richard Ulrich of Bentonville, AR tied for second place in the Jones flight missing first place by one stroke!  Ulrich felt confident coming into the Major and his confidence paid off shooting 96-96 (192) and earning a spot in the National Championship!  Joe Tomandao of Rogers, AR placed sixth and Carl Imhof of Rogers, AR placed tenth.

Senior Snead Flight (20.0 +) – Dennis Baxter of Bella Vista, AR was the third Arkansan who slept on a lead after day one and told himself he would just need to have fun and relax.  Baxter shot a 97-99 (196) to win his flight by three strokes.  Baxter said he just told himself to stay positive no matter how bad things seem, stay in the moment and smile!  Pat Cashin of Dora, MO placed second with a 99-100 (199) and also qualifies for Nationals.  David Pemberton of Huntsville, AR placed seventh and Don Mayberry of Rogers, AR placed eighth.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO QUALIFY!

The "second half" of the season starts with our next event at The Highlands in Bella Vista, AR on June 18th.  The "second half" contest gives newer players to the Tour to still have an opportunity to qualify for Nationals.

Player of the Year Update - Free Injury Evaluation

This year's Maximum Performance Player of the Year  award will be based on tour performance against your lowest handicap against the entire Arkansas field on the day of that tournament.  See prior blog for details.

Below are the standings to date, but first, "a word from our sponsor" about common swing faults:

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Common swing faults occur due to tight shoulder, tightness in the hip joint, spinal injuries, and repetitive strain injuries.When shoulder rotation is restricted the body compensates with excessive spinal rotation. This can result in back injury because most people already lack flexibility in the spine. In addition, golfers will notice that they have difficulties in:

    * Keeping their eyes on the ball.

    * Maintaining an optimal swing plane. 

This results in fat or thin shots. When the golfer attempts to compensate at the shoulder joint, the chances of a hook or slice increases.

Tightness in the hip joint rotational muscles places additional strain on the rotational requirements of the shoulder or spine. Often a golfer will compensate by lifting up during the back swing and then chop down on the ball resulting in a fat shot.

Wrist and elbow injuries often occurs when the body does not have the capacity to effectively compensate at either the shoulder or spine. The wrists are then over-used to drive as well as decelerate the golf club.

These swing faults are often easily corrected by addressing the physical restriction the golfer has in their body.  

AM Tour members qualify for a free injury evaluation.  And, each event's overall "Tournament Champion" qualifies for one free treatment.  Call Maximum Performance at 479-268-6080 for an appointment!

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177.5	Petersen	Michael
160.5	Ulrich	Richard
155.0	Tomandao	Joe
142.5	Dryer	Michael
132.5	Merrill	Craig
130.0	Nieman	Dan
115.0	Badovinac	Jim
107.5	Baxter	Dennis
107.5	Calhoun	Mike
97.5	Baldwin	Wayne
92.5	Smith	Al
86.6	Imhof	Carl
78.0	Freeman	Daniel
65.0	Stringer	Dale
60.0	Snow	David
52.5	Sudduth	Jeremey
50.0	Vess	Keith
50.0	Dial	James
46.6	Ainsworth	Richard
45.0	Buchanan	Brian
44.0	Runions	Patrick
40.0	Holder	Nick
37.5	Smith	Brian
36.6	Badovinac	Jake
35.0	Mayberry	Don
35.0	Tillman	Robert
20.0	Ake	David
20.0	Boland	Brent
20.0	Carter	Scot
20.0	Hecksher	Richard
20.0	Jones	Lance
20.0	Lewis	Mike
20.0	Miller	Danny
20.0	Moore	Charles
20.0	Pemberton	David
20.0	Rummel	Chuck
20.0	Santopietro	Ralph
20.0	Tusieseina	John
10.0	Ingle	Russell
10.0	Loftis	Doug
10.0	O'Neal	David
10.0	Reeves	Sam