Towa Championship Recap 6-18-11

The weather and course conditions were tough to say the least for the Towa Championship. Gusting winds to 40+ mph and a course that was in less than desirable shape due to a brutal winter proved to be a challenge for most. There were a couple of players that managed to shine in these very tough conditions.

This tournament marks the start of the 2^nd half Callaway Order of Merit that consists of 5 events. The top finisher in the 2^nd half standings will also qualify for Nationals.

In the Championship flight Shaine Hersey cruised to his 3^rd straight victory. Shaine carded 15 pars with only 3 bogeys shooting a very fine 75. With this win Shaine is now qualified for Nationals. 2^nd place went to Wes Beltran. This also moves him into the 2^nd spot in the Callaway Order of Merit.

In the Palmer Flight Don Rountree captured his 2^nd Victory this season with a 4 shot lead over 2^nd place finisher Alan Turney. Mr. Rountree is now in the top spot for the 2^nd half Callaway Order of Merit and moves up to the 2^nd spot in the season long standings. Rounding out the top three was Gordon Rahn who remains in the 5^th spot in the season long standings.

In the Hogan Flight Robert Smith cruised to his 3^rd straight victory in as many starts. He is now qualified for Nationals. Rick Blose came in 2^nd place and remains atop the leader board in the Callaway Order of Merit standings. Adrian Abreu rounded out the top three and also moves into the number 3 spot in the Callaway Order of Merit standings.

In the Sarazen Flight Jeff Petrin won in a sudden death playoff over 2^nd place finisher Samuel Felix. This was Jeff’s Petrin’s 3^rd victory of the season and he is now qualified for Nationals. Ron McCulloch came in 3^rd place and remains in the 2^nd spot in the Callaway Order of Merit.

In the Jones Flight Jesse Hernandez captured his 1^st Victory of the Season. This puts him atop the 2^nd half Callaway Order of Merit and moves him up to the 4^th spot on the season long Callaway Order of Merit standings. Phil Vallo came in 2^nd place yet again. This makes 4 straight 2^nd place finishes for him and he remains in the 2^nd spot in the Callaway Order of Merit. Mark Madrid rounded out the top three and remains in the 3^rd spot for the Callaway Order of Merit but in the top spot for the 2^nd half standings.

In the Snead Flight Kevin Rael won his 4^th straight event in as many starts and remains atop the leader board in the Callaway Order of Merit standings.

UNM Championship Recap 6-5-11

The weather and the course conditions were the best we have had so far at this year’s UNM Championship. Greens were running true and fast with slight breezes throughout the competition.
CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT: While the course proved to be challenging for everyone at the UNM Championship, Paul Bartlett emerged victorious for his first win this season with a 12 shot victory over 2^ndplace finisher Wes Beltran.
PALMER FLIGHT: In what has now become our largest flight so far this year Brandon Drake after being promoted recently emerged victorious in a playoff over 2^ndplace finisher Alan Turney, both players shot a very fine 76. Note that bBoth players have now qualified for nationals this year due to their outstanding play so far this year. Emerson Vallo came in a close 3^rdplace with a 77 and 4^thplace went to Darren Webb with a 79.
Hogan Flight: In only his second start this season Robert Smith emerged victorious once again with a 2 shot victory over 2^ndplace finisher Ken Stopka.  With the win Robert Smith moves into 2^ndplace in the Callaway Order of Merit Season Standings.  Rick Blose came in a close 3^rdplace while still maintaining his lead in the Senior Callaway Order of Merit standings.
Sarazen Flight: Jeff Petrin captured his second victory of the season and also moved into 1^stplace in the Callaway Order of Merit points with a two shot victory over 2^ndplace finisher Ajna Seret.  While recently promoted to the Sarazen Flight Fernando Sanchez rounded out the top 3. Note that Mr. Sanchez has already qualified for Nationals with his 3 local tour victories this year.
Jones Flight: In the Jones Flight Ryan Manyo and Steve Roche battled neck and neck for 16 holes but Mr. Manyo held on to win by two strokes and walk away with his first victory of the season and also capture the top spot in the Callaway Order of Merit. Rounding out the top three was Larry Agan from Las Cruces.
Snead Flight: Bill Allen captured his first victory this season with a score of 96 and will be making his debut in the Jones Flight at his next tournament.