Trevor Immelman's swing has been compared to Ben Hogan by one of golf's great players, Gary Player, a three-time Masters Champion.
There is another quality Immelman shares with Hogan that until Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club probably had not received enough attention.
Hogan, also a Masters Champion, was recognized as golf's Wee Ice Mon for his steely nerves. Immelman demonstrated over 72 holes at Augusta National that he has the same kind of determination and cool demeanor.
Immelman shot a final-round 75 Sunday for a 280 total, eight-under-par, and a three-shot victory over four-time Champion Tiger Woods. It is the highest final round score by a winner since Arnold Palmer shot 75 in 1962.
Immelman made it look easy at times, but everybody knows winning the Masters certainly is anything but. He showed resolve and perseverance at every turn. When he needed to hit a key shot or make a clutch putt to ward off challengers, he did. It was quite a display of golf.
Immelman underwent surgery last December 18 to remove a non-cancerous tumor lodged beneath his ribs. He didn't touch a golf club for six weeks and then only was allowed to hit a few pitches and chips.
Now, less than four months later, he is at the pinnacle.
"I made a pretty fast recovery, got back out on tour eager to play, but my game wasn't quite there," he said. "I wasn't happy with the way I was playing. I felt I had to start from zero again. Here I am after missing the cut last week Masters Champion. It's the craziest thing I've ever heard of."
Immelman knew the conditions would be difficult, with a blowing, swirling wind.
"It was a tough day out there," Immelman said. "I knew it was going to be tough out there for us and I knew I had to stick to my game plan, play one shot at a time, and just be tough. I'm proud of myself for doing that.
"This has been the ultimate roller coaster ride and I hate roller coasters."
Two American challengers with six Masters titles between them - Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson - were poised to challenge Immelman but came up short.
They shot even-par 72 in the final round. Woods was runner-up by three shots; Mickelson finished at 286, six strokes behind the winner.
"I just didn't quite have it this week," Woods said. "I didn't make the putts I needed to make this entire week."
Mickelson, winner in 2004 and 2006, posted three rounds at par or better, including a second-round 68. His inability to play the par 3s with efficiency was costly. He made double-bogey and bogey the final two rounds at the 16th hole. He also had two bogeys each at the par-3 sixth and 12th holes.
"I hit two good shots today and made bogeys on four and 16, putting them in a tough spot and three-putting," Mickelson said. "Another three feet and the ball could have rolled down and I could have had a good opportunity (for birdie) both times. Some of it might have been play but some of it might have just been unfortunate."
Mickelson's most unfortunate break came at the par-5 eighth hole during Saturday's third round. His third shot hit the flagstick and caromed away. Instead of a short birdie putt, he three-putted. His charge had ended and try as he might, there was little he could do in the final round.
"I was hoping to make more of a run than I did," Mickelson said. "But it was a tough day and I felt like I had to fight pretty hard to keep it around par. But I certainly had some chances that could have brought it lower. It just doesn't look like it would have been enough anyway.
"I thought I struck the ball pretty well this week and it's encouraging that playing the majors I'm striking the ball better than probably I ever have. My chipping came around this week. It hasn't been where I wanted it."
Vartan Kupelian is the golf writer at The Detroit News.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The 2008 Bash at the Beach concluded on Sunday at the Daytona Beach Golf Course with Shasta Averyhardt finishing as the top indi
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The 2008 Bash at the Beach concluded on Sunday at the Daytona Beach Golf Course with Shasta Averyhardt finishing as the top individual performer leading the Jackson State Tigers to an overall second place finish.
Jackson State posted a score of 301 on day one and a score of 300 on day for a total score of 601, just six strokes behind BCU who took first place (290,305).
Birmingham Southern finished in third place with a 610 (299-311) while Embry-Riddle tied for fourth with Seminole Community College as both teams totaled 622 respectively.
Averyhardt took home medalist honors after a four-under-par performance. Averyhardt's 138 (68-70=138) was just two strokes lower than second place honors.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Amory golf out siwnging
By BRANDON SPECK
Sports Editor
As Amory looks to repeat its 2007 Class 3A golf championship, the Panthers picked up two early wins to start the 2008 season.
Wednesday�s match featuring Class 3A and 5A�s individual champions from last season, Barrett Edens and Jeremy Self each finished 2-under par (34) for co-medalist honors, but Edens� Panthers (1-0) finished one stroke better, 151-152 to go to 1-0 to start the season.
Dane Christensen finished with a 34, followed by Dylan McGonagill�s 38 and Shayne Grant�s 43.
�Very good win for Amory golf,� head coach Charlie Llewelyn said.
The Golden Wave fell to 0-1.
In Pontotoc Thursday, Amory�s 159 beat New Albany by three strokes, while Oxford and Pontotoc fell back with 181 and 185 respectively.
�Another good win,� coach Charlie Llewelyn said. �New Albany is a fine team. Pontotoc and Oxford will improve as the season continues.�
Barrett Edens barely missed medalist honors with his 35, followed by Shayne Grant�s 40 and Dane Christensen and Dylan McGonagill with a 42 each.
Pontotoc�s Cliff Hannah was the medalist with a 34.
Sports Editor
As Amory looks to repeat its 2007 Class 3A golf championship, the Panthers picked up two early wins to start the 2008 season.
Wednesday�s match featuring Class 3A and 5A�s individual champions from last season, Barrett Edens and Jeremy Self each finished 2-under par (34) for co-medalist honors, but Edens� Panthers (1-0) finished one stroke better, 151-152 to go to 1-0 to start the season.
Dane Christensen finished with a 34, followed by Dylan McGonagill�s 38 and Shayne Grant�s 43.
�Very good win for Amory golf,� head coach Charlie Llewelyn said.
The Golden Wave fell to 0-1.
In Pontotoc Thursday, Amory�s 159 beat New Albany by three strokes, while Oxford and Pontotoc fell back with 181 and 185 respectively.
�Another good win,� coach Charlie Llewelyn said. �New Albany is a fine team. Pontotoc and Oxford will improve as the season continues.�
Barrett Edens barely missed medalist honors with his 35, followed by Shayne Grant�s 40 and Dane Christensen and Dylan McGonagill with a 42 each.
Pontotoc�s Cliff Hannah was the medalist with a 34.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
UMK Men's Golf Opens Season At SUU/Pat Hicks Thunderbird Invitational
This Week
The UMKC men’s golf team will open up its spring season at the Fourth Annual Southern Utah/Pat Hicks Thunderbird Invitational on Monday and Tuesday in St. George, Utah. The 18-team field will compete at the Sunbrook Golf Course (par 72; 6,758 yards) with 18 holes being played on each day.
The Field
The 18-team field will include: Brigham Young, UC-Riverside, Campbell, Centenary, Denver, Dixie State, Grand Canyon, Idaho State, Kentucky, Louisiana-Monroe, UMKC, Oral Roberts, Rice, Southern Utah, Utah, Utah State, Utah Valley State, Weber State,
Last Competition
The Kangaroos closed out the fall season with a third place finish out of nine teams at the Battle on the Bend Intercollegiate on Nov. 4-6 in Many, La. The Kangaroos finished with a three-round total of 895, which was eight shots behind first place Sam Houston State. Senior Stephen Clark finished the tournament in a three-way tie for first place after shooting a 54-hole total of 218.
Clark Leads Team During Fall Season
Senior Stephen Clark led the Kangaroos with a 73.2 scoring average over nine rounds of competition last fall. The Scotland native finished among the top-11 in all three of the tournaments that he competed in.
Consistently Consistent
Sophomore Alex Hogben was UMKC’s most consistent golfer during the fall season. The England native finished with a 73.9 scoring average over 15 rounds, and he finished among the top-15 in four of the team’s five tournaments. Hogben’s best finish came at the Missouri Intercollegiate, where he was the runner-up with a 217. He also tied for fourth place at the SFA Bill Hall Crown Classic with a 215 on Oct. 9.
Redshirt Freshman Taylor Has Solid Fall Season
Redshirt freshman Josh Taylor finished with a 75.5 scoring average over 15 rounds during the fall season. The Overland Park, Kan., native’s best performance came in his collegiate debut, when he tallied an eighth place finish at the Missouri Intercollegiate with a 224 total.
Horsley Transfers To Western Kentucky
Freshman Neil Horsley left the UMKC men’s golf program following the first semester to transfer to Western Kentucky University. The Cooper City, Fla., native played in all five tournaments last fall for the Kangaroos, where he posted a 74.4 scoring average.
UMKC Picked As Co-Favorite To Win Summit League Title
The Kangaroos received seven first place votes en route to 68 points, as they were tabbed as the league co-favorite, along with Oral Roberts, to claim the 2008 Summit League title.
Coach VanDenBorn
J.W. VanDenBorn is in his first season as the Director of Golf for UMKC. In this role, he will oversee both the men’s and women’s golf programs. Previously, VanDenBorn served solely as the head coach for the men’s golf program over the last four years. Under his direction, the Kangaroos have finished in fourth place three times (2004, 2005 and 2007) at the Mid-Con Championships. In 2006, VanDenBorn guided Stephen Clark to the Mid-Con Player of the Year honors, the first in the program’s history.
The UMKC men’s golf team will open up its spring season at the Fourth Annual Southern Utah/Pat Hicks Thunderbird Invitational on Monday and Tuesday in St. George, Utah. The 18-team field will compete at the Sunbrook Golf Course (par 72; 6,758 yards) with 18 holes being played on each day.
The Field
The 18-team field will include: Brigham Young, UC-Riverside, Campbell, Centenary, Denver, Dixie State, Grand Canyon, Idaho State, Kentucky, Louisiana-Monroe, UMKC, Oral Roberts, Rice, Southern Utah, Utah, Utah State, Utah Valley State, Weber State,
Last Competition
The Kangaroos closed out the fall season with a third place finish out of nine teams at the Battle on the Bend Intercollegiate on Nov. 4-6 in Many, La. The Kangaroos finished with a three-round total of 895, which was eight shots behind first place Sam Houston State. Senior Stephen Clark finished the tournament in a three-way tie for first place after shooting a 54-hole total of 218.
Clark Leads Team During Fall Season
Senior Stephen Clark led the Kangaroos with a 73.2 scoring average over nine rounds of competition last fall. The Scotland native finished among the top-11 in all three of the tournaments that he competed in.
Consistently Consistent
Sophomore Alex Hogben was UMKC’s most consistent golfer during the fall season. The England native finished with a 73.9 scoring average over 15 rounds, and he finished among the top-15 in four of the team’s five tournaments. Hogben’s best finish came at the Missouri Intercollegiate, where he was the runner-up with a 217. He also tied for fourth place at the SFA Bill Hall Crown Classic with a 215 on Oct. 9.
Redshirt Freshman Taylor Has Solid Fall Season
Redshirt freshman Josh Taylor finished with a 75.5 scoring average over 15 rounds during the fall season. The Overland Park, Kan., native’s best performance came in his collegiate debut, when he tallied an eighth place finish at the Missouri Intercollegiate with a 224 total.
Horsley Transfers To Western Kentucky
Freshman Neil Horsley left the UMKC men’s golf program following the first semester to transfer to Western Kentucky University. The Cooper City, Fla., native played in all five tournaments last fall for the Kangaroos, where he posted a 74.4 scoring average.
UMKC Picked As Co-Favorite To Win Summit League Title
The Kangaroos received seven first place votes en route to 68 points, as they were tabbed as the league co-favorite, along with Oral Roberts, to claim the 2008 Summit League title.
Coach VanDenBorn
J.W. VanDenBorn is in his first season as the Director of Golf for UMKC. In this role, he will oversee both the men’s and women’s golf programs. Previously, VanDenBorn served solely as the head coach for the men’s golf program over the last four years. Under his direction, the Kangaroos have finished in fourth place three times (2004, 2005 and 2007) at the Mid-Con Championships. In 2006, VanDenBorn guided Stephen Clark to the Mid-Con Player of the Year honors, the first in the program’s history.
Missouri Men's Golf Finishes 10th at USF Invite
DADE CITY, Fla. - - Mizzou carded its best round of the weekend in Sunday's final round of the Ron Smith/USF Invitational in Dade City, Fla. The Tigers shot 291 in the final round and moved into a tie for 10th place in the final standings.
Missouri was led by junior Peter Malnati, who carded a three-under 69 in the final round for a three day total of 217. He finished tied for 16th place. Junior Ryan Fisher tied for 43rd spot with a three round score of 224 after a one-under 71 on Sunday.
Freshman William Harrold finished tied for 50th, while sophomore Bud Reynolds placed in a tie for 55th and junior Kyle Marcolla tied for 77th place.
MIZZOU MEN'S GOLF
Ron Smith/ USF Invitational
Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club - Dade City, Fla.
7.084 yards/Par 72
TEAM STANDINGS
1. Middle Tennessee St. 287-280-291=858
2. Florida Southern 296-292-284=872
Marquette 297-288-287=972
4. SE Louisiana 293-284-298=875
5. DePaul 296-292-289=877
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10. MISSOURI 301-297-291=889
INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS
1. Julian Colmenares (Jacksonville St.) 71-66=137
2. Mike Van Sickle (VCU) 72-67=139
Rafael Campos (VCU) 65-74=139
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T16. Peter Malnati (MISSOURI) 78-70-69=217
T43. Ryne Fisher (MISSOURI) 73-80-71=224
T50. William Harrold (MISSOURI) 75-77-73=225
T55. Bud Reynolds (MISSOURI) 75-73-78=226
T77. Kyle Marcolla (MISSOURI) 79-77-78=234
2008 Senior Open Can Boast Of Volunteers From All 50 States
Far Hills, N.J. - Ron Diltz and Mike Kelly first became acquainted when their sons began playing high school football in Anchorage, Alaska. They quickly discovered a mutual love for outdoor activities – hunting, fishing and even golf – and their friendship soon extended beyond Friday night games.
Even after Kelly moved back to his native
This summer, the get-together will take place a little closer to Kelly’s backyard in
“I sucked him in,” said Kelly. “I only live a couple of miles from [The Broadmoor], so it seemed like the right thing to do.”
Diltz will be one of many individuals making a long trek to Colorado Springs this July to be part of the 3,000-plus volunteer force for the Senior Open (July 31-Aug. 3). In fact, this year’s championship will have volunteers from all 50 states. It’s the first time that a volunteer from every state has participated in the same championship.
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The participation from near and far even had the management company that handles the U.S. Senior Open for the USGA pleasantly surprised.
“It’s very unusual [to have all 50 states represented],” said Jeff Yeager, the volunteer manager for Bruno Event Team. “I would say 40 to 45 states [is normal], but to get over the 45 mark, it’s something of a unique status.”
Part of the lure is this year’s site. The Broadmoor is a world-class resort located in an area where there are plenty of alternative activities when people are not on-site working. Yeager said The Broadmoor, which attracts guests from throughout the world, also solicited volunteers through various means of communication.
“We had started a waiting list of about 100 volunteers, but after looking at a few numbers, we have almost added all 100 of those [people] from our waiting list,” said Yeager. “So it’s been really terrific.”
Some people love being a part of the championship so much that they keep coming back.
“We’ve made the Senior Open part of our summer vacations so we can get out and see new parts of the country,” said Cato, who is retired. “This will be our first visit to
In 2005, the two served on the transportation committee. Last year, they were walking scorers. Cato went with Jim Thorpe and R.W. Eaks in the final round. In ’05, Cato said he drove Gil Morgan, Fuzzy Zoeller and Thorpe. He also got to meet Tom Watson. This year, they will be on-course marshals, just like in 2006 at Prairie Dunes in
“Especially in transportation, you get to meet a lot of [contestants] because you are right there with them,” said Cato. “When you are working out on the course, you see them but you don’t necessarily get to talk with them.
“But we’ve enjoyed it and it’s been a good experience. We haven’t decided if we are going to do it next year [at Crooked Stick] or not. We’ll probably make that decision after this year’s tournament.”
Of course, having the championship in a smaller market like
The retired Kelly moved back to
“You can get lost in places like
Just seeing a major golf event in person is a big opportunity for Diltz.
Diltz admitted that his outdoor activities of choice are hunting and fishing. But he does enjoy an occasional round of golf, including an indoor version played on a simulator.
“I’m just a weekend hacker,” said Diltz, a sales manager for an office supply company in
STATESMEN FINISH FIFTH AT HSU DOYLE WALLACE INVITATIONAL; CHASE SMITH CLAIMS SECOND
HOT SPRINGS, ARK. - The
"The weather played a major factor in everyone's performance today," said Sam Dunning,
After carding a first round 305, the Statesmen tallied a 320 on Tuesday while battling winds in excess of 30 mph and temperatures in the upper 30's.
Smith, a freshman from
Complete results are available at the link above. The Statesmen return to action on March 16-18 at the Valdosta State Blazers Invitational. The three day tournament will be held at the Kinderlou Golf Club in
Ole Miss Posts Fourth-Place Finish At Lady Gator Invitational
Host
Junior Dori Carter led the Lady Rebels, finishing tied for ninth with a 71-73-74—218. It marked her third top-10 finish of the year and ninth of her career.
Sophomore Sara Grantham posted a career-best 54-hole tournament score 73-71-77—221 to finish tied for 16th, earning her third career top-20 finish. Her second-round 71 is also a career-low.
Freshman Jill Brodd joined Carter and Grantham in a tie for sixth coming into the final round, but struggled with an 83 to finish tied for 31st at 71-73-83—227.
Junior Rachel Ingram (78-75-77—230) and senior Katherine Jones (88-76-79--243) rounded out the Lady Rebel scoring.
"We had a very humbling day on the golf course, but because we had played so strongly the first two rounds we had a fourth place finish in a very competitive field," Drinkard said. "We are very proud of Dori, Sara Jill, Rachel and Katherine for providing each other this great opportunity. To get the experience of playing in the final group with the No. 5 team in the country is something you can not simulate in practice. It's an experience that will help us the next time we are in that same position."
The Lady Rebels will return to the links March 7-9 at the Texas A&M “Mo”morial in
Links at Cottonwoods Undergoing Enhancements
The Links at Cotton at the Grand Casino Resort Tunica in Northern Mississippi, about 30 minutes south of
Named a Top-40 Casino Course in the
"Upon completion of the course renovations this spring, we will have removed 90 percent of the trees and added 60 acres of native grasses providing players with a true links golf experience," says Director of Golf Matt McNeil.
In addition to those changes, McNeil and course superintendent James Harris will install Champion Bermuda turfgrass in June, replacing the bentgrass currently in place. The grass conversion on the greens will add another level of complexity to the course while providing a playing surface consistent with links golf.
The ever-present and often stout winds which roll over the vast flatlands of the unprotected Delta where Links at Cottonwoods is located, coupled with the new design upgrades, will mean pars are at a premium.
Measuring 7,000 yards from the tips - but playing longer due to the breezes - the par-72 course is also defended by multiple bunkers and water hazards, which enter play on several holes.
Another upgrade will be made at the par-4 15th hole, which was a sore spot given a water hazard which bisected the fairway at a distance that took driver out of many players' hands, then required a long, uphill second shot to the green. Now players will be able hit driver without worrying about finding the canal.
"The hole will be shortened to proper lengths so that all players will be able to carry the water with their tee shot," says McNeil. "In addition to the new tee boxes, several pot bunkers will be added to the hole to challenge players at the shorter yardage."
The 15th hole will play as a 415-yard par-5 for women and as a par-4 for the men ranging from 298-372 yards depending.
Two other courses and eight casino resorts are located within minutes of Links at Cottonwoods and Grand Casino Resort Tunica. The other courses are Riverbend Links and Tunica National Golf & Tennis Club.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Bulldogs Claim Roadrunner Intercollegiate Championship
SAN ANTONIO – The Mississippi State men's golf team claimed their first tournament championship since the 2006 fall season Tuesday, winning the Roadrunner Intercollegiate after a three-round score of 864 at the par-71 Oak Hills Country Club.
The Bulldogs had not won a tournament championship since the Callis Communications Intercollegiate in fall 2006, and has now won three tournaments overall in the Clay Homan era.
In round one this week, MState shot an 8-over-par 292 and stood in fifth place. The Bulldogs then rebounded in round two, firing a 275 - the fourth lowest round in school history - and moved into first place. The Bulldogs maintained the top position in round three after notching a 297, beating runner-up Texas Tech by nine strokes.
"We did not play as well today but the wind had a large role in that," said Homan. "We were able to hang in there and we did what we had to do to earn this win."
MSU's Noah Goldman claimed the individual championship of the event after a 1-under-par, three-round score of 212. The Longwood, Fla., native also notched a career-low, one-round score of 64 in round two.
"The second round really helped Noah (Goldman) and helped our team out," said Homan. "Noah was able to hang in there in the third round and pick up the individual title."
Senior Josh Oller tied for fifth after shooting 1-over-par with a 214, including a career-low 68 in round two. Senior Jake Lambert finished 11th with a 5-over-par 218, including a 1-under-par performance in round two. Junior Josh Bevell shot consistent rounds of 75, 74 and 72 for an 8-over-par showing. Junior Matt Fast tallied a 76, 73 and 80 through three rounds for the Bulldogs.
Runner-up Texas Tech finished nine strokes behind MSU with an 873, followed by Oklahoma with an 874. Wichita State tallied a score of 875 followed by Louisiana-Monroe going 29-over-par. Rounding out the field was Sam Houston State, Air Force, DePaul, host Texas-San Antonio, Central Arkansas, Stephen F. Austin State, Illinois State, Texas State, Marshall, Rhode Island, Texas-San Antonio (B-Team) and McNeese State.
MSU will resume competition on March 2 when the Bulldogs will travel to Tallahassee, Fla., to compete in the Seminole Intercollegiate.
Team Results
1.Mississippi State U. 292-275-297=864, +12 2. Texas Tech U. 286-287-300=873, +21 3. Oklahoma, U. of 291-297-286=874, +22 4. Witchita State U. 288-298-289=875, +23 5. Louisiana-Monroe, U. of 289-299-293=881, +29 6. Sam Houston State U. 300-285-302=887, +35 7. Air Force Academy 303-301-284=888, +36 T8. Texas-San Antonio, U. of 303-287-300=890, +38 T8. DePaul U. 303-299-288=890, +38 T10. Central Arkansas 305-290-301=896, +44 T10. Stephen F. Austin State 301-297-298=896, +44 12. Illinois State U. 302-302-300=904, +52 T13. Marshall U. 311-298-299=908, +56 T13. Texas State U. 306-299-303=908, +56 15. Rhode Island, U. of 305-303-312=920, + 68 16. Texas-San Antonio, U. of (B-Team) 326-296-299=921, +69 17. McNeese State U. 326-302-303=931, +79
MSU Individual Results
1 Noah Goldman 73-64-75=212, -1
T5 Josh Oller 71-68-75=214, +1
11 Jake Lambert 73-70-75=218, +5
T18 Josh Bevell 75-74-72=221, +8
T53 Matt Fast 76-73-80=229, +16
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Fallen Oak to Host Second Annual Governor's Cup
The Mississippi Development Authority has announced that Fallen Oak Golf Course at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi will host the 2nd Annual Governor's Cup of Mississippi Golf Tournament on Monday, May 7.
The inaugural Governor's Cup tournament was held last year at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point, Miss. It raised more than $300,000 for the Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund, Inc. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, this year's host, is underwriting the entire tournament cost to allow for 100 percent of the proceeds raised by the tournament to go directly to the Boys and Girls Clubs on the Gulf Coast.
The Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established by Governor Haley Barbour, is presenting the tournament. The fund has raised more than $32 million from individuals, organizations, and corporations to provide recovery assistance for the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Governor Barbour will be this year's tournament chairman, while Fallen Oak's designer Tom Fazio, a longtime charitable contributor to the Boys and Girls Clubs, will serve as the co-chair.
"South Mississippi's efforts to recover from Hurricane Katrina have attracted many partners who are putting their time, efforts and money into helping," Governor Haley Barbour said. "I am grateful to Tom Fazio and Beau Rivage for their very generous support for the Boys and Girls Club on the Coast through the Governor's Cup golf tournament, and I applaud the continuing excellent work of the Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund in tending to so many pressing needs. We have a strong team whose significant contributions are deeply appreciated."
"We are very proud that Fallen Oak and the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino are hosting this wonderful event and I look forward to assisting as co-chair," said Fazio. "I have been involved with Boys and Girls Clubs for many years and I truly believe in the impact we can have on the lives of young people. Events like this further that cause and I am proud to be a part of it. The Fallen Oak course is truly spectacular and the participants in the Governor's Cup are in for a memorable golf experience."
"Beau Rivage is honored to host this prestigious tournament in support of the Boys and Girls Clubs on the Gulf Coast," said Beau Rivage President George Corchis. "This will be the first charitable tournament held at Fallen Oak, and who better to team up with than the Governor of our great state of Mississippi, and Tom Fazio, arguably the world's greatest living golf course designer."
Fallen Oak. Later that evening, Marsha Barbour will host the First Lady's Reception in Beau Rivage's Magnolia Ballroom to honor players and guests. On May 7, limousine transportation will take participants to the course for breakfast and an 18-hole shamble, followed by an Awards Reception in the Fallen Oak clubhouse.
The tournament is limited to 18 teams with five players apiece. Entry fee for the Governor’s Cup is $3,000 per player. For more information, call 228-265-2971. For details about Fallen Oak, visit www.beaurivage.com.
Hock Takes Playoff; Wins Back-To-Back On Champions Tour
Naples, FL (AHN) - Scott Hoch made an eight-foot birdie putt on No.18 to force a four-hole playoff, then rolled in another eight-footer on the first playoff hole to win The ACE Group Classic for his second straight Champions Tour victory on Sunday.
The 52-year-old Hoch picked up the top prize of $240,000 a week after winning the Allianze Championship in
Hoch, Tom Jenkins, Tom Kite and Brad Bryant all finished regulation at 14-under par 202. Jenkins, Kite and Bryant had all made pars on No. 18 before Hoch made his birdie.
On the playoff hole, Jenkins and Kite both missed chip shots after going over the green. Bryant lipped out a birdie putt.
Said Hoch, "I just said, 'Let's end it here. I don't want to play anymore. Anything else could happen."
Monday, February 18, 2008
Heading to the golf courses of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida? Play the I-10 trail
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Interstate 10 along the Gulf Coast can be a pretty boring drive at times. Even roadside billboards and exit signs stand out against the often generic and dreary scenery.
If you're making that drive into Florida golf country from the west - or the opposite direction for that matter - you can break up the drudgery by playing some excellent Florida golf courses without straying too far off your original itinerary.
As I-10 cuts through the southern portion of the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, we recommend you stop awhile, pull on your soft cleats and play these courses.
Louisiana golf courses off I-10
Lake Charles: Gray Plantation, a classic on the banks of the Calcasieu River, was designed by Rocky Roquemore and ranked No. 3 on Golf Digest's list of Americas Best new courses in 2000.
"It's scenic, strategic and fun and fair, just to name a few of its outstanding characteristics," said TravelGolf.com's Jason Scott in a review.
Lafayette: Oakbourne Country Club is a private facility so you'll need either a reciprocal arrangement with your own club or know a member. It will be worth the trouble because this is one of the best courses in the state, with fast, undulating greens, well-protected by bunkers. Tight, tree-lined fairways and water hazards on half the holes provide one of the better challenges in Louisiana.
Mississippi golf courses on I-10
I-10 runs on roughly a parallel course just north of the Mississippi "Golf Coast," as some like to call it. You pretty much have your choice of some good greater Biloxi golf courses, but here are three you won't be disappointed in.
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Saucier: Grand Bear Golf Course takes up about 600 acres, with many of the fairways banked and with large mounds around the greens, amid the 1,750 acres of deep woods surrounding it.
"When they built it, they told [Jack] Nicklaus, 'we've got 1,700 acres, take what you want'," Head Pro Mike Buckley said. "And he did."
He chose wisely, The course rolls and dips, with swales and hollows, and has some decent elevation changes, atypical for this part of the world. It's an idyllic setting, with excellent movement on the course, which plays through pine and hardwood. There is water, but not a ton of it.
The fairways are tree-lined and wide, showing off one of Nicklaus' favorite themes - multiple routes to the green.
Ocean Springs: The Preserve Golf Club takes up 245 acres, but it is surrounded by more than 1,800 acres of preserve, the Sandhill Crane Refuge and Conservancy. Old Fort Bayou flows at the eastern edge of the course.
This is basically wilderness with golf clubs, and it isn't unusual to see deer, hawks and, of course, cranes, since they have standing reservations.
Gautier: Shell Landing is one of the top-tier courses in the Biloxi area. A Davis Love III work that incorporates large, contoured greens - averaging about 12,000 square feet - with arguably more undulation than any greens around.
It's a visually appealing course, with terrific marsh views, and the fairways have excellent movement. There are quite a few trees, but most of them are around the perimeter so that the course has an open, airy feel.
Alabama golf courses on I-10
Mobile: Magnolia Grove is a two-course facility and part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
Both of these courses are tough. The Crossings is a shot-makers' course and the Falls is longer and not quite as hilly, though it requires more forced carries.
Friday, February 15, 2008
MSU Tees Off Spring Season With Third Place Finish
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Mississippi State men's golf team began the fall season with a third place finish at the SunTrust Gator Invitational in Gainesville, Fla. MSU ended the fall with back-to-back runner-up finishes, making this their third-straight top-three finish for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs ended the first round with a 288 and in a tie for 10th place and followed with a 5-under-par 275 in the second round improving to sixth place on Saturday. On Sunday, Mstate notched a 1-under-par 279 to close out the three-round event, finishing in third place among the 14-team field, which included nine teams ranked in the top 50 in Golfstat (determines postseason play).
"I am very satisfied with how we performed in the Invitational against a very tough field," said Head Coach Clay Homan. "We were able to beat three top 25 teams (Duke, Wake Forest and Mississippi) and get a good start to our spring season."
MSU was led by the junior duo of Carlos Sainz, Jr. and Noah Goldman who both finished in a tie for 12th at 1-under-par through three rounds. It was the third time this year Goldman had claimed MSU's top spot and the first time for Sainz, Jr. Sainz, Jr. shot a 4-over-par in the first round and rebounded in round two with a 66, which ties several other individuals as the second lowest one-round score for the weekend. The Elgin, Ill. native closed the weekend out with a 1-under-par performance in round three, including an impressive 4-under-par back nine which included MSU's only eagle in the invitational on hole 14. Goldman fired two rounds of 71 mixed with a 3-under-par 67 for the weekend. Senior Josh Oller also had a top 20 finish, as the Brandon, Miss. native tied for 19th individually after a 1-over-par 211 in three rounds of play. Oller also led the team with 10 birdies, four of which came from his 1-under-par second round. Senior Jake Lambert was competing in his first tournament of the year for MState, finishing fourth for the team after a 7-over-par performance that included a 3-under-par 67 in the final round of play which tied the low score for the day. Junior Josh Bevell notched a 227 in three rounds of play, as Bevell joins Sainz, Jr. as the only Bulldog golfer to compete in all six of the tournament thus far on the year.
"We were able to get solid and consistent play from most of our guys with a few key performances standing out," said Homan. "Jake's (Lambert) third round performance gave us a boost along with Carlos's (Sainz, Jr.) back-nine in round three. Noah (Goldman) and Josh Oller were consistent throughout the whole weekend."
Host-school Florida won the invitational with a 20-under-par showing, while Florida State finished second after an 8-under-par performance. UAB finished two strokes shy of MState with a 4-over-par 844 through three rounds, followed by South Alabama who shot 11-over 851. Duke, Wake Forest and LSU tied for sixth at 13-over-par with Coastal Carolina trailing by three strokes at 9th. Georgia Southern finished 10th at 21-over-par followed by in-state rival Mississippi who shot 22-over-par. North Florida, South Florida and Georgia State rounded out the field.
MSU will return to competition next Monday, February 18, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas at the Roadrunner Intercollegiate.
Team Results:
1.Florida, U. of 269-273-278=820, -20 2. Florida State U. 278-276-278, -8 3. Mississippi State U. 288-275-279=842, +2 4. UAB 276-280-288=844, +4 5. South Alabama, U. of 283-282-286=851, +11 T6. Duke U. 289-281-283=853, +13 T6. Wake Forest 288-278-287-852, +13 T6. Louisiana State U. 283-279-291=853, +13 9. Coastal Carolina 283-283-290=856, +16 10. Georgia Southern 287-282-292=861, +21 11. Mississippi, U. of 280-281-301=862, +22 12. North Florida, U. of 284-286-295=865, +25 13. South Florida, U. of 291-294-288=873, +33 14. Georgia State U. 290-290-308=888, +48
Individual Results:
T12 Carlos Sainz, Jr. 74-66-69=209, -1
T12 Noah Goldman 71-67-71=209, -1
T19 Josh Oller 70-69-72=211, +1
T38 Jake Lambert 77-73-67-217, +7
T66 Josh Bevell 73-74-80=227, +17
Rebel Golfers In Fourth At Gator Invitational
With their 561 the Rebels trail second-place
Freshman Jonathan Randolph carded a 69-70—139 to lead the Rebels. Junior Jesse Speirs fired a 69-71—140, senior Kyle Ellis shot a 71-70—141, David Marino posted a 75-70—145, and freshman Chris Mullhaupt finished with a 71-79—150.
“We were a little nervous when we got off to a poor start,” head coach Ernest Ross said. “We played solid all day, but not great. My compliments to Kyle Ellis, who was three over after three holes in the second round and brought it back to even par. Jonathan Randolph played well to lead us. We believe we can play better and that we have more left in us.
“The course is playing great, and the weather is perfect. We are going out there tomorrow to try and move up and record a top finish in an elite field with so many ranked teams.”
Seven of the 14 teams in the field are ranked in the top 30. The Rebels, ranked No. 20 by Golfstat, will tee off Sunday morning beginning at 7:45 CT seeking their fifth consecutive top-five finish of the year. Ole Miss won its final three tournaments of the fall.
SUNTRUST GATOR INVITATIONAL –
TEAM STANDINGS
1. Florida 2. Florida 3. UAB 276-280--556 4. OLE MISS 280-281--561 5. LSU 283-279--562 6. Mississippi 7. South Alabama T8. Wake Forest T8. Coastal Carolina 10. Georgia T11. Duke 289-281--570 T11. North Florida 284-286--570 13. Georgia 14. South Florida INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS
T15. Jonathan Randolph 69-70—139 T21. Jesse Speirs 69-71—140T27. Kyle Ellis 71-70—141T49. David Marino 75-70—145T66. Chris Mullhaupt 71-79—150
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