John Kollus fires 3-under 69 to Claim South Bay Amateur

Kollus Fires Tournament-Record 69 at South Bay Amateur

Chula Vista, CA—The Golf Channel Amateur Tour held the 4^th annual South Bay Amateur Championship on Monday at San Diego Country Club.  Arguably one of the finest courses in the nation, players were treated to excellent course conditions albeit the hole locations and fast greens gave some players fits on a somewhat windy day. 

John Kollus of San Diego had, surprisingly, not won on Tour since December of 2010.  One of the most talented players on Tour, Kollus turned that around on Monday.  Playing in the final Championship group, Kollus carded six birdies on the day to set the tournament record at the South Bay Amateur with a sparkling 3-under par 69.  With the win, Kollus vaulted up the leaderboard and is now 2^nd on the Order of Merit and could be a strong contender for Player of the Year honors.  Kollus putted beautifully on the day, making a nice 15-footer for birdie on #8 and putting an exclamation point on his round by holing a 20-foot par attempt on the last to secure the win, tournament record, and his first victory on Tour in nearly 17 months.  Gary Robinson of San Diego and Phil Walker of Rancho Santa Fe both played well, tying for 2^nd place at 1-over par 73.  Both players struggled a bit getting it into the house, however, and will look for a stronger performance down the stretch in their next scheduled start.   A pair of National Champions, Jeff Hunter (2006) and Gerry Simoni (2004) tied for 4^th at 3-over par 75 on Monday. 

Three players separated themselves from the pack on Monday in the Palmer Flight.  Jason Matteson of San Diego, Toby Tollack of San Diego, and Chris Paragamian of Claremont all tied for the lead at 8-over par 80.  In the playoff, Paragamian would stand alone, making par on the difficult par-4 10^th hole to secure his 1^st Tour victory in San Diego!  Down but never out, Paragamian survived a difficult stretch with a double bogey on #1 and a triple bogey on #2 to make the playoff.  Jeff Hanser of Rancho Santa Fe, Michael Gonzales of Redondo Beach, and Michael Mariotti of San Diego all tied for 4^th place at 83. 

The Hogan Flight also saw some playoff action on Monday that included a former champion of this event.  Keith Fifield of Chula Vista tied for the low round of the day in the flight along with Steve Johnson of San Clemente.  The playoff would only last one hole, with Johnson coming out on top thanks to a bogey on the first playoff hole.   Congratulations on both players for tying for the lead in the flight, with Steve Johnson earning his 1^st of potentially many victories on Tour.  Greg Velasquez of La Jolla was right there thanks to a birdie on his closing hole, #9, to finish in 3^rd place just a stroke out of the playoff at 84.  Eric O’Keefe rounded out the top 4 at 85. 

David Ziebarth of Los Angeles made the trek down to San Diego for the event and was sure glad he did.  Ziebarth posted an outstanding round of 10-over par 82, which was so good he would have won the Hogan Flight!  In the end, it was a 5-stroke victory in the Sarazen Flight and his 1^st victory of the 2012 season.  Sean Clayman of San Diego finished in 2^nd place at 87, while arguably the hottest player in the flight, Earl Totty, finished up in 3^rd place at 80. 

The Jones Flight saw limited action with only four players, and Paul Hitchcock returned to victory here at San Diego Country Club with a very nice round of 91 which was good for a 6-stroke victory. 

It was a family affair for the winner of the Snead Flight.  Gerardo Furlong was fortunate enough to have his brother and Hogan-Flight Tour winner Jose Furlong on the bag on Monday.  Jose, who is a member of San Diego Country Club, must have given some good reads on the greens as his brother was able to overcome a topped tee shot on #1 to come away with the narrowest of 1-stroke victories over three competitors!  Rod Adolphs, Doug Moore, and Kenneth Swanson all probably were looking at where they could have saved that one or two strokes, as each of them tied for 2^nd place at 96. 

In the Senior Hogan Flight Ted Collins played wonderfully and was rewarded with the victory on the difficult layout at SDCC.  Collins posted a very good round of 2-over par 84 on a difficult day playing from over 6500 yards.  Coming in 2^nd place was John Bendy, the only other player to shoot in the 80’s, at 86. 

Bill Chapman has his sights set on the Senior National Championship and could very well earn his way there thanks to his 1^st Tour victory on Monday.  The first year player out of San Diego was the only player to break into the 80’s, with his 88 holding up for the win.  Bob Kirkbright and Ted Hynes each tied for 2^nd at 90. 

The Tour returns to action this Friday with the Encinitas Amateur Championship. 

Top Finishers & Payouts

For full-field scores and photos please see www.gcamtour.com/san-diego. 

Championship

69 – John Kollus ($200 and Trophy)

73 – Phil Walker ($125)

73 – Gary Robinson ($125)

75 – Jeff Hunter ($75)

76 – Tom Isaak ($25)

76 – Bill Borden ($25)

76 – Roland Rivera ($25)

Palmer Flight

80 – Chris Paragamian ($175 and Trophy)*

80 – Toby Tollack ($100)

80 – Jason Matteson ($100)

83 – Jeff Hanser ($25)

83 – Mike Gonzales ($25)

83 – Michael Mariotti ($25)

Hogan Flight

83 – Steve Johnson ($150 and Trophy)*

83 – Keith Fifield ($100)

84 – Greg Velasquez ($75)

85 – Erik O’Keefe ($25)

Sarazen Flight

82 – David Ziebarth ($150 and Trophy)

87 – Sean Clayman ($100)

90 – Earl Totty ($50)

Jones Flight

91 – Paul Hitchcock ($100 and Trophy)

Snead Flight

95 – Gerardo Furlong ($150 and Trophy)

96 – Rod Adolphs ($25)

96 – Doug Moore ($25)

Senior Hogan

84 – Ted Collins ($125 and Trophy)

86 – John Bendy ($50)

Senior Sarazen

88 – Bill Chapman ($150 and Trophy)

90 – Bob Kirkbright ($25)

90 – Ted Hynes ($25)

Optional Skins Game Results

Group 1 (Championship & Palmer)

#2 – Bill Brammer ($80)

#4 – John Tinsley ($80)

#13 – Justin Muse ($80)

#14 – Phil Walker ($80, EAGLE)

#15 – Paul Hundhammer ($80, EAGLE)

#18 – Kyle Koop ($80)

Group 2 (Hogan & Sarazen)

#3 – Lawrence Breaux ($100)

#4 – Steve Johnson ($100)

#10 – Ted Hynes ($100)

#13 – Yasuhiro Yoshimi ($100)

#16 – Benjamin Scott ($100)

Group 3 (Jones & Snead)

#5 – Randy Kilburn ($40)

#7 – Scott Fjelstad ($40)

#14 – Ashley Robertson ($40)

#17 – Doug Moore ($40)

John Malone Claims Sycuan Championship

Malone notches 2^ndwin in as many tries on Sunday

El Cajon, CA--The Golf Channel Amateur Tour held the 10th annual Sycuan Championship on Sunday out at the Oak Glen Course.  Conditions were good for scoring with mild temperatures and good playing conditions.

John Malone of Chula Vista continues to impress on Tour and became the 2nd player in the Championship to win multiple events here in 2012 (joining Connor Driscoll of Encinitas).  With nine players in contention coming down the stretch, Malone made a birdie on the par-five 18th hole to win in back-to-back events at even-par 72.   Charles Lyon of San Diego overcame a horrendous bogey-bogey-bogey start to sit tied for the lead at 1-over par heading into 18 but failed to birdie pitting him in a tie for 2nd place.  55-year old Don Eklund continues to prove he can play with anyone.  Eklund was tied for the lead thru eleven holes 1-under par, but two bogeys on the back nine also saw him in a tie for 2nd at 1-over par 73.   Six players amazingly tied for 4th place at 2-over par 74 including Derrick Farino (Poway), Tom Isaak (San Diego), Cory Gladstone (San Diego), Sean Kearns (Coronado), Bill Borden (Alpine), and Ryan Furey (San Diego).

The Palmer Flight turned into a 2-man race on Sunday, with Graham Everett of Irvine and Art Harris of La Mesa.   Harris was the clubhouse leader for sometime, 3 shots clear of the field at 5-over par 77.  Everett, fresh off his Western Masters victory last week and playing in one of the final groups in the flight, carded a nifty 4-over par 76 to earn his second victory in as many weeks.  David Macias of Corona and Jason Matteson of San Diego tied for 3rd at 80.

In the Hogan Flight Terry Bodoin carded three birdies en route to a narrow 1-stroke victory over Paul Kerr.   The win is Bodoin’s first since the opening season event all the way back in November and will probably not be his last this year.  Paul Kerr played well and earned a nice 2nd place finish at 81.   In the Senior Hogan Flight Roberto Cardenas of Chula Vista fired the low round in his Tour career and was rewarded with his first victory in four starts.  Cardenas outlasted Scott Goedecke of El Cajon by two strokes, winning with an 83.

In the Sarazen Flight Earl Totty continues to play well, earning his second victory in his last three tournaments on Sunday.   In a very close race, his 85 was good for a 1-stroke victory on Sunday over James Spooner of El Cajon.  Deon Chen finished in 3rd just another stroke back at 86.  In the Senior Sarazen Flight Bob Kirkbright of San Diego played a beautiful round, winning by two shots at 10-over par 82.  James Dunmyer of Laguna Niguel finished in 2nd place at 84, while Ted Hynes wrapped up 3rd at 85.

In the Jones Flight Danny Rosemier was struggling and losing some confidence.  After Sunday that might all be a thing of the past. Rosemier shot his career low score on Tour, an 81, to win by thirteen (13) strokes!  With the win, his 3rd of the season, Rosemier is now qualified for the 2012 National Championships.
In the Snead Flight Alan Wettig went out in 44 and continued that momentum all the way to the winner’s circle, winning with a good score in the flight of 91.  Rod Adolphs finished in 2nd place at 93, while Michael Robinson rounded out the top 3 at 94.

Top Finishers and Payouts
For full field scores and photos please see http://www.gcamtour.com/. 

Championship

72 – John Malone ($150 and Trophy)
73 – Charles Lyon ($100)
73 – Don Eklund ($100)
74 – Sean Kearns ($25)
74 – Cory Gladstone ($25)
74 – Bill Borden ($25)
74 – Ryan Furey ($25)
74 – Tom Isaak ($25)
74 – Derrick Farino ($25)

Palmer Flight

76 – Graham Everett ($175 and Trophy)
77 – Art Harris ($100)
80 – David Macias ($75)
80 – Jason Matteson ($75)
82 – Chris Cagnolatti ($50)
82 – Bob Hanyon ($50)

Hogan Flight

80 – Terry Bodoin ($125 and Trophy)
81 – Paul Kerr ($75)
82 – Allen Cornwall ($50)

Sarazen Flight

85 – Earl Totty ($150 and Trophy)
86 – James Spooner ($100)
87 – Deon Chen ($50)

Jones Flight

81 – Danny Rosemier ($100 and Trophy)

Snead Flight

91 – Alan Wettig ($125 and trophy)
93 – Rod Adolphs ($75)
94 – Michael Robinson ($50)

Senior Hogan

83 – Roberto Cardenas ($125)
84 – Scott Goedecke ($75)

Senior Sarazen

82 – Bob Kirkbright ($150 and trophy)
84 – James Dunmyer ($100)
85 – Ted Hynes ($50)

Optional Skins Game Results

Group 1 (Championship & Palmer)

#1 – Tom Isaak ($100)
#3 – Jason Matteson ($100)
#5 – Jeff Hanser ($100)
#10 – Mike Morris ($100, EAGLE)
#12 – John Tinsley ($100)

Group 2 (Hogan & Sarazen)

#2 – Ted Hynes ($45)
#3 – Ted Hynes ($45)
#4 – Kenneth Shelton ($45)
#5 – Richard Gorham ($45)
#11 – Kevin Apman ($45)
#12 – Allen Cornwall ($45)
#13 – Terry Bodoin ($45)
#15 – John Usilton ($45)
#16 – James Dunmyer  ($45)
#17 – Ted Collins ($45)
#18 – Ronald Gilchrist ($45)

Group 3 (Jones & Snead)

#1 – Doug Moore ($20)
#3 – Alan Wettig ($20)
#4 – Rod Adolphs ($20)
#9 – Kenneth Swanson ($20)
#10 – Michael Robinson ($20)
#12 – Eric Rasch ($20)
#14 – Kenneth Swanson ($20)

Congratulations to Michael Valdepena

Congratulations of the highest order to Tour Veteran Michael Valdepena.  Valdepena has improved dramatically the past 12 months after spending 3-4 seasons in the Snead Flight.  Valdepena has really dedicated himself to his game and has jumped all the way from the Snead Flight to the Senior Sarazen Flight. 

Please help us in recognizing Valdepena's achievement!

Rancho Santa Fe Amateur Championship Results

Santaluz Plays Difficult at Rancho Santa Fe Amateur; Playoffs Abound

Rancho Santa Fe, CA—The Golf Channel Amateur Tour held the 5th annual Rancho Santa Fe Amateur Championship on Monday, marking the 3rd year in a row the Tour has been at The Santaluz Club.  Santaluz more then held its own, with difficult native areas and speedy greens.   Four flights saw playoff action, the high number for playoff this season. 
The Championship Flight saw the 2nd 3-way playoff in a month on Tour.  Taylor Massey of Carlsbad, playing in his 1st event on Tour, was 4-under par after eleven holes but had some difficulty getting into the clubhouse.  Massey made a few bogeys coming in, finishing at 2-over par 74 to join Tom Isaak of San Diego and Scott Stevens of Encinitas.  On the first playoff hole, Massey, a very talented player who can hit it very deep, pulled his tee shot into the native area and was eliminated after Isaak and Stevens both hit excellent approach shots and converted their respective birdie putts on the 583 yard par five 1st hole.  The playoff headed to #2, which played as the most difficult hole on the course for the tournament.  Stevens would come up short with his approach shot, hitting into a hazard and a tough lie short of the green on the 442 yard par-four.  Isaak would hit his approach shot brilliantly to 15-feet and looked poised for the win.   Stevens would hit a miraculous recovery pitch from the deep native hazard area to 6 feet.  With Isaak three-putting for bogey, Stevens would bury the 6-footer for par and his 2nd win in as many weeks on Tour.   Stevens looks poised for a strong finish to the season, while Isaak virtually locked up Player of the Year honors with the T2 finish after wins in the San Diego Open and Western Masters this season.  Reigning National Champion Don O’Connor birdied his last hole on Sunday.  Surprisingly still winless this season, O’Connor finished just a stroke back at 75 along with Phil Walker of Rancho Santa Fe. 

The Palmer Flight, like the Championship, also saw a 3-way playoff on Monday.    82 would be the low round shot in this flight, with three players accomplishing this feat.  Kevin Stutts, Michael Mariotti, and Mick Yanoschak would need extra holes as well.  Both Mariotti and Stutts would par the opening playoff hole, with Yanoschak eliminated after an untimely bogey.   Stutts would ultimately prevail, using some likely experience on his way to his 2nd tournament victory of the season.  Mariotti, who was seeking his 1st ever Tour win, will have to wait at least two weeks for another opportunity but did tie for his best finish on Tour to date.  Craig Hagen rounded out the top 4 at 84. 

The Hogan Flight, like the Championship and Palmer Flight, also needed extra holes to determine the champion after Allen Cornwall and Keith Fifield tied with 81’s.  Both players tied with par on the opening playoff hole, with Cornwall getting some unique revenge on 2nd playoff hole.  Cornwall made a “9” on the par-four 2nd hole, which was also the 2nd hole of the playoff.  Getting some revenge, Cornwall improved by five strokes and made par to claim the RSF Championship in the Hogan Flight!  Darin Beeghley continued his hot play of late, finishing in 3rd place at 83. 

In the Sarazen Flight the wins keep on racking up for Dean Jacobs of Ramona.  Jacobs won for the fourth time on Tour this season, claiming the flight by a single stroke over Chris Nayve who was just lucky to be in the field.  Nayve, who was on the waiting list, was able to play after a no-show in the Sarazen Flight on Monday and he took advantage, following up his win last week with a 2nd place finish.  Eric McKay finished in third place at 88. 

The Jones Flight saw some very tight action, with Justin Dang and Randy Kilburn the last two standing at 88.   With Kilburn seeking his 2nd win on Tour and Dang looking for his 1st Tour victory ever, it would be Dang who would return to the clubhouse victorious after the sudden-death playoff. 

Gene Konrad enjoyed the smooth greens and was able to claim the Snead Flight with a round of 95 on Monday to win by a stroke.  Notably, Konrad overcame a score of “12” on the 16th hole and was able hang in there mentally for the win. 

With two players withdrawing from the flight, Art Harris would prevail over three others to claim the Senior Palmer Flight.  Harris was the only player to break into the 70’s, shooting 78 good for the win. 

In the Senior Hogan Flight, Scott Ulrich would be the only player to break into the 80’s and was rewarded with his first win since July of 2009!  Donald Chick finished in 2nd place just two strokes back at 81. 

In the Senior Sarazen Flight Ted Masek would go on to win by a single stroke, besting Ron Henley, 88-89. 
The Tour returns to action on Sunday, August 7 with the Poway Championship at Maderas Golf Club. 

Top Finishers & Results

Championship

74-Scott Stevens ($200 and Trophy)*
74-Tom Isaak ($125)
74-Taylor Massey ($125)
75-Phil Walker ($75)
75-Don O’Connor ($75)
*Won on 2nd playoff hole

Palmer Flight

82-Kevin Stutts ($150 and Trophy)*
82-Michael Mariotti ($75)
82-Mick Yanoschak ($75)
84-Craig Hagen ($25)
*Won on 3rd playoff hole

Hogan Flight

81-Allen Cornwall ($150 and Trophy)*
81-Keith Fifield ($100)
83-Darin Beeghley ($75)
84-Greg Velasquez ($25)
*Won on 2nd playoff hole

Sarazen Flight

83-Dean Jacobs ($150 and Trophy)
84-Chris Nayve ($75)
88-Eric McKay ($25)

Jones Flight

88-Justin Dang ($150 and Trophy)*
88-Randy Kilburn ($50)
*Won on 1st playoff hole

Snead Flight

95-Gene Konrad ($125 and Trophy)

Senior Palmer Flight

78-Art Harris ($150 and Trophy)

Senior Hogan Flight

79-Scott Ulrich ($125 and Trophy)
81-Donald Chick ($50)

Senior Sarazen Flight

88-Ted Masek ($125 and Trophy)
89-Ron Henley ($50)

Optional Skins Game Results

Group 1 (Championship & Palmer)

#2-Gary Robinson ($100)
#8-Adrian Reyes ($100)
#11-Phil Walker ($100)
#14-Dave Nilson ($100)
#17-Jeff Hunter ($100)

Group 2 (Hogan & Sarazen)

#3-John Usilton ($80)
#10-Scott Goedecke ($80)
#12-Ed Quinby ($80)
#13-Allen Cornwall ($80)
#14-Jeffrey Fishel ($80)
#17-Rick Offley ($80)

Group 3 (Jones & Snead)

#2-Randy Kilburn ($20)
#4-Randy Kilburn ($20)
#6-Brian Strate ($20)
#7-Alan Malmquist ($20)
#12-John Tyczki ($20)
#13-Paul Hitchcock ($20)
#14-John Tyczki ($20)
#17-Randy Kilburn ($20)
#18-Larry Boval ($20)

Stevens fires 69 to claim Cal Classic

Stevens fires 69 for first win on Tour;  O’Keefe Claims Palmer Flight in Playoff

Fallbrook, CA—The Golf Channel Amateur Tour held the 2nd annual California Classic at the Golf Club of California on Sunday.  The course was there for the taking with sunny skies and little wind and more than a few players were able to take advantage. 

Scott Stevens of Encinitas claimed his 1st victory on Tour, overtaking the defending champion, Tom Isaak, on the back nine.   Stevens carded five birdies en route to a spectacular closing nine of 32 to take the title at 3-under par 69 in what is sure to be the first of many wins on Tour for this talented player.  Isaak was also able to break par on the day, finishing in 2nd place at 1-under par 71.  2010 Southern California Tour Champion Charles Lyon played well and tied for 3rd along with Roland Rivera of San Diego at 1-over par 73. 

Michael O’Keefe got promoted to the Palmer Flight from the Hogan Flight last year and has struggled somewhat in the new flight.  That all changed on Sunday.  O’Keefe and Gregg Short were the only players in the flight to break into the 80’s, each carding a 79 which resulted in a playoff on #18.  With more than a few spectators enjoying the action from the clubhouse, O’Keefe would hit the green on the 230-yard closing par-three, ultimately being able to enjoy victory once Short missed the green left into the hazard.  Bob Hanyon carded a “9” on the fifth hole but was still able to manage an 81 to finish in a tie for third place along with Mick Yanoschak of Rancho Santa Margarita. 

The Hogan Flight saw some close scoring on Sunday, with Darin Beeghley of San Diego taking home the honors with a solid round of 9-over par 81.  The victory was surprisingly the first one for the talented 39-year old since the 2009 season, who made a solid putt on his closing hole for the narrow 1-stroke victory.   Mike Williamson of Oceanside birdied his first hole of the day, #10, and played solid all day, coming up just short and in 2nd place at 82.  Paul Kerr finished in 3rd place at 83. 

Chris Nayve blew away the competition in the Sarazen Flight, posting his best and only round under 80 in three years on Tour.  Nayve fired a 78 on Sunday good for a six stroke victory and his first on Tour since the 2009 season.   Deon Chen, recently promoted from the Jones Flight, proved his improvement was no fluke.  Chen fired a score that typically is in the winning range for the flight, but his 84 had him settle for a very good 2nd place finish in the first start in the flight.  Andrew Bloom and Kenneth Shelton Jr tied for 3rd place at 85. 

56-year young Michael Valdepena continues to improve on Tour and was rewarded with his 5th win on Tour this season in the Jones Flight on Sunday.  Valdepena, who was in the Snead Flight for some time, is making his mark on the Jones Flight in a big way this season, firing an 86 on Sunday for the win.  John Tyczki of Ramona had a good round that saw him in 2nd place at 88.  Richard McDaniel of San Diego rounded out the top three and the scoring in the 80’s for the flight at 89. 

Kenneth Swanson claimed the Snead Flight in amazing fashion on Sunday, firing a 39 on the front nine on his way to a 7-stroke victory.  Swanson broke into the 80’s for the first time in 17 rounds on Tour this season, grabbing the victory with a very solid 88.  Fellow senior Joe Strong finished in 2nd place at 95. 

In the Senior Hogan Flight there was one person who broke into the 70’s, and that person was Jack Coogan.  Coogan fired a 6-over par 78 good for a two-stroke victory over Ted Collins who finished in 2nd place at 80.  Scott Goedecke and Jervay McKinney tied for 3rd at 83. 

Sesh Ramakrishnan fired his low Tour round of the year by 8 strokes on his way to claiming Senior Sarazen.  Ramakrishnan fired a 79 on the day to take home top honors.  Jeffrey McGee of Bowie, MD fired a very solid 82 to finish in 2nd place, while Cedric Coleman took third at 86. 

Top Finishers and Results
For full-field scores and photos please visit www.gcamtour.com. 

Championship

69-Scott Stevens ($175 and Trophy)
71-Tom Isaak ($100)
73-Charles Lyon ($25)
73-Roland Rivera ($25)

Palmer Flight

79-Michael O’Keefe ($200 and Trophy)*
79-Gregg Short ($125)
81-Mick Yanoschak ($50)
81-Bob Hanyon ($50)
82-Alfredo Jimenez ($25)

Hogan Flight

81-Darin Beeghley ($150 and Trophy)
82-Mike Williamson ($100)
83-Paul Kerr ($50)

Sarazen Flight

78-Chris Nayve ($150 and Trophy)
84-Deon Chen ($100)
85-Andrew Bloom ($25)
85-Kenneth Shelton ($25)

Jones Flight

86-Michael Valdepena ($150 and Trophy)
88-John Tycski ($100)
89-Richard McDaniel ($50)

Snead Flight

88-Kenneth Swanson ($150 and Trophy)
95-Joe Strong ($75)

Senior Hogan Flight

78-Jack Coogan ($150 and Trophy)
80-Ted Collins ($100)
83-Scott Goedecke ($25)
83-Jervay McKinney ($25)

Senior Sarazen Flight

79-Sesh Ramakrishnan ($150 and Trophy)
82-Jeff McGee ($100)
86-Cedric Coleman ($50)
88-Bob Kirkbright ($25)

Optional Skins Game Results

Group 1 (Championship & Palmer)

#8-Tom Isaak ($80)
#9-Gregg Short ($80)
#14-Tom Isaak ($80)
#17-Scott Stevens ($80)

Group 2 (Hogan & Sarazen)

#1-Chris Nayve ($70)
#2-Michael Coleman ($70)
#6-Allen Cornwall ($70)
#7-Jack Coogan ($70)
#13-John Usilton ($70)
#16-Paul Kerr ($70)
#17-Michael Coleman ($70)
#18-Ted Collins ($70)

Group 3 (Jones & Snead)

#1-John Tyczki ($30)
#6-Randy Kilburn ($30)
#8-Michael Valdepena ($30)
#10-Brian Strate ($30)
#11-Michael Valdepena ($30)
#13-Paul Hitchcock ($30)
#14-Brian Strate ($30)
#15-Michael Valdepena ($30)
#17-Michael Valdepena ($30)

Congratulations to Improving Players

Congratulations to the following Tour Players who have improved on Tour this season and were promoted just recently as of the July 2 Handicap Revision:

Glenn Burton (Palmer to Championship)
Jerry Maes (Jones to Sarazen)
Shaka Johnson (Snead to Jones)
Jeff Fischel (Sarazen to Hogan)
Jose Talamantes (Hogan to Palmer)

Congratulations to these players and good luck in your new flight!

2nd Half Order of Merit; Gladstone looks solid in debut

Tour Players-

To update you on a few items:

2nd  Half Order of Merit

The 2nd-half Order of Merit just began with the Miramar Memorial Championship.   The top finisher from the 2nd half Order of Merit, not previously exempt or exempt in another category, will earn an invitation to the 2011 National Championships.  Please do not hesitate to contact me at Jstrobl@gcamtour.com or 619-933-7779 if you have any questions regarding the 2nd half Order of Merit or on how to qualify for the National Championships. 

Cory Gladstone

Cory has had quite a debut, finishing in 1st place in his 1st Tour event and finishing in 2nd place after a sudden-death playoff.  Cory is 6-under par for his first 36-holes on Tour in the Championship Flight.  Great playing, Cory!