Look who hoisted the trophy at GCI

The top story is the return to the winner's circle after two plus years of struggle.  Bruce Gallo has been a longtime member since the beginning when the tour first hit Chicago in 2003.  He has supported both Local, Major and National events and has struggled over the past few years with his game.  Bruce posted his lowest round on tour ever and on a very good course.

(Former Member Don McNanna having fun with Bruce)

Congratulations Bruce

 welcome back to the Winner's Circle! 

Mark Giebelhausen, Nomie Namie and Bruce Gallo

Ok - did your wives call each other to say what

shirt the other would wear?

  

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT:

Dane Yarnell held on to his 2 stroke lead to win by 2 strokes over Jim Hurckes.  Jim did make a run late, but a birdie on hole 16 by Dane assured him the victory.  Dane Yarnell and Mark Palmer are the leading player’s to beat in the Championship Flight.

 

PALMER FLIGHT:

Jim Apostol f the St. Louis Tour had a one stroke lead after nine over Jeff Kinney and Jack Dempsey.   Jack Dempsey soon dropped out of contention when he posted a 10 on the long par five eleventh hole.  Jim Apostol looked like he was on cruise control but shot 7 over on holes 12-14.  Jeff Kinney however had made the key shots to take the lead and through 15 holes he was 6 over par and a the leader by 6 shots.  Jeff has added another win for 2011. 

HOGAN FLIGHT:

Don Sanford of the Milwaukee Tour has been having great success competing in Chicago North Tour events.  When Don finished the front 9, he had a one stroke lead over Mike Caithamer, DeRell Durr (Chicago South Tour), two stroke lead over Ron Hoxsey and a three stroke lead over Jim Polubinski (Chicago South Tour).  Jim Polubinski brought Don McNanna (former member) along as his caddie and when he bogied the 10^th, it didn’t appear Jim would be a factor.  As the field began to struggle on holes 10-14, Jim Polubinski managed to shoot 3 over on the back while the field was posting doubles and triple bogie's.  Jim won by 3 strokes over Milwaukee Tour member, Don Sanford. 

SARAZEN FLIGHT:

This was the strongest flight with 13 competitors which combined both Open and Senior Flight players.  John Flower’s was only 2 strokes back heading the back nine.  Holes 10 – 15 had enough challenge that could open the door to any charge a player could mount.  Bruce negotiated the three most difficult holes (11, 12 & 13) posting a par and after 13 holes, he was only 4 over par.  He did open the door when he began to stumble on the easier holes (14 & 15) shooting three over giving John Flowers an opening now being only one back.  It came to a quick end when john struggled on the Par 5 fifteenth posting a triple bogey and ending his chance at catching Bruce.  Bruce has been absent from the winner’s for over two years and it was great seeing this long time member hoist the trophy once again.

JONES FLIGHT:

It was a two man race between Charlie Dunkel and Randy Simonson who has been leading the Jones flight with wins.  When the pair completed their front nine, they were both 10 over par and well ahead of the 8 other competitors in the field.  Though Randy started to lose ground, there was still the tough 18^th hole which had the potential for player’s to put up big numbers.  Randy was only 2 strokes back after 17 holes and when Charlie posted a double bogey on 18, it gave an opening to Randy who needed a par to tie.  Randy took an 8 to end his bid for another season victory.

Championship Flight (0-3.9):

73 - Dane Yarnell  ($80)

Palmer Flight:

78 – Jeff Kinney ($110)

82 – Jim Apostol (82)

Hogan Flight:

84 – Jim Polubinski ($100)

87 – Don Sanford ($20)

Sarazen Flight:

79 – Bruce Gallo ($135)

82 – John Flowers ($75)

86 – Robert Fredian ($35) won scorecard playoff for third

86 – Bill Neiert ($15)

Jones Flight:

88 – Charlie Dunkel ($120)

92 – Randy Simonson ($60)

95 – John Goldenne ($20)