Klein Creek closes the 2011 season for Chicago

2012 Season has now been put on hibernation until April but several players got a head start with tournaments In Lake Geneva and Wheaton.  The final event for this year took place at Klein Creek in Wheaton.  Though we did not get the 60 degree temperatures that were forecast earlier in the week, we did escape the rain.  In true fall fashion the players dealt with damp windy conditions with temps in the low 50’s.

Closing out the final round for 2011 in winning fashion were Bill Schump, Frank Kaldis, John Mitchell, Nomie Namie and Clay Koenig who all won their respective flights.  All the flights other than Hogan were closely contested, but Frank Kaldis playing in his first tournament as a Hogan posted the low round of the day with a 79 which was possible with a 37 on the back nine.

Palmer Flight: Only four players competed but all made the turn with only 4 strokes separating last to first and a lot of golf yet to be played.  John Mauck was only one stroke back as he started the back nine but Bill Schump did not yield shooting a 37 to post a final score of 80.  The biggest charge was headed up by Mike Anderson who was 2 back after nine and by the time the group reached the 17 hole it was a two way tie for first.  Bill Schump closed the final two holes with birdies to fend off the late charge by Mike.

Hogan Flight: Frank Kaldis had the lead after nine by one over John Williams and three over Chuck Gleason.  Frank began his back nine with a birdie but double bogied 11 giving the rest hope that he would open the door some.  It wasn’t to be even though Chuck Gleason shot a 40 and John Williams 42, it was Frank Kaldis who took charge of the Hogan Flight shooting a 37 on the back for a 79 and the low round of the day.

Sarazen Flight:  James Francey lead by two strokes after nine but an 8 on twelve opened the door for John Mitchell, Eddie Stephens and Steve Downey the opportunity to make a run.  Steve Downey suffered with a bad back but manage to post a 43 on the back and tie for third with James.  John Mitchell had taken charge of the tournament with Eddie Stephens in close pursuit.  A triple bogey on 18 could have proved disastrous but John still managed a 42 to fend off Eddie Stevens 43 and win by one stroke.

Jones Flight:  Five strokes separate last from first and in the Jones Flight, five strokes can be made up quickly.  Though Nomie led after nine, he opened the door posting a 50 on the back for a 95.  As things progressed on the back nine, only Lino Rojas had a chance of overtaking Nomie.  With one hole Lino got the tournament all squared after 11 when Nomie Namie posted a nine on eleven.  Both Nomie and Lino traded blows until Lino ran into a bit of trouble posting a 9 on hole 15 which put Nomie out in front to stay.  Nomie posted an eight on the final hole but managed to win by3 over Lino Rojas shooting a 95.

Snead Flight:  The Snead Flight had the largest field with 12 player’s with nine players in contention at the turn.  A four stroke deficit in the Snead Flight as proven in the Jones Flight could be made up on one hole.  Clay Koenig was two strokes back at the turn but his 42 on the back moved him quickly ahead of the rest of the flight.  Mike Teegen was not far behind but posted a 44 to fall two strokes back and take second place.

Palmer Flight:

  80  Bill Schump  ($80 Golf Galaxy Gift Card and Trophy)

Hogan Flight:

  79  Frank Kaldis ($110 Golf Galaxy Gift Card and Trophy)

  85  Chuck Gleason ($50 Golf Galaxy Gift Card)

  85  John Williams  (lost scorecard playoff for 2^nd place)

Sarazen Flight:

  87  John Mitchell  ($110 Golf Galaxy Gift Card and Trophy)

  88  Eddie Stephens ($50 Golf Galaxy Gift Card)

Jones Flight:

  95  Nomie Namie ($80 Golf Galaxy Gift Card and Trophy)

Snead Flight:

  92  Clay Koenig ($125 Golf Galaxy Gift Card and Trophy)

  94  Mike Teegen ($65 Golf Galaxy Gift Card)

  99  David Small  ($30 Golf Galaxy Gift Card)

100  Ray Lim ($20 Golf Galaxy Gift Card)

Closest To the Pin:

$65  Tom Ward

$65  DeRell Durr

$65  John Mitchell

$65  James Francey

Skins:

$34  Nomie Namie

$24  John Mauck

$24  Bill Schump

$24  Tom Ward

$24  Jim Thompson

$24  Frank Kaldis

$24  John Carrato

$17  Clay Koenig

$17  Mike Teegen

$17  Marty Bevil

$17  Eric Powell

$17  Lino Rojas

$12  Jim Patchett

$12  John Mitchell

$12  Eddie Stephens

$12  Richard Ross

Pat Polzin – Two Time champion winning the 2011 National Championship (Palmer Flight)

Chicago did not come home empty handed thanks to Pat Polzin who won his 2^nd National Title on the Golf channel AM Tour.  Notables were Ken Larney (Chicago South Tour) who shot a 69 to finish 4^th and Dane Yarnell (Chicago North) shooting a 71 to finish 5^th.  Both Ken and Dane earned exempt qualification status by finishing in the top five for 2012 National Championship.  They will still need to meet all other requirements to be eligible to compete.

The top story was Pat Polzin winning his 2^nd National Championship and closing the win on the same course as he had done in 2009.  Kyle Zeitz played steady for three rounds and had a 5 stroke lead over Pat and a 13 stroke lead over the next closest challenger.  Pat took the opportunity to put a few thoughts in Kyle’s head after their round on the PGA West – Nicklaus Course.  Kyle has never been in the top 5 let alone leading a National Championship and Pat knew he needed some help considering how Kyle was playing.

The two sat down to talk over a beer and Pat said things like: “Good luck sleeping on the lead, I would rather play from behind and good luck with fighting those issues.”  The final thought that Pat planted in Kyle’s head was answering Kyle’s questions:

Kyle: Pat, you were the only one who had a subpar round this week

Pat:  Yes I was

Kyle: If I recall, you were the only one in 2009 to have a subpar round in our flight

Pat: Yes I shot 68 on the final day

Kyle:  Which course?

Pat: PGA West Stadium the same one we are closing the championship out on tomorrow

Pat Polzin had planted some thoughts for Kyle to sleep on and needed help because Kyle Zeitz had played solid over three rounds shooting a total of 12 birdies over the first three rounds.  The final round began with Pat birdying the first hole and by the end of the 63 hole, Pat Polzin had closed the gap to one stroke.  Kyle Zeitz did not post a birdie in his first 9 holes of the day.

Kyle managed to go 3 strokes up paring the first 4 holes on the back nine while Pat bogied 10 and 13.  With five holes to play, Pat knew he was running out of holes and Kyle Zeitz did not look like he was going to fold.  On the 14^th hole a door opened when Kyle hit his drive OB posting a 6 to Pat’s 4 closing the lead to just one stroke and four holes to play.  On fifteen the pressure seemed to be getting to Kyle because he had not had a birdie yet and tried to force the issue with an aggressive play on 15.  Though Pat bogied 15, Kyle sprayed the ball around and made a poor putt to get the pair tied after 69 holes.

The last three holes were not fun to watch because Kyle began to implode.  He lacked confidence and the pressure had gotten to him.  Pat drilled a drive down the middle of the Par 5 sixteenth and Kyle deciding to take an aggressive line pulled his drive well to the left and OB.  He hits a provisional ball that heads left and OB again only to bounce back off the roof top lying 3.  Knowing that pat is in great position to score at least a par, Kyle decides to go for the green only to end up in the 15 foot high bunker left.  He hit a great shot out and made an 8 foot putt for a 7.

Pat has been in the lead before at the 2009 Championship and he knew par on the closing holes would be enough to at least tie or win.  The 17^th hole sealed the deal when Pat put his shot 15 feet to the left  putting pressure on Kyle to birdie and draw within one.  When Kyle flew the green to the left and in the water, the Championship was over even though Kyle made an excellent four; Pat had gone 3 strokes up with one hole to play.

The tough 18 could produce a double bogey and Kyle has yet to birdie a hole so there was still pressure on the tee shot for Pat.  He steps up and drills a soft draw to the center of the fairway.  Kyle took an aggressive line and hit the rocks to the left knocking his ball into the hazard and that closed the deal even if Pat double bogied.  To put a finish touch on his 2^nd National Title, Pat knocked in a 10 foot putt for birdie to shoot a 77 and a total of 305 to win the Championship by 6 strokes.

Congratulations to Ken Larney and Dane Yarnell for making the top five and to Pat Polzin on his come from behind win for his 2^nd National Title.

Pat Polzin goes low

The 2011 National Championship closed round two with a lot of movement.  Pat Polzin ( Chicago South Tour) shot a two under par (70) at the La Quinta Mountain Course moving up from 6^th to 2^nd.  Dane Yarnell (Championship Flight) is 5 back, tied for 5^th shooting a 73.  Andrew Wilson posted a 73 today and won a $285 Skin knocking in a 175 yard approach shot for an Eagle.

The Championship moves to the all-important third round which is moving day.  Pat Polzin is in position to make another run at being crowned National Champion.  Dane Yarnell is due for a subpar round and in position to make a run at winning the National Championship once again. 

2011 Sr. National Championship comes to a close

The 2011 Sr. National Championship came to an exciting finish.  Of those who played in their first Championship, they truly enjoyed the experience.  The players who had afternoon rounds played in intense heat and the key to maintaining strength and focus was keeping hydrated.  A couple players as well as a couple spectators suffered dehydration which caused one Member to be hospitalized and a
Female spectator passed out.  Those who kept it together had great results.

Chicago South, Chicago North and Milwaukee should be pleased with how its members did.  Congratulations to those who finished in the to five: Curt Langille (Milwaukee Tour), Dan Steinman (Chicago South), Richard Naef ( Milwaukee Tour) and John Williams (Chicago North).

Congratulations to the following Sr. Players:

Sr. Championship flight: Curt Langille fell short by three strokes and two holes is what prevented Curt from coming home with the trophy.  Curt started out with a par but on the Par Five 2^nd hole, Curt ran into a lot of trouble and posted a nine.  He managed a couple of birdies but then triple bogied 14 to knock him out of a chance to win the Championship Flight.  Curt finished 3^rd and earned exempt status into 2012 Sr. National Championship.

Sr. Palmer Flight: Dan Steinman led the Sr. Palmer flight for the first three rounds and had a one stroke lead going into the final round on the Greg Norman Course.  The day started out rough and the lead soon switched after the first two holes with Clifford Conover taking a one stroke lead.  When the front finished, Dan found himself four strokes back. With three holes to play, Dan had closed the gap to within two strokes.  Though he shot a 38 on the back, it wasn’t enough to make up the difference from the front nine.  Dan represented himself and the Chicago Tour proudly finishing 2^nd in a flight of 69 competitors.

Sr. Hogan Flight:  John Williams had a great week winning big money on the first day ($2,600).  The Sr. Hogan Flight was 129 players strong finishing in the Top Ten is a great accomplishment.  John finished in 7^th place with a closing round score of 83.

Sr. Sarazen Flight: Mark Giebelhausen posted an opening round 94 and tied for 38^th with 7 other players.  Mark made the biggest move finishing in 16^th out of 93 in his flight.  Though he was well out of the lead after day one, Mark continued to battle to improve on his first round position.

Sr. Snead Flight: Richard Naef hung in to the very end but was unable to make up the 8 stroke difference but finished in 3^rd Place.

Congratulations to all who competed in the Sr. National Championship.   Chicago has had Champions in the past but Curt Langille (Sr. Championship) and Richard Naef (Sr. Sarazen) are the first on the Milwaukee tour to reach the Top Five.  The Open Division players are in town and it is their turn to pick up where the senior’s left off.

The days will be much longer because the field size is nearly 200 more than the Sr. Championship so posting an update might not occur.  Make sure to follow your tour members by going to www.gcamtour.com then select your tour.  Go to schedule and click on “Leader Board” for the National Championship.  I wish all the Open Flight players from Chicago North, Chicago South and Milwaukee luck.  

Round 2 - 2011 Sr. National Championship

The 2011 Sr. National Championship came to a close with some excitement on both the Nicklaus and Stadium courses which produced two holes in one. On the La Quinta Course a Chicago South Tour Member was rushed to the hospital from heat exhaustion and I am pleased to report that he was released from the hospital. Richard said he drank plenty of water the night before and prior to his round but today was over 100 degrees.

Sr. Championship Flight: KC Fox of FL is giving little ground and it will take some aggressive play to catch him. Curt Langille of the Milwaukee Tour shot a 74 on the Stadium Course and is 3 strokes back and Mark Palmer of the Chicago North Tour posted a 75 and is 5 strokes back.

Sr. Palmer Flight: Dan Steinman (Chicago South Tour) is 2 strokes in front and shot a 79 on the Stadium Course. Dan heads to the La Quinta Mountain course and can put up a good number without being aggressive. The key is taking time on the greens which are not as good as the Nicklaus or Stadium courses.

Sr. Hogan Flight: Don Jongeward (Milwaukee Tour) posted an 85 in round one and moved up 8 spots posting the same number on day two. Don has an opportunity to move further up the leader board depending on how aggressive he wants to be. Day three is when players make their move and the leaders continue to play conservative. John Williams (Chicago North) dropped back to 7^th following his first round 76 with an 85 today. He is still in a good position to make a charge without having to play too aggressively. The leader is the one who needs to protect the lead and if he plays aggressive he could easily bring the field closer to him.

Sr. Snead Flight: Bryce Hanson (Chicago South Tour) started his second round 2 back of the lead but a 109 pushed him down the leader board to 31^st. Bryce believes he will overcome this round and still make a run at the Leader because he is only 18 strokes out of first. With two rounds yet to play and in the Sr. Snead Flight Bryce could easily gain ground. Richard Naef (Milwaukee Tour) is still in a great position 3 back of the lead after shooting a 94. Richard is headed to the tough Stadium course and a great opportunity to make a strong move. There are several holes awaiting players like the par three 17^thwhich played 137 yds for the Sr. Palmer/Sr. Championship flight where large numbers loom. One Sr. Palmer put up a ten after putting four balls in the water. The drop area is no bargain which is a 50 yard shot over water. The 16^th hole left side bunker is about 8 feet below the green and anyone who finds that bunker will find it nearly impossible to get to the top. I expect some big moves on the Stadium course tomorrow.

Skins Game: TimWenzel (Milwaukee Tour) and John Carrato (Chicago North) won $312 in Skins money.

Go to www.gcamtour.comfor results.

2011 Sr. Championship is underway - Chicago North looking good

The 2011 Sr. National Championship got underway today and though some of the Chicago North hopefuls did not fair well, several member's posted good rounds putting them in a great position heading into the second round.

Mark Palmer (Sr. Championship) posted an opening round 74, 3 strokes back.  John Williams (Sr. Hogan) shot an outstanding round 76 two strokes back of the lead.  But the shot of the day was the birdie he posted on hole number nine of the LaQuinta Mountain course which won John a hefty skin payout of $2,600.  Not a bad way to start out the Championship.  Eddie Stephens (SR. Sarazen) posted an 88 only 7 strokes back and Mike Teegen (Sr. Snead) is ten strokes back shooting a 100.

There is plenty of time to make up ground over the next three days, especially in the Snead flight.   Follow the player's throughout the week: www.gcamtour.com/chicago-north

Ken Larney -loses in sudden Death to advance

Ken Larney (Chicago South Tour) competed this morning in Sudden Death stroke play for one of the remaining 8 spots in the Match Play format. He posted a two day total 151 (79-72) to find himself in a tie with 9 others all hoping to make it to the Match Play format of the US Senior Amateur Championship.  Unfortunately Ken lost in sudden death and did not make the 64 man roster, but should be proud just the same. 

In a conversation with Ken, he is having the time of his life and is just excited to have had a shot at the final stage.  I am sure he took a lot from his first experience and will try again next year.  Great job Ken and good luck at the National Championship next week.