The Golfweek Amateur Tour traveled to Brevard County to play Duran Golf Club on April 2.  For thes econd straight event, a field of over 100 players took to the course competing in 5 regular flights and 3 senior flights.  A special 11:30 am start time proved to be a perfect choice as blue skies and light winds greeted our players.

Bill Shufelt and Matt Tickle matched even par 72 rounds with identical 35-37 totals.  This meant that we had to send them back out to decide a winner.  Bill wasted little time as his par turned out to be good enough to end it on the first extra hole.  It was three strokes on back to newcomer John Henry in third place with 75. 

Mark Scherr, a first year player, took top honors in the A flight for the second week in a row with another 74.  With his back to back wins, we determined that his skill level was worthy of promotion up to Championship flight.  He hits solid golf shots and is fun to watch play.  We are sure he will do nicely in his new flight. 

Ryan Scheve, another first year player, shot a 77 to take second place.  Next came Marvin Pressley and David J. Parker.  They tied for third with 78's.  Rick Macali was the final player in the flight to break 80 as he posted 79.   A flight was again the largest of the day with 28 players competing.  

Ernie Hallare putts on #18 on a beautiful day at Duran

B flight really found the course to their liking as 3 players broke 80.  Eric Qualls came back from an opening 90 at Black Bear to shoot 75 at Duran.  But he didn't have much room to spare as Ray Rodriguez was only two shots back with a terrific 77 of his own .  Tour veteran Mike Salik carded the thrid sub-80 round as he put up a 79.  

The C flight, one of the most competitive flights again this year, continued with close finishes.  This time it was tour veteran Britt Thompson who came out on top.  He fired an 88 that stood up all day.  Walt Renton and Alex Eddy tied for second with 90. 

D flight is becoming Lawrence Blunk's playground as he took his second tournament in a row.  He shot 90.  Alberto Esperon finished second one back with 91 and Chase Forsyth took third with 92.

The PowerBilt Closest to the Pin contest went to Dan Gardner.  He won the PowerBilt 3-hybrid with a shot to 4'4" on hole #13.

The Senior (50 & up) flights needed no extra holes this week.  In Championship flight, Dennis Brady shot even par 72 to beat Steve Maddox by four.  Mike Lombardo tried to follow up his win at Black Bear with another at Duran, but he came up one shot short.  Steve Johnson shot 80 to edge past Mike's 81 and take the top prize in Senior A flight.  Senior B flight went to Ray Rodriguez, who put up a nice 77.  New member John Cruise finished second with 80.  Chet Parker shot 81 for third.  

Ray Rodriguez checks out the scoreboard after his Senior B win.

NEXT EVENT:  April 16--Grand Cypress--SPECIAL START TIME, 8:00 AM.