The eGolf Amateur Tour/Orlando returned to tradition and opened its 2010 season at Black Bear GC in Eustis. The tour opened every season at Black Bear until 2006. It was great to be back at a course that is such a big part of tour history. Many of this year's members were not playing on tour when we last played this Pete Dye course. Playing conditions were ideal with mild temperatures and very light winds (for Black Bear). Considering the cold winter we had, the course was in good condition for our event. John Ward topped the field in the Championship flight with a 2-over par 74. It was good for a one shot victory over Ray Vigeant. It was another four strokes back to a three way tie for third that included Chad Frank, Mike Menyhart and Doug Powell. The A flight produced a host of low scores on opening day. Dennis Cargo led the way with a fine 75. He was two shots clear of Tom Dillon, Dave DiMauro, and John Marshall. This flight usually provides some of the best competition on tour. In the B flight, Paul Cope took first place on the strength of a nice round of 83. He edged past Rick Whitman who carded 84. First year player Matt D'Auria was next on 86. He tied Dan Lambdin, but took the third place prize on the match of scorecards. The C flight produced the season's first playoff as Brian Mack, Wayne Weaver and Chas McIntyre all came in with 87's. The playoff lasted all of one hole as the veteran Mack parred the first extra hole for the win. For Weaver and McIntyre it was still a good start as Wayne (pictured above) found out that he can compete in the C flight after moving up from D flight. And Chas is recovering from surgery on a broken arm that has limited his play for the better part of a year. So, congratulations to all of them on their effort at Black Bear. The D flight is small, but competitive. Newcomer Chuck Reed won his first event by shooting a 95. Ian Halliwell was second with 98 and 2 more players, Jerry Harris and James Rearden shot 99. In the senior flights, Dennis Brady, Steve Maddox and Joe Ondo all carded 74's to tie for first in the senior Championship flight. Brady won the playoff on the first extra hole. Senior A belonged to reigning Player of the Year Robbie Robinson who finished with 81. It was good for a three stroke win over Mike Lombardo. Rick Whitman's 84 was good enough for first place in senior B flight. Dan Lambdin was next at 86 and Johnn Pringle was third with 88.