Our first 2-Day Major tournament of the 2016 season for the GOLFWEEK Amateur Tour (Philly Metro) took us to the Pocono Mountains on Saturday June 11^th & Sunday June 12 ^th.  A field of forty tour members competed at Great Bear Golf Club in warm and humid conditions on Saturday, and then played at Mount Airy Golf Club in sunny and extremely windy conditions on Sunday.

Great Bear Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened in 1997 as a private member’s club. The course was literally blasted out of the surrounding rock canyons and routed through natural wetlands. In 2012, the property was acquired by the nearby Shawnee Inn and was opened for limited public play.  Mount Airy Golf Club’s original layout by Hal Purdy dates to the 1960’s; the course was redesigned in 2009 by Dan Schlegel. Each hole represents a “great golf hole” from many of America’s premier private golf courses. It is a very challenging yet playable course and very picturesque.

In the Championship Flight, Gary Greenberg (78-81, 159) bested the entire field on his way to winning the title. Gary enjoyed a stress-free weekend of golf and relaxation in the Poconos.
 
The A Flight winner was Darren Parkes (83-78, 161), who came from two-strokes back to take the title over Michael Dupree (81-93, 274). Frank Giordano (87-90, 177) was another three-strokes back.

In the B Flight, Steve Mumford (85-89, 174) came out victorious in a close battle over the two days against Mike Galletta (83-94, 177).  Kevin Cockerham (90-88, 178) and new member Jordan Ohler (86-92, 178) were another stroke back; Cockerham took 3^rd place on a match-of-cards.

The C Flight champion was Richard Paskman (86-93, 179) in a runaway over John Son (94-96, 190). Dave Neder (95-98, 193) was another three-strokes back.

In the D Flight, Sean Matthews (92-94, 186) won a close battle over Philly Metro Director Jeff A. Brodsky (92-97, 189). Fred Hering (106-90, 196) was another seven-strokes back.

Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to play on such fun and challenging golf courses. The high winds on Sunday made Mount Airy – already a challenging course on a calm day – a stern test of golf. It was a great 2-Day Tour major and a good time was had by all!

Our next event on, Saturday June 25th, 2016 is at Blue Bell Country Club. Designed by Arnold Palmer and opened for play in 1994, Blue Bell meanders through wetlands and open fields. The scheduled tee times start at 11:30 AM from the 1^st tee. The tournament entry fee is $130.00 and specially priced practice rounds are available. As always, thanks for playing!

SKINS & CTP 06-11-16

Hole #1 – John Son (Birdie “3”)
Hole #3 – Kurt Lewandowski (Birdie “3”)
Hole #6 – Michael Dupree (Birdie “2”)
Hole #12 – Darren Parkes  (Birdie “3”)
Hole #15 – Sean Matthews  (Birdie “4”)
                                                           
Skins paid $ 76.00 each

CTP #2 – Jordon Ohler  9’ 9”
CTP #7 – Lou Parducci  13’8”
CTP #11 – Richard Paskman  18’ 5”
CTP #13 – Kevin Cockerham  8’ 0”
CTP #16 – Carl Handwerk  14’ 5 “

CTP paid $ 38.00 each

SKINS & CTP 06-12-16

Hole #2 – Michael Dupree  (Birdie “3”)
Hole #9 – John Son  (Birdie “2”)
Hole #12 – Matthew McCormack  (Birdie “2”)
Hole #13 – Steve Mumford  (Birdie “4”)
Skins paid $ 95.00 each

CTP #4 – Fred Hering  9’ 3”
CTP #9– John Son  5’ 7”
CTP #12 – Steve Mumford  13’ 0”
CTP #14 – No Winner
CTP #17 – John Freymuller  23’ 2”
CTP paid $ 38.00 each