We want to thank everyone who came out for the Year End 2-Day Major at Far Oaks GC. BIG shout out to our sponsor, Johnson Home Contracting, for the support and adding $250 to the prize purse. Congratulations to all the winners!

Champ Flight Winner – Chris Pestka

Pestka Dominates Golfweek Amateur Tour Championship to Secure Back-to-Back Points Championships

In the world of amateur golf, one name has been dominating the scene - Chris Pestka. Last year's points champion in the Champ Flight, Pestka had a single mission this season: to put a cherry on top of what was already an incredibly successful campaign on the Golfweek Amateur Tour. And boy, did he deliver!

The season-ending major was where Pestka aimed to solidify his status as the undisputed champ, and from the very first tee shot, he meant business. Pestka set the tone for his weekend by starting with a birdie on the short par-five opening hole. It was a sign of things to come.

Having laid down the gauntlet with that early birdie, Pestka proceeded to put his game on cruise control. He parred the next seven holes, showcasing the kind of consistency that separates the greats from the rest. A bogey on the ninth was but a minor hiccup as he made the turn at an even-par 36.

The back nine was where Pestka truly shone. Starting with a solid par on the tenth, he moved on to the 11th hole, where he conjured up some magic. A well-executed wedge shot landed in the hole. That brilliant eagle took his score to -2 for the round, putting him in prime position.

From there, it was a masterclass in golfing skill. Pestka made par on the remaining seven holes, displaying nerves of steel as he navigated the challenges of the course. His first round concluded with a very impressive -2, 70.

Day two arrived, and it seemed like déjà vu for Pestka. He kicked off his round with yet another birdie and maintained his solid form, carding pars on the next six holes. Then, on the fun-filled par-3 8th hole, he drained another birdie. Pestka added one more par on the 9th to make the turn at -2, 34.

With the final nine holes in sight, Pestka was on a mission to finish strong, and that's exactly what he did. He added four more pars and two more birdies to his tally, bringing his second-round score to 71, -1. Pestka's consistent and impressive performance over the weekend left him with a total score of -3, securing his back-to-back Champ Flight Points Championship title.

Chris Pestka's dominance on the Golfweek Amateur Tour continues to amaze and inspire. Congratulations to Pestka on another incredible season, and we wish him the best of luck as he heads to Nationals to represent his region on the national stage. It's clear that Pestka is a force to be reckoned with in the world of amateur golf, and we can't wait to see what he accomplishes next.

A Flight Winner – Tom Estopare

Tom Estopare Secures Major Victory in A Flight Showdown

In the fiercely competitive A Flight, the stage was set for an epic showdown as golfers geared up for the final tournament of the year, the two-day major at Far Oaks. Among the contenders was Tom Estopare, a second-year member who had a score to settle after losing in a playoff the previous year. Estopare was on a mission, and he wasted no time in making his presence felt.

Tom didn't wait around – he came out firing, igniting his round with a spectacular birdie-par-birdie sequence that propelled him to the top of the leaderboard. His sensational start was a sign of things to come. Estopare didn't let up, stringing together five more pars to make the turn at an impressive 35, sitting at -1 for the round.

As the back nine unfolded, Estopare faced the challenges head-on. Despite a tough 10th hole, he bounced back with another birdie on the 11th, marking his third of the day. Down the stretch on the back nine, Tom maintained his composure, carding five more pars to conclude the back with a 39, bringing him to +3 for the round. This commanding performance gave Estopare a six-stroke lead heading into the final round of the year-end major.

The beginning of the second round mirrored the first, with Estopare opening the day with a birdie. Armed with a substantial lead, Tom settled into his rhythm, displaying his trademark brand of golf. He added five more pars on the front nine, along with two crucial birdies, ultimately finishing the front with an even-par 36, maintaining his +2 score heading into the back nine.

Tom Estopare brought his A-game to the course this weekend, showcasing some of the most consistent play witnessed all year. Down the stretch, Estopare added 7 more pars to his tally, fending off a spirited challenge from Big O, Orson Lewis, who was eyeing a major comeback to sweep both majors this year but fell just short on the eighteenth green. Tom wrapped up his day with a 39 on the back for a second-round total of 75, resulting in a weekend total of +5 (74, 75).

A hearty congratulations is in order for Tom Estopare on his second victory of the season, and notably, his first major tournament triumph on the tour. Way to go, Tom – your consistent and impressive performance on the course this weekend has left your fellow competitors in awe, and you've etched your name in the annals of A Flight history.

B Flight Winner – Chris Poetz

Chris Poetz Secures Year-End Major Victory with Masterful Play

In the high-stakes world of the Golfweek Amateur Tour, Chris Poetz, now in his third year on the circuit, was on a mission to make his mark in the first round of the year-end major. And make his mark he did, with a performance that left the competition in awe.

Poetz wasted no time in asserting himself. He kicked off his round in spectacular fashion, using the slope on the first hole to guide his approach shot right next to the flag, setting up an easy two-putt birdie. From there, it was three consecutive pars before he arrived at the challenging par-three 8th hole, where CP showcased his prowess once more, sinking another birdie. Two more pars rounded out the front nine, concluding with a fantastic 38 and a two-stroke lead.

The back nine brought its own set of challenges for Chris, but his putter did all the talking. He drained multiple putts from over 20 feet, including a bomb from 40 feet to save a crucial par. Chris added 5 more pars on the back nine to close out with a 42, resulting in an impressive first-round total of 80, giving him a three-stroke lead heading into the second round.

Day two saw Chris Poetz elevate his game even further. He opened the round with yet another birdie and settled in, determined to capture the championship hardware. It was on the front nine of the second round where Poetz's game truly shone. He effortlessly carded 7 pars on this side alone, showcasing a level of control and precision that was truly commendable. Chris finished the front nine of the second round with a solid 37.

Heading into the final nine holes with a comfortable lead, Chris chose to put his game on cruise control, executing well-thought-out and methodical golf. CP added three more pars to his scorecard down the stretch, ultimately shooting a 46 on the back for a second-round total of 83. This impressive performance resulted in a tournament total of +19 (80, 83).

Chris Poetz's remarkable display of skill and composure allowed him to hold off his challengers by three strokes, clinching the victory. His tournament total was enough to secure the title, narrowly edging out B Flight Points Champion Earl Mason by two strokes. This marked Chris's second win of the season and his first major title since joining the tour in 2020.

A hearty congratulations to Chris Poetz on finishing strong and earning a well-deserved victory. We wish him the best of luck at the National Championship at Hilton Head, and we're rooting for him to bring home the championship hardware.

C Flight Winner – Les Mays

Les Mays Stages Incredible Comeback to Secure Second C Flight Victory

After savoring the taste of victory in his ascent to the C Flight, Les Mays was hungry for more success. He hit the course with determination, and what followed was nothing short of remarkable.

Les displayed a consistent and composed game throughout the weekend. His prowess around the greens was undeniable. During the front nine, he carded three crucial pars, but found himself trailing the leader, Sean Bensinger, by six strokes as he made the turn with a 44.

However, Les remained undeterred. On the back nine, he continued to deliver steady golf, adding four more pars to gradually close the gap on the leader. As day one concluded, Les found himself in the clubhouse with an 87, sitting at +15 for the tournament. While he was five strokes behind the leader, he was well-positioned to mount a comeback on the final day.

Day two witnessed Les Mays channeling his inner golfing legend, playing as if he were possessed by the spirit of Bobby Jones himself. He kicked off his round with a birdie, setting the stage for a spectacular day. Les continued his birdie spree on the 5th and 8th holes, as his putter began to heat up. He made the turn with a 40, inching ever closer to catching the leader.

As the final stretch of holes loomed, Les remained unflappable. He carded five more pars and didn't fare worse than a bogey, executing one of the most remarkable comebacks in the annals of Golfweek history. Les wrapped up his final round with back-to-back 40s, securing the comeback and clinching victory with a comfortable three-stroke lead.

What an incredible way to close out the season for this seasoned veteran. Les Mays has consistently worked tirelessly to refine his game, and his determination and dedication have paid off once again. This victory is a testament to his enduring commitment to improvement and his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Congratulations to Les on a truly unforgettable win!

Les finished second in the points race and won twice on tour this year including his first two-day major win.  Congratulations on a great season Les. Cheers to many more!!!

D Flight Winner – Colin Dooley

Colin Dooley Claims Second Tournament Victory with Consistent Play

Seasoned Golfweek Amateur Tour member Colin Dooley had his sights set on securing his second tournament win of the year, aiming to replicate his success from the previous season at the stunning Far Oaks course. Dooley embarked on his quest with the confidence of a defending champion.

Colin's opening round began with a couple of solid pars, setting the tone for his performance. Despite facing some challenging situations, he demonstrated his prowess by saving a couple of crucial bogeys with impressive up-and-downs. Dooley then went on to add three more pars to his scorecard, concluding the front nine with a commendable 42, and a three-stroke lead.

Navigating the sloped fairways and lightning-fast greens on the back nine presented its own set of challenges. However, Dooley remained unfazed, managing to sink a valuable par on the demanding 17th hole. As the dust settled after day one, Colin found himself exactly where he wanted to be, finishing the back nine with a 48 for a first-round total of 90, holding a two-stroke advantage over Charlie Bieser, the D Flight points champ.

Moving into day two, it was up to Dooley to fend off the surging competitors from the D Flight. Colin commenced his second-round campaign in style, opening with a birdie on the first hole. From there, he continued to display his steady game, adding three more pars to make the turn in the final round with a 42, sitting at +6.

As the final nine holes of the major unfolded, Colin adhered to his game plan and maintained his consistency. With his challengers closing in, Dooley remained composed and delivered another splendid round, shooting 89 in the second round to secure the victory. His combined two-round score allowed him to edge out Bieser by a commanding six strokes.

This triumph marks Colin Dooley's second win of the season, a testament to his skill and composure on the challenging Far Oaks course. His performance showcased the kind of steady and strategic play that brings home championships. Congratulations to Colin on a superb season, and we extend our best wishes for success at the upcoming nationals.