Tough Conditions Greet Opening Event

Absolutely horrendous weather conditions greeted the Golf Channel AmTour as they teed off at Terry Hills GC on Saturday for the seasons opening event. A 34 degree wind chill and steady rain deprived everyone of any comfort and added an additional challenge to the course layout and fast greens.  Low score of the day was turned in by Steven Wedekind of Newfane in the Championship/Palmer Flight with a sterling 77 to eke out a one stroke victory over George McLaughlin of Friendship, NY.  2 birdies on the back nine proved to be the deciding factor.

In the Hogan Flight, last years Sarazen National Champion, Brad Bishop of Alden didn't let a double bogey closing hole prevent him from taking the victory with a solid 79 over Alex Kurilovitch of Oswego.

Tom Pettinella of Batavia held off a strong challenge from Jeff Bosasack of Oakville, Ontario and Dwight Hubbard Sr. of Rochester to take home the trophy in the Sarazen Flight recording an 85 to provide a 2 shot victory.

A solid 44 on the back nine propelled Donald Sheldon of Honedale, Pa with enough margin to make the long drive worth it and take the title in the Jones Flight.  In the Snead Flight, Orchard Park's Mark Rzotkiewicz's 104 was enough to lead him to victory.

A lot can be said about the toughness displayed by all the golfers in the event as conditions contributed to some pretty ugly holes for some of the particpants.  I saw a lot of class displayed by everyone and am proud to be affiliated with this group of golfers.

Next up is the Lockport Town & Country Club Open on Sunday, May 6th.  Deadline to register for this event is midnight on April 30th.

2012 Local Season to kick off April 21st

The Buffalo edition of the GCAmTour will kick off it's 2012 campaign on April 21st at Terry Hills GC in Batavia, New York.  With the addition of 19 new members this year, the battle for qualifying spots for the National Championships at TPC Sawgrass will be intense.  Returning this year will be 2011 Sarazen National Champion Bradley Bishop and 2009 Senior Snead National Champion Pekka Ojapalo.  Registration for this event closes at midnight on April 16th.

I am really looking forward to this year's campaign as each year we have grown a slight bit and each year more and more of our local members participate in at least one Major Championship.  The GCAmTour is the nations largest amateur tour with tours in approximately 50 cities. 

I wish to take this time to thank all our new and returning members and wish all of you a great and successful season.