Horrendous Weather Doesn't Slow Johnson

Cold, wind, and rain, the type of weather conditions that tend to keep most golfers at home in front of the television, didn't stop 27 Golf Channel Amateur players from taking on the test of John Daly's Thundering Waters in Niagara Falls, Ontario on May 5th.  As difficult as the conditions were however, a few low scores topped the leader board.

Playing perhaps his best round of the season, Derek Johnson of Burlington, Ontario proved to be no match for the weather much less his competition in the Sarazen Flight.  The long hitting Johnson carded 4 birdies to shoot the days best round, a  76,  and take home the title.

 2012 proved to be a difficult season for tour veteran Robert Zehler.  After an outstanding 2011 season, highlighted by a top 3 finish at the National Championships, his game seemed to desert him.  If his 2 shot victory in the Jones Flight is any indication, he just may be back.  "Better ball striking" provided by concentrated practice and a minor swing change helped him overcome a late lead by Chris Jerge of West Seneca and return him to the winners circle.

Canada's Ted Brethour, a tour rookie had to go to a playoff to claim his 1st title in the Hogan Flight.  West Seneca native, Larry Kavaugh overcame a rough start to shoot one over par on the finishing nine holes to necessitate the playoff only to be bested by Brethour on the extra hole.

 

In the Palmer Flight, Tonawanda resident Ken Englert, took great advantage of his "take what the conditions will allow" approach to gain a 4 shot victory and his 2nd win of the season.  Both Chris Dolce of Buffalo and Phillip Swamp of Hogansburg provided an early challenge, as the weather conditions grew worse, Englert's steady play became too much to overcome.

A triple bogey on the par 3 tenth hole did nothing to deter Brian Davis of Amherst, NY as he rode a well played 78 to victory in the Championship Flight.  One of the tour's most consistent players, he once again displayed a fortitude that makes him a truly worthy adversary.