The Challenge at Deer Run Recap

                                "BUNDLED UP"

On March 28^th of 2015, Players from 5 different states representing 4 Golf Channel Am Tours congregated in Newport News, Va. to compete in The Challenge at Deer Run. One thing was learned at Newport News Golf Club that day………….

WINTER WAS NOT YET FINISHED!!!

Already cold temperatures were understated by just saying, “It’s cold”. Aided by overcast skies and a steady wind the day was downright frigid. The already long Championship course at Deer Run played even longer due to a saturating rain the day before and the effects the winter weather had issued to the course. However, given the stated conditions the play was impressive as the competition heated up throughout the flights. Some remarkable winning scores were posted as the thoughts after the tournament turned to the next venue and hopes for warmer weather.

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

Puerto Rico Amateur Champion, Tip Wight of the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour, claimed “Top Honors” by firing a 3 over par 75 on the Deer Run layout for his 1^st Local tournament win of the 2015 season. DC Tour player Jennifer Kitchen finished in 2^nd followed by Jay Corazza of the Richmond Tour.

HOGAN FLIGHT

It’s always a pleasure to see a new member get their 1^st win on the Golf Channel Am Tour and it was witnessed Saturday at the Newport News Golf Club at Deer Run as DC Tour player Kevin Green was awarded the Trophy after shooting an 82 to win the Hogan Flight. Green was followed by Richmond Tour player Tom Yeager in 2^nd and    new Richmond member Hudson Crabb in 3rd

SARAZEN FLIGHT

Long time Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour member MichaelDavidson is showing no signs of let up in starting the 2015 season as he posted his 2^nd victory in two tournaments. Davidson was deadlocked with DC Tour player Steven Byers at the turn, but registered 4 pars over the remaining 9 holes to pull out the win. Byers finished 2^nd, with Richmond Tour member Ronald Velasco coming in 3^rd.

SENIOR SARAZEN FLIGHT

The Sr. Sarazen Trophy headed back North for the 2^nd week in a row as Willie Dixon, of the DC, Tour took possession of it after touring the soggy Deer Run course with a score of 88. George Garnier, (Baltimore Tour) and Kerry Greer, (DC Tour) tied for 2^nd.

JONES FLIGHT

After watching the Trophy go North with a 2^nd place finish the week before, Kenneth Cherry, of the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour made sure there would be no “Déjà vu”. Ken put up a score of 87 to best closest competitor, DC Tour player, Richard Phillips by  3 shots. Bill Crowley of the Richmond Tour finished 3^rd.

SNEAD FLIGHT

By posting his lowest Tour round since the fall of 2013, with an 89, Richmond Tour member Keenan Davis was able to claim his 2^nd victory in the month of March, and thwart the challenge of runner-up and fellow Richmond Tour player Jamie Iannelli during the Challenge at Deer Run. JeffWhite made it a Richmond Tour sweep in the Snead Flight with his 3^rd place finish

By clicking on the Players names in the article above you will be redirected to their scorecard for the Challenge at Deer Run

A Special Thank You to all who participated in the Challenge at Deer Run and braved the temperatures to make it another successful tournament for the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour.

OTHER NEWS

Upcoming Tournaments

Saturday  April 11       The New Kent Classic    

The Golf Club at Brickshire

Saturday  April 18       The Ironclad Open

Riverfront Golf Club

Friday      April  24       The Williamsburg Open

Traditional Golf Club at Stonehouse

RULES QUIZ RESULTS

Answers to the FINAL ROUND of the 9 week Rules Quiz are posted.
Click on the TAB above labeled "Rules Quiz Final Round"

Thanks to everyone that participated. We hope that you learned a few new Rules and understand that knowing the Rules of Golf will HELP you more often that HURT you.

Our objective in doing the Quiz is to get people familiar with the basic rules as well as visiting the USGA website and learning more,

We encourage you to continue to test your knowledge and learn by taking Rules Quizzes at the USGA site: 

http://www.usga.org/RulesQuiz/rules_quizzes.html

Congratulations to Jerry Jones winner of a $50 Golfsmith Gift Card for winning the 9 week Rules Challenge


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The Glen Allen Open Recap

The 2015 Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Season is off and running

The Rust Comes Off in the Glen Allen Open

Could it be? Is winter finally over?

On Saturday March 21^st 60 competitors from 5 different states representing 6 different Golf Channel Am Tours were ready to shake the rust off and get the 2015 season started. Winter tried to blow one last cold breath as a frost delay threatened to delay the start of the tournament, but by the scheduled tee times the course was close to being back on track. As time passed the day developed into a beautiful sunny 65 degrees and players were delighted to once again be on the links in competition without being bundled up against the elements.

Softened by an inch of rain the day before, Hunting Hawk Golf Course played longer than usual giving up virtually no roll. The recently aerated greens were of little concern after being dragged, rolled and blown off twice and appeared to roll very well. Despite all the unfavorable conditions that could have bothered anyone outside of the Northeast Region, the players competing in the Glen Allen Open knew this was early Spring golf in Virginia and were happy to be playing once again, and it showed by the remarkable winning scores.

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

In the Championship flight 3 newcomers to the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour battled it out over 18 mushy holes to see who would claim the Glen Allen open trophy. Eventual winner Tim Ritter would hold off a strong finish by Jim Crowley to claim the title. Jeremy Horn finished 3^rd

PALMER FLIGHT

Baltimore Tour member Donnie Owens continued his torrid play on Saturday as he cruised to victory, highlighted by an outgoing even par 9 holes in route to a winning score of 77. Owens recently won the Myrtle Beach Classic 2 day Major and shows no sign of letting up. Fellow Baltimore Tour member Troy Barrell placed 2^nd and Richmond Tour member CraigCrowley finished 3^rd.

SENIOR PALMER FLIGHT

Steadied by a stellar closing 9, Dr. Mike Sheehan of the Richmond Tour shot 77 to win the Sr. Palmer flight and held off the challenge of Sam Bailey (Richmond Tour and Bill Stamm (DC Tour) who tied for 2^nd.

HOGAN FLIGHT

Ferdinand Hudencial of the Richmond Tour showed no signs of rust from the winter lay-off as he navigated the par 72 Hunting Hawk layout with a score of 81 to win the Hogan flight over Balt. Tour player, Bobby Riles and Richmond Tour member Chris Turner who tied for 2^nd.

SARAZEN FLIGHT

Michael Davidson of the Richmond Tour, has had at least 1 win on Tour for the past 3 years. At the Glen Allen Open on Saturday Davidson extended that streak with a season opening victory to claim top honors in the Sarazen flight. Mel Imad, also representing the Richmond Tour finished 2^nd and Baltimore Tour player Sly Prioleau placed 3^rd.

SENIOR SARAZEN FLIGHT

Kerry Greer (DC Tour) and Bob Fogerty (Carolinas Tour) needed 2 extra holes to settle the outcome in the Sr. Sarazen Flight after each had posted scores of 89, Greer eventually prevailed as the Champion. An unfortunate break for Fogerty due to the conditions led to the play-off when he had a ball plug in the fairway that was unfound. By the Rules of Golf it was deemed a lost ball costing him an extra 2 strokes on the 10^th hole. Ric Beltz finished 3rd. 

JONES FLIGHT

Trailing by 1 shot standing on the final tee, RichardPhillips (DC Tour) needed something to go his way to have any chance of winning. It wasn’t as much things going Phillips way as much as things going wrong for the co-leaders Dr. Dan Hines of the Richmond Tour and Daniel Ripple of the Baltimore Tour. Both found trouble on the 18^th hole and Phillips took advantage for a 1 shot victory and a score of 90.

SENIOR JONES FLIGHT

Bolstered by an outstanding 3 over par back 9, Grady Lovett of the DC Tour came from 6 shots behind at the turn to post a 3 shot margin of victory over Richmond Tour player Ken Cherry. Fellow Richmond Members RodneyNewton and Michael Radan finished 3^rd.

SNEAD FLIGHT

John Henry of the DC Tour was bursting with excitement as he held the trophy representing the win in the Snead flight on Saturday in the Glen Allen Open at Hunting Hawk. Henry’s score was good enough for a 5 shot win over 2^nd place finisher Bill Goodman (Richmond Tour) and 3^rd place finishers Terrell Tinsley and Jeff White both of the Richmond Tour

A sincere Thank You to EVERYONE that participated in the Glen Allen Open for making it a BIG success.
A full array of pictures from the tournament can be seen on the GALLERY on the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Home Page.

Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Gallery

By clicking on the names above in the recap you can view the individual scorecards

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Jason Branche

and a Welcome Back to
Ryan Clark
Thank you for your service to the Country Ryan


UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

March 28  The Challenge at Deer Run.......Registration closes tonight
April 11     The New Kent Classic
April 18     The Ironclad Open
April 24     The Williamsburg Open

Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour 2015 Update #9

           "The Time Has Come........Let's Do This"

              5 Days until the Start of the 2015 Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Season

                     

        The Glen Allen Open @ Hunting Hawk

 March 21, 2015

    "ARE YOU READY"?

WELCOME NEW MEMBER

Ed Curnutte


CONGRATULATIONS

To Brian Gutierrez (3rd place Hogan Flight) and JB Martin (2nd place Jones Flight), who each qualified for the 2015 Golf Channel Am Tour National Championship at the Kiawah Island Championship


NEXT UP ON THE SCHEDULE

THE CHALLENGE at DEER RUN

Registration Closes Monday, March 23
Click Here to Register----------->  The Challenge at Deer Run



OTHER UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

Saturday, April 11      The New Kent Classic      The Golf Club at Brickshire
Saturday, April 18      The Ironclad Open             Riverfront Golf Club

THE WILLIAMSBURG OPEN

The Rescheduled Williamsburg Open @ Stonehouse is filling up Quickly.
This is a Friday Tournament the day before the Skirmish at Fords Colony Major.

This Tournament is over 1/2 full already and will SELL OUT  long before the Deadline.
Register Here------------->  THE WILLIAMSBURG OPEN



"LIKE" US on FACEBOOK

Check out the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour for Information, News from National and other Local Tours, Assorted Articles and just General Fun Stuff.

Click Here--------------> Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Facebook Page


PLAYER of the YEAR AWARD

As mentioned in an earlier edition the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour will recognize the Player of the Year in respective flights for the 2015 season.
See the Player of the Year tab above for details and guidelines


PAST BLOG ARTICLES

If you have missed ANY of the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Preseason Updates you can view them ALL right here--------> Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Blog Page

Check it out, there has been a lot happening and some important information you will want to be aware of.


CARE for the COURSE

RULES SECTION

This week we will cover a situation that may arise from time to time and it"s good to know your options.

BALL UNPLAYABLE

See Video here---------------------> BALL UNPLAYABLE


ANSWER to LAST WEEKS RULES QUIZ

Which one of the following are TRUE?

The CORRECT ANSWER is;

B.) Without penalty, a Player may brush leaves from his line of putt with a towel, provided he does not press anything down.

RULE 16-1a

See Video on------------------> Loose Impediments


RULES QUIZ - "FINAL ROUND"

See the Tab above titled RULES QUIZ FINAL ROUND at the top of the Page for the Final Round Bonus week.
There are 10 questions and each CORRECT Answer is worth 5 points, but remember each incorrect answer carries a -5 point deduction.
The time frame for answering to quiz is until midnight March 27, 2015
You can submit your answers in an email to Gfrancis@gcamtour.com

Good Luck

Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour 2015 Update #8

                               The "Countdown" continues and it's ONLY 12 DAYS 
                                       until the season opening first tournament
                            Have you registered for the Glen Allen Open at Hunting Hawk?

                                                 Registration Closes Monday March 16
                                     There are currently only 18  spots left in the field

Register Here----------->  The Glen Allen Open



WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Lucas Santerre
Michael Biggs


NEW ADVERTISEMENT and PROMO


Have you seen the NEW advertisements and Promotions about the 
Golf Channel Am Tour? 
Golf Channel and NBC aired the new Ad during last weeks Honda Classic, and currently during the WGC Cadillac Championship and the Puerto Rico Open. Plus mentioning it during the Rounds
Click on the picture to see the Ad

Click on the Picture to see the mention during the Honda Classic

GOOD LUCK

To the 7 Members of the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour that will be competing for the trophy in their respective flight at the Kiawah Island Championship.

Tip Wight

Edward Shine

Keenan Davis

JB Martin

Michael Radan

Ed Machado

Brian Gutierrez

"LIKE" us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/GolfChannelAmTourRichmond

PACE of PLAY

This is the FINAL installment of Pace of Play Helpful Hints. We hope that you have found these useful and share them with your golfing friends.

Pace of Play Helpful Hint #4

IN GENERAL

1.) Never hesitate to hit a PROVISIONAL BALL

Anytime you think that your ball may be lost out side of

a hazard or out of bounds. If you have to go back to the

tee, this cost time, and could possibly cost you a penalty.

2.) Remember that you only have 5 minutes to look for a

ball.

3.) Please help your fellow competitor look for a lost ball

until the green clears for you to hit, then go to your ball

and prepare to play. If there is still time left you may

then continue to help them look for their ball. That

way once the ball is found or an other ball is put into

play only one person will have to play in order to keep

things moving.

4.) Have a sense of where you are on the golf course. You

don’t have the “right” to drive a cart over every area

of the course, so estimate the yardage and select several

golf clubs before going to your ball.

5.) Check with the golf shop to see what cart rules are in

effect for that day and follow all regulations.

6.) Keep your own scorecard in addition to the

official scorecard, to check that all scoring is

correct. Once your card is signed and turned in,

IT IS OFFICIAL

7.) Whenever unsure of ruling NEVER HESITATE

to invoke Rule 3-3 and play a second ball and

record both scores, then the ruling will be settled by the

committee at the end of the round

“It’s not Bad Golfers,Bad Shots, Deep Rough, or Fast Greens that slow down play". 

It’s BadHabits!

Primarily... not being Ready to play when It’s your turn

Change your habits and change the

Enjoyment of the Game…………….for EVERYONE!!!

PAST BLOG ARTICLES

If you have missed ANY of the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Preseason Updates you can view them ALL right here--------> Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Blog Page

Check it out, there has been a lot happening and some important information you will want to be aware of.


WEEKLY RULES SECTION

This week we will once again offer the video on Immovable Obstructions and follow it with Nearest Point of Relief. Both are VERY Important so please take the time and view them

Click here for   ---------> IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS

Click here for   ---------> NEAREST POINT of RELIEF


ANSWER to LAST WEEKS QUIZ

In stroke play, a player strikes his ball into an area of casual water that is adjacent to a water hazard. He mistakenly thinks that the casual water is a part of the water hazard. Abandoning the original ball, which he could have easily retrieved, he substitutes a ball, drops it five yards behind the casual water, consistent with the water hazard Rule, and plays it. What is the ruling?

The CORRECT Answer is;
A.) There is a 2 Stroke Penalty

Explanation    Decision 25-1b/13



THIS WEEKS RULES QUESTION


Which one of the following are TRUE?

A.) Sand and loose soil are never loose impediments

B.) Without penalty, a player may brush leaves from his line of putt with a towel,                   provided he does not press anything down

C.) Manufactured ice is either an obstruction or a loose impediment at the option of 

      the player.

D.) Grass clippings adhering to the ball are loose impediments.

Submit your answer to    gfrancis@gcamtour.com

GOOD LUCK

Next Week is the FINAL ROUND for the Rules Quiz with 50 points available.

If you have missed sending in some answers during the past 8 weeks here is your chance to get back in the hunt.

NO LEAD is SAFE.

There will be 10 questions each worth 5 points, BUT........each INCORRECT answer will be a -5 points.

Give it a TRY...........There's nothing to Lose..........and a $50 Golf Galaxy Gift Card to be Gained

Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour 2015 Update #7

                                            The COUNTDOWN is OFFICIALLY ON!!!
        19 days and counting until the Season Opening Glen Allen Open at Hunting Hawk.

Are you Registered yet?
Register here--------------->  The Glen Allen Open


IMPORTANT SCHEDULE CHANGE

The Williamsburg Open at Stonehouse scheduled for June 20 has been changed
to Friday, April 24.
That's right.......it's the day before the 1st rd. of the Skirmish at Fords Colony.
Directors in other cities where Majors are being, and have been hosted have begun holding local Tournaments the day before Majors and the results have been overwhelmingly successful on player field size. Players are taking advantage of getting in a warm-up round the day before that will offer them the opportunity to gain valuable Merit Points as well as gearing up their "Game Face" for the weekends competition, with a shot at additional Prize Fund and Trophies.
So for those coming to play in the Fords Colony Tournament, we on the Richmond Tour are going to give them a "REAL TREAT" and host a tournament at Stonehouse.

Register Here-------->   The Williamsburg Open




MAJORS

Registration for 5 New Majors has now Opened, including;
Pinehurst
Chambers Bay
Turning Stone
Barton Creek
Niagara

Now is Your chance to Play where the Pro's Play



GOLFNOW



Are you paying FULL PRICE for tee times?     Why?
Use GolfNow and save up to 80% on Green Fees

Learn More HERE








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Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour Facebook Page



PACE OF PLAY

Pace of Play Helpful Hint #3

     ON THE PUTTING GREEN

1.) Leave your cart or bag at the side of the green
     closest to the next tee whenever possible.

2.) When you are near the green, take the clubs needed
      to finish the hole. And when you are on the green lay
     your clubs between the hole and the cart, so as not to
     forget them and have to go back for them

3.) Take only one look at the line of play/putt.
      Line up your putt while others are
      putting. (But do this without being a distraction) When
      it’s your turn you have the right to finish out any short
     putts remaining, unless you interfere with another's line
     of play.

4.) After putting out, go directly to the next tee and
     and record your scores there.

5.) If one of your playing partners is struggling in a bunker
      and comes out over the green or into another bunker,
      help them out by raking the bunker for them or those on 
      the green can putt out while he is raking and/or traveling
      to his next shot. DON'T JUST STAND THERE AND WATCH.


WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR 1st TOURNAMENT

We would like to dedicate this section for the benefit of NEW Tour Members that will be competing on the Golf Channel Am Tour for the very first time, what they can expect, and how Tournament operations are conducted.

Monday----- before the Tournament Registration closes at Midnight
Thursday--- before the Tournament  Pairings will be Posted and Emailed 
Friday-------- before the  Tournament Informational Email will be sent  

Tournament Day
Registration/Check-in begins 2 hrs. before the 1st Tee Time. We ask that ALL Players please arrive and Check-in at least 45 minutes before YOUR Tee Time.
At that time you will be able to enter the *OPTIONAL Skins and Side Games.
Range balls are included at all Tournaments and you can find out how to obtain them when you Check-in.

Be at your cart and READY to start at least 15 min. prior to YOUR tee time.
Your Pairing will be sent to the Starting Tee 10 min. prior to your start time where you will receive pertinent information regarding the round.
When your start time arrives you will be individually announced to start your tournament.
It is the Responsibility of the Player to Know and be Present for their established Starting Time.

Upon COMPLETION of your Tournament Round bring your SIGNED scorecard DIRECTLY to the scoring area before you do ANYTHING else.

As soon as ALL scorecards are entered for for Your Flight, awards and trophy will be presented and skins paid out.

* Optional Skins and Side Games
You can enter ANY, ALL, or NONE of the Optional Skins and Side Games

SKINS
Flight Skins = $10
GIANT SKINS = $10

SIDE GAMES
Close to the Pin = $5
Troops First 50/50 = $5

SKINS EXPLAINED

Flight Skins ---- If you're the only player in your flight to post a Birdie or Better on any hole during the tournament, you win a skin! The pot will be divided between all skins that are out.  NOTE: If no Birdies or Better are recorded in a flight, Skins will then be calculated on Low Score

GIANT SKINS ---- If you're the only player in the Field to  post a Birdie or Better on any hole during the tournament, you win a skin! The pot will be divided between all skins that are out.

SIDE GAMES EXPLAINED

Close to the Pin ----- The player who's ball ends up closest to the pin on the designated Par 3 hole wins 1/2 of the pot.

Troops 1st 50/50 Raffle ---- When you enter the Troops 1st 50/50 Raffle your name will be placed on a ticket and entered into the drawing. During play a ticket will be pulled and the name on the ticket will be the winner of 1/2 of the pot.
You can purchase as many chances as you would like.


WEEKLY RULES SECTION

This week we will do a Video Review on BALL LOST or OUT of BOUNDS

Click here for Video-------------> Ball Lost or Out of Bounds

See also;
Click here for Video---------------> Provisional Ball

REMEMBER.....Never Hesitate to hit a Provisional Ball if you have ANY doubt that your ball may be Lost Outside of a Water Hazard or Out of Bounds


ANSWER to Last Weeks Question

A player's ball is lost in a lateral water hazard. He takes relief under the lateral water hazard Rule, using his best judgment to determine the point where the original ball last crossed the margin. After a ball is dropped, but before he plays his next stroke, another player says that the original ball crossed the margin some distance from where the ball was dropped. He finds the original ball where the other player said it would be. What is the ruling?

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS:

C.) He must lift the dropped ball and drop a ball in the correct place, incurring only one       stroke penalty under Rule 26-1

Explanation - 26-1/16

THIS WEEKS RULE QUIZ
In stroke play, a player strikes his ball into an area of casual water that is adjacent to a water hazard. He mistakenly thinks that the casual water is a part of the water hazard. Abandoning the original ball, which he could have easily retrieved, he substitutes a ball, drops it five yards behind the casual water, consistent with the water hazard Rule, and plays it. What is the ruling?

A.) There is a 2 Stroke Penalty
B.) There is a Total Penalty of 4 Strokes
C.) He is Disqualified


Submit your answer to  Gfrancis@gcamtour.com