Richmond Players Tame RNK

             Old Friends reunited in the Winners Circle

                                                               4 for 4

On July 5^th, 2015 Golf Channel Am Tour Players representing 5 different Tour met in Providence Forge VA To take on the  “Toughest of them all” when they challenged the Royal New Kent layout in the Traditional. As if the course isn’t already difficult enough, an overnight storm further softened the conditions to make the 7100 yard Mike Strantz design play even longer.

With threatening skies overhead all day, 8 ½ miles of cart path, blind shots,  hilly terrain and the vast undulating greens  to deal with, the mental state of the game came into full effect as players tested their skills in 6 individual flights.   

The “Love/Hate” relationship many players have with Royal New Kent seems to be the drawing attraction that makes it one of the most popular tournaments on the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour schedule. The lure of “I know I can do better on that course”, brings them back each year to try it one more time. The mental challenge of playing with-in one’s ability and taking what the course offers is tough to do throughout the course of the day. Picking and choosing

the right shot and landing area to set up the next shot takes the utmost concentration on the part of even the most skilled golfer. Royal New Kent lays in wait for those that want to challenge it, and it doesn’t suffer a bad shot with any mercy.

(Click on players name for full scorecard)

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT
Ryan Clark, making his long anticipated return to the competition of the Richmond Golf Channel Am Tour, showed NO fear of Royal New Kent. Already winning 2 of his first 3 tournaments this season, including the Battle for the Homestead 2-day Major, Clark took dead aim on Sunday and challenged the course. Buoyed by an Eagle on the tricky, “Risk/Reward” 2^nd hole, with a 240 yard all carry 2^nd shot to the green, Ryan went on to post an even par round of 72 to take top honors. Finishing 2^nd was National Championship qualifier, Tip Wight, followed by Jeremy Horn in 3^rd.

PALMER FLIGHT
Another player making his return to the Richmond Tour and already owning a Major title this season is Shawn Watkins. Watkins wasted little time in obtaining his first Local Tour win as he posted identical sides of 40 to pull out a 3 shot margin of victory over Jay Corazza. Mike Sheehan finished 3^rd

HOGAN FLIGHT
Jerry Taaffe picked up his first ever trophy on the Golf Channel Am Tour when he navigated the Providence Forge layout with a score of 86 in the Hogan flight. Tom Yeager and Ferdinand Hudencial finished tied in 2^nd

SARAZEN FLIGHT

Ric Beltz officially punched his ticket to the Senior National Championship Tournament to be held at PGA West in Palm Springs when he picked up his 3^rd win of the season over a strong Sarazen field. Beltz had to come from behind for the victory as second place finisher Bob Fogerty (Carolinas Tour) went out with a very impressive 3 over par 39. The two, playing in the same pairing remained tight coming through the finishing holes until Beltz took the lead on 17 with a birdie. Sly Prioleau (Baltimore Tour) finished 3^rd.

JONES FLIGHT
"Finally" was the statement after 7 second place finishes this season
JB Martin closed the deal at Royal New Kent when he posted 5 pars on the inward 9 holes to pull out a 1 shot margin of victory over Ken Cherry. Grady Lovett (DC Tour) and Del Jackson (Carolinas Tour) finished tied for 3^rd

SNEAD FLIGHT
Another player to use a strong finishing back 9 to secure a win was KeenanDavis. Davis’s 5 pars on the inward 9 gave him the come from behind victory over 2^nd place finisher Maury Gatewood. George French finished 3^rd.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER

Larry Mosca


UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

July 18  The Colonial Invitational @ Colonial Heritage
               (Registration closes Monday July 13)

July 25  The Wide Land Masters @ Kiskiack

Aug 1  The Battle for Fredericksburg @ Lee's Hill