Tournament Champions
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The Amateur Players Tour-Birmingham kicked off the 2024 calendar year with 52-players at Cherokee Ridge Country Club in Union Grove, AL. Although the temperature was a balmy 38 degrees, the course and staff had everything ready to go. Cherokee Ridge has dumped a lot of funds into the course, bringing it back to one of the best venues in North Alabama.
In Division 1, the tone was set for the day by Ed McDugle, visiting from the Memphis Chapter. With scoring conditions being rather difficult, Ed managed to keep the big numbers off the card with five bogies and one birdie. Ed posted a +4 (76) to take the three-shot victory over Jay Hayes. Congratulations are to Ed as he was awarded the trophy and the $270 Visa Gift Card.
The Division 2 champion, Greg Garrett, made the trip down from the St. Louis Chapter to find some warmer weather. Feeling like he was back home; Greg was able to keep steady all day long to take a three-shot victory over John Bean. Greg had one birdie on the day to post a score of +6 (78). Greg was awarded the trophy and the $250 Visa Gift Card.
Division 3 needed extra holes to figure out the champion as Jeff Taylor and Aaron Smith both posted scores of +14 (86). Heading to the first hole, a Par 4 with trouble lurking, Aaron had some struggles that lead to a double bogey. Jeff seeing the door open, was able to post a bogey and win the playoff. Congrats to Jeff as he was awarded the trophy and the $230 Visa Gift Card.
Division 4 also needed extra holes as Jason Bucher and Brain Sanders went to a playoff after posting +19 (91). These players both made six on the first playoff hole and then headed to the second a par 4 with more trouble all down the right side. Jason, visiting from the Nashville Chapter, was able to secure the victory on the second hole and claim his trophy and the $210 Visa Gift Card.
Don Hamblett, Division 5 champion, posted a +18 (90) to cruise to a four-shot victory over Terry Hodge. The turnaround happened on the 10th hole, a risk-reward par 5. Don was able to make par to take control of the event. Don’s play on the day also secured first place in the Senior Net Division, posting a -4 (68). Senior Net is an optional contest for players 50 and over where players receive 90% of their handicap. Congrats Don on your victories and the $380 in total prizes.
Next up for the Birmingham Chapter is a visit to Ross Bridge of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. This event will be on March 3, 2024, with tee times beginning at 10:00 AM. Registration is open until February 22, 2024 @ 11:59 PM.
