In an epic match that provoked memories of the golfing greats who played at Beverly Country Club many decades ago, Vinny Giles, of Richmond, Virginia, won "the only senior amateur championship I ever dreamed of winning" with a remarkable, downhill putt on the 18th green to beat his good friend, John Grace, one-up. Neither player was more than one up in the match as the lead went back and forth all day. John Grace may have lost, but it wasn't for lack of heart and his remarks to Vinny Giles summoned up the "grace" that he is known for in the world of amateur golf.
The match was conducted under another day of brilliant sunshine and concluded a week of spectacular golf on the hallowed grounds of our golf course. Beverly played fair, firm and fast all week and the final match again demonstated our course's ability to identify the best golfers in the field.
Both men in the final match possess a thick golfing resume, with Giles winning the U.S. Amateur in 1972 and Grace again a bridesmaid in the '74 U.S. Amateur. Both men became fast friends when they competed on the Walker Cup together in the '70's. The friendship between the two men didn't take away from the steely determination that both demonstrated on the golf course today. It was truly a match to stir the golfing soul and the trophy presentation evoked memories of Bobby Jones congratulating Francis Ouimet after his victory in the 1931 National Amateur at Beverly.
This is the last post for the week. And what a week it was! A scriptwriter couldn't have written it up any better for the USGA or our club. Perfect weather, perfect ground conditions and a perfect match which ended with a perfect putt on the final hole.
Drama and glory have visited The Beverly Country Club once again!
Terry Lavin
Thursday, September 17, 2009
OUR COUSIN VINNY
Vinny Giles is no stranger to competitive golf, having won the 1972 U.S. Amateur. He is also quite familiar with the pressure of championship golf, having represented the likes of Davis Love III for many years. This smooth-talking Virginian finds himself, at the ripe old age of 66, in the finals of the USGA Senior Amateur at Beverly CC.
John Grace, Giles' very worthy opponent, is no stranger to competitive golf, either. He was Giles' teammate on the Walker Cup back in the 70's on a squad that included Craig Stadler, Jay Haas and two-time U.S. Open winner Curtis Strange. Grace is a reinstated amateur, having tried his professional luck in Europe some years back. He made it to the final match in the 1974 U.S. Amateur where he was defeated by Jerry Pate.
In a scene that exemplifies the "friends and family" vibe of this Senior Amateur Championship, Giles and Grace and their wives are sitting at a "four-top" in the Main Dining room at Beverly enjoying breakfast. The chatter has been lively and full of laughter. This is a feel-good pairing if ever I saw one.
Giles and Grace have made it to this grand stage for the first time. The winner will achieve a signature milestone in his amateur golfing career. For Giles, it would end a 37 year "dry spell" in between USGA championships. For Grace, it would give him a chance to "even up" in USGA final matches.
As for Beverly CC, it's a win-win. We couldn't have asked for a better final match.
Look for media coverage in many outlets, including a nice article in today's Southtown. The Golf Channel is covering the match today, for later broadcast, and Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune will be on hand to cover the final match.
We'd love to see all of you for the trophy presentation, which should occur sometime around 12:30.
Terry Lavin
John Grace, Giles' very worthy opponent, is no stranger to competitive golf, either. He was Giles' teammate on the Walker Cup back in the 70's on a squad that included Craig Stadler, Jay Haas and two-time U.S. Open winner Curtis Strange. Grace is a reinstated amateur, having tried his professional luck in Europe some years back. He made it to the final match in the 1974 U.S. Amateur where he was defeated by Jerry Pate.
In a scene that exemplifies the "friends and family" vibe of this Senior Amateur Championship, Giles and Grace and their wives are sitting at a "four-top" in the Main Dining room at Beverly enjoying breakfast. The chatter has been lively and full of laughter. This is a feel-good pairing if ever I saw one.
Giles and Grace have made it to this grand stage for the first time. The winner will achieve a signature milestone in his amateur golfing career. For Giles, it would end a 37 year "dry spell" in between USGA championships. For Grace, it would give him a chance to "even up" in USGA final matches.
As for Beverly CC, it's a win-win. We couldn't have asked for a better final match.
Look for media coverage in many outlets, including a nice article in today's Southtown. The Golf Channel is covering the match today, for later broadcast, and Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune will be on hand to cover the final match.
We'd love to see all of you for the trophy presentation, which should occur sometime around 12:30.
Terry Lavin
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Giles vs. Grace
The only Quarterfinal match that finished 18 holes today was Giles and Pallin. Grace and Bemowski's match was decided on the 17th green with a 3&2 victory for Grace,61.
The 17th green decided a lot in today's matches- Giles needed to sink a 15 foot putt to keep from going All Square into 18 with Pallin, a challenge that he conquered beautifully. Heading to the tee box on 18 Giles and Pallin saw the group behind them head into the clubhouse, I can only imagine the thoughts going through their head.... Quickly refocusing on the hole ahead, that would determine their fate, Giles and Pallin teed off both placing their shots to the right at the turn of the dogleg. Both of their second shots starred into the tree line on the right side of the fairway and made the anticipation of their second shot nail biting.
Giles, a considerable distance behind the 56 yr old Pallin, hit his second shot, clipping tree branches landing 115-120 yards from the green in the middle of the fairway. Wow!!!
Pallin, clipping the tree branches as well, lands to the left of the fairway in the rough about 105 yards from the green. Giles with considerable advantage.
Third Shot: Giles places the ball below the pin about 20 feet. Pallin place the ball off the back of the green in the second cut.
Putts and fourth shot: Giles putts putting it inches from the hole close enough that Pallin gives him the putt. Giles is in for a 5.
Pallin: in the rough stuff tries to baby it onto the green not even making it past the fringe and he concedes the hole and Giles has his 6th match play victory and moves onto the final round with Grace.
Giles, coincidentally enough, has defeated all match play opponents with one thing in common, their age. Each player that Giles has competed against in the match play rounds has been 10 years his junior and he has prevailed like a champ.
Tomorrow is sure to be a historic day for the USGA, Grace and Giles and I hope that all of you can come out to witness golf at its finest.
Ashley Whitten
The 17th green decided a lot in today's matches- Giles needed to sink a 15 foot putt to keep from going All Square into 18 with Pallin, a challenge that he conquered beautifully. Heading to the tee box on 18 Giles and Pallin saw the group behind them head into the clubhouse, I can only imagine the thoughts going through their head.... Quickly refocusing on the hole ahead, that would determine their fate, Giles and Pallin teed off both placing their shots to the right at the turn of the dogleg. Both of their second shots starred into the tree line on the right side of the fairway and made the anticipation of their second shot nail biting.
Giles, a considerable distance behind the 56 yr old Pallin, hit his second shot, clipping tree branches landing 115-120 yards from the green in the middle of the fairway. Wow!!!
Pallin, clipping the tree branches as well, lands to the left of the fairway in the rough about 105 yards from the green. Giles with considerable advantage.
Third Shot: Giles places the ball below the pin about 20 feet. Pallin place the ball off the back of the green in the second cut.
Putts and fourth shot: Giles putts putting it inches from the hole close enough that Pallin gives him the putt. Giles is in for a 5.
Pallin: in the rough stuff tries to baby it onto the green not even making it past the fringe and he concedes the hole and Giles has his 6th match play victory and moves onto the final round with Grace.
Giles, coincidentally enough, has defeated all match play opponents with one thing in common, their age. Each player that Giles has competed against in the match play rounds has been 10 years his junior and he has prevailed like a champ.
Tomorrow is sure to be a historic day for the USGA, Grace and Giles and I hope that all of you can come out to witness golf at its finest.
Ashley Whitten
Vinny Giles Attempting Historic Victory
Now that the "fantastic four" have been named, Giles, Grace, Pallin and Bemowski, the hunt for the trophy is in full force.
Vinny Giles, 66, defied all the odds and conquered in the early round this morning and has since teed off for his second 18 against the very capable John Pallin. Giles seems to be not only the Clubhouse favorite, "He is a breath of fresh air." says Tom Harrigan, but he would be the second player to ever win the US Amateur Championship and the US Senior Amateur Championship titles. Quite an accomplishment especially since if he were to win tomorrow he would hold the record for the longest span between Amateur tiltes, having won the US Amateur Championship back in 1972!!
Continuing the excitement of the already, "Biblical golf"-Steve Coates, the final four players are sure to kick it up a notch as they come up 18 later this afternoon with their growing group of spectators.
Carp continues to ride the course storing more historic memories in his mental book and awing the players with his everlasting stamina and Bev knowledge. The week has turned out to be the best of summer in Chicago, beatiful skies and weather that only the golf Gods could bring forth for Beverly's first National Championship since 1931. Meteroroligist, Jerry Taft, and loyal Bev member, dicussed the rainfall totals from this time last year. 12.6 inches soaked Chicago's terrain from September 14th-21st 2008, so in short we have been extremely blessed.
For everyone here at Bev we have enjoyed every moment of the past week. We hope to see you out as the final four make their way up 18, and please come join us tomorrow at 9AM for an exciting and hopefully historic finale.
Vinny Giles, 66, defied all the odds and conquered in the early round this morning and has since teed off for his second 18 against the very capable John Pallin. Giles seems to be not only the Clubhouse favorite, "He is a breath of fresh air." says Tom Harrigan, but he would be the second player to ever win the US Amateur Championship and the US Senior Amateur Championship titles. Quite an accomplishment especially since if he were to win tomorrow he would hold the record for the longest span between Amateur tiltes, having won the US Amateur Championship back in 1972!!
Continuing the excitement of the already, "Biblical golf"-Steve Coates, the final four players are sure to kick it up a notch as they come up 18 later this afternoon with their growing group of spectators.
Carp continues to ride the course storing more historic memories in his mental book and awing the players with his everlasting stamina and Bev knowledge. The week has turned out to be the best of summer in Chicago, beatiful skies and weather that only the golf Gods could bring forth for Beverly's first National Championship since 1931. Meteroroligist, Jerry Taft, and loyal Bev member, dicussed the rainfall totals from this time last year. 12.6 inches soaked Chicago's terrain from September 14th-21st 2008, so in short we have been extremely blessed.
For everyone here at Bev we have enjoyed every moment of the past week. We hope to see you out as the final four make their way up 18, and please come join us tomorrow at 9AM for an exciting and hopefully historic finale.
Giles and Pallin are ALL SQAURE thru Hole 5
&
Grace and Bemowski ALL SQAURE thru Hole 4
Ashley Whitten
FROM PAT IN THE LOCKER ROOM
Wednesday, September 16 at 8:15 a.m.
We’re down to eight players who are competing for the Frederick Dold trophy that is annually given to the winner of the USGA Senior Amateur Championship. Four matches will be played in the morning and two in the afternoon, leaving just two players who will square off tomorrow morning in the 18 hole finale.
We had our last big dinner last night, honoring the Sweet 16. All of the USGA committee members were there, along with our club committee, the players and various staff members. At the USGA’s request, Tom and Dan made a Taste of Chicago selection from various restaurants to feed the tourist tastes of our guests. From deep dish pizza to ribs and Greco’s chicken, followed by a Rainbow Cone dessert, everybody got a bit of Chicago’s best.
After the dinner, Mike Bell of Indianapolis took a moment to praise our staff for the phenomenal job that they’ve done. “From Pat in the Locker Room to big Tom upstairs, the guys in the Pro Shop to Keith on the golf course, everybody has made us feel welcome,” he said. Bell said the players uniformly felt that they have been treated better at Beverly than at any other venue that he had played at.
From the club side, we have all felt appreciated by the players and the USGA staffers. It does seem like everybody is working well together. Now it’s off to the first tee for some exciting golf.
Terry Lavin
We’re down to eight players who are competing for the Frederick Dold trophy that is annually given to the winner of the USGA Senior Amateur Championship. Four matches will be played in the morning and two in the afternoon, leaving just two players who will square off tomorrow morning in the 18 hole finale.
We had our last big dinner last night, honoring the Sweet 16. All of the USGA committee members were there, along with our club committee, the players and various staff members. At the USGA’s request, Tom and Dan made a Taste of Chicago selection from various restaurants to feed the tourist tastes of our guests. From deep dish pizza to ribs and Greco’s chicken, followed by a Rainbow Cone dessert, everybody got a bit of Chicago’s best.
After the dinner, Mike Bell of Indianapolis took a moment to praise our staff for the phenomenal job that they’ve done. “From Pat in the Locker Room to big Tom upstairs, the guys in the Pro Shop to Keith on the golf course, everybody has made us feel welcome,” he said. Bell said the players uniformly felt that they have been treated better at Beverly than at any other venue that he had played at.
From the club side, we have all felt appreciated by the players and the USGA staffers. It does seem like everybody is working well together. Now it’s off to the first tee for some exciting golf.
Terry Lavin
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
YOU NEVER KNOW...IN MATCH PLAY
Tuesday, September 15 at 6:15
Just when you think somebody has no chance, the impossible happens. This statement accurately summarizes many of the happenings in the afternoon matches at Beverly. Vinny Giles, well into his 60's (I've heard differing numbers, but he's at least 66) had no chance against Paul Simson. Simson was the clear favorite, having shot 65 in the morning match. Giles had to be tired, especially since it was the second of two matches today and he is probably ten years older than Simson. But in the end, it was Giles who prevailed, 2&1 in a scintillating match as the shadows gathered around the golf course.
A bunch of matches were decided on the 18th green this afternoon, usually because of three putts. Stan Lee and Mike Bell, both past champions of this event, went to the 18th tee all square, but Lee missed a three footer, giving Bell a one-up lead. Heartbreaking for Lee, the turn of events seemed to truly stun Bell, who was still shaking his head when talking to Steve Coates near the scoreboard.
John Grace was the beneficiary of a three putt by Bill Zylstra on 18. Zylstra had played strong all day, but his stroke on his last putt was eerily reminiscent of Tom Watson's miss at the British Open, with the putter fairly waving at the ball.
Another shocker had Mike Bemowski beating Jeff Burda. Bemowski is a former champ so he's no slouch, but Burda has been en fuego at Beverly this week. Burda missed the fairway on 18 so far left that he played up the 16th fairway. It's hard to win like that when the match is all even, so Bemowski got a concession without having to putt.
But perhaps the oddest outcomes of all in the afternoon matches was the self-destruction of Pat O'Donnell, who was looking like the Terminator all day. He was three up with four to play and lost on the 18th hole after shanking his approach shot into the green. An hour later, he was still talking to Mr. Budweiser on the patio. A wrenching loss for the talented O'Donnell, but an early Christmas present for Bill Doughtie of Amarillo whose wife has been watching the matches. And I should note that Doughtie played very tough down the stretch, knocking it within two feet on 17 with a wicked northeast breeze blowing hard against the left center hole location.
Tonight is the Sweet Sixteen dinner, which is a little odd, since there are only eight players feeling sweet; the other eight are slightly sour, if you ask me, but they have all been gentlemen.
Two matches in the morning and two in the afternoon tomorrow, setting up for an 18 hole finale on Thursday. The weather is getting cooler and the hawk is gonna blow tomorrow, so we're in for some exciting golf.
Terry Lavin
Just when you think somebody has no chance, the impossible happens. This statement accurately summarizes many of the happenings in the afternoon matches at Beverly. Vinny Giles, well into his 60's (I've heard differing numbers, but he's at least 66) had no chance against Paul Simson. Simson was the clear favorite, having shot 65 in the morning match. Giles had to be tired, especially since it was the second of two matches today and he is probably ten years older than Simson. But in the end, it was Giles who prevailed, 2&1 in a scintillating match as the shadows gathered around the golf course.
A bunch of matches were decided on the 18th green this afternoon, usually because of three putts. Stan Lee and Mike Bell, both past champions of this event, went to the 18th tee all square, but Lee missed a three footer, giving Bell a one-up lead. Heartbreaking for Lee, the turn of events seemed to truly stun Bell, who was still shaking his head when talking to Steve Coates near the scoreboard.
John Grace was the beneficiary of a three putt by Bill Zylstra on 18. Zylstra had played strong all day, but his stroke on his last putt was eerily reminiscent of Tom Watson's miss at the British Open, with the putter fairly waving at the ball.
Another shocker had Mike Bemowski beating Jeff Burda. Bemowski is a former champ so he's no slouch, but Burda has been en fuego at Beverly this week. Burda missed the fairway on 18 so far left that he played up the 16th fairway. It's hard to win like that when the match is all even, so Bemowski got a concession without having to putt.
But perhaps the oddest outcomes of all in the afternoon matches was the self-destruction of Pat O'Donnell, who was looking like the Terminator all day. He was three up with four to play and lost on the 18th hole after shanking his approach shot into the green. An hour later, he was still talking to Mr. Budweiser on the patio. A wrenching loss for the talented O'Donnell, but an early Christmas present for Bill Doughtie of Amarillo whose wife has been watching the matches. And I should note that Doughtie played very tough down the stretch, knocking it within two feet on 17 with a wicked northeast breeze blowing hard against the left center hole location.
Tonight is the Sweet Sixteen dinner, which is a little odd, since there are only eight players feeling sweet; the other eight are slightly sour, if you ask me, but they have all been gentlemen.
Two matches in the morning and two in the afternoon tomorrow, setting up for an 18 hole finale on Thursday. The weather is getting cooler and the hawk is gonna blow tomorrow, so we're in for some exciting golf.
Terry Lavin
AT GROUNDS LEVEL
Tuesday, September 15 at 1:30 p.m.
Here's a question for you: How do you prepare a club golf course for a National Championship? There are many parts to the answer, but the first answer this week is, "Get up early." The Grounds Crew at Beverly shows up around 4:30 a.m. every day of the Championship. They hit the golf course in vehicles equipped with headlights and flashlights. They stay all day and start preparing the golf course in the early evening, when play has finally concluded. They kill time in the Maintenance facility (an antiquated shack, to be sure) waiting for play to finish so they can get back out on the golf course.
Most of us know who Keith Peterson is, but very few know the crew. Joe Schneider is Keith's talented Assistant Superintendent. He has only been with us for seven months, but you can tell he's going to get a "head" job someday soon. Julius Liptak is the guy in charge of taking care of the equipment and he's been at Beverly for more than twenty years! And that's nothing compared to Genro Alvarado, who has been working on the crew at Beverly since April, 1978. Jimmy Carter was the President at that time, for those keeping score. His buddy Seve Gutierrez came just a year later.
The rest of the guys are named Joaquin, Bravlio (two men with this name), Juan (two Juans), Vicente, Jesus, Paulino, Erik, Pedro, Jose, Avel, Pedro, Rene, Dave and Mauricio.
The next time you're out on the golf course and you see any of these guys, please say thank you. It is these men who have made your golf course into a Championship layout that equals anything the USGA has seen in many years. To paraphrase Barbra Streisand, the golf course didn't maintain itself and the "director", Keith Peterson, who has a constant, if quiet presence on the golf course has done a magnificent job.
And just so he doesn't think I've forgotten, Ed Golz has done a great job heading up the Grounds Committee. The entire crew had their photograph taken on the 18th Green this morning. I'm going to request that we hang one copy in the clubhouse to remind everybody who is taking care of their golf course.
The other one can go in the Maintenance facility.
Which hopefully will be demolished soon. They deserve a better work environment.
Terry Lavin
Here's a question for you: How do you prepare a club golf course for a National Championship? There are many parts to the answer, but the first answer this week is, "Get up early." The Grounds Crew at Beverly shows up around 4:30 a.m. every day of the Championship. They hit the golf course in vehicles equipped with headlights and flashlights. They stay all day and start preparing the golf course in the early evening, when play has finally concluded. They kill time in the Maintenance facility (an antiquated shack, to be sure) waiting for play to finish so they can get back out on the golf course.
Most of us know who Keith Peterson is, but very few know the crew. Joe Schneider is Keith's talented Assistant Superintendent. He has only been with us for seven months, but you can tell he's going to get a "head" job someday soon. Julius Liptak is the guy in charge of taking care of the equipment and he's been at Beverly for more than twenty years! And that's nothing compared to Genro Alvarado, who has been working on the crew at Beverly since April, 1978. Jimmy Carter was the President at that time, for those keeping score. His buddy Seve Gutierrez came just a year later.
The rest of the guys are named Joaquin, Bravlio (two men with this name), Juan (two Juans), Vicente, Jesus, Paulino, Erik, Pedro, Jose, Avel, Pedro, Rene, Dave and Mauricio.
The next time you're out on the golf course and you see any of these guys, please say thank you. It is these men who have made your golf course into a Championship layout that equals anything the USGA has seen in many years. To paraphrase Barbra Streisand, the golf course didn't maintain itself and the "director", Keith Peterson, who has a constant, if quiet presence on the golf course has done a magnificent job.
And just so he doesn't think I've forgotten, Ed Golz has done a great job heading up the Grounds Committee. The entire crew had their photograph taken on the 18th Green this morning. I'm going to request that we hang one copy in the clubhouse to remind everybody who is taking care of their golf course.
The other one can go in the Maintenance facility.
Which hopefully will be demolished soon. They deserve a better work environment.
Terry Lavin
THE OLD GUYS CELEBRATE SWEET SIXTEEN!
Tuesday, September 15 at 1:00 p.m.
It's quite a sight out here at Beverly as the field of 32 gets pared down to 16. The old guys are more than happy to celebrate Sweet Sixteen in their fifties and sixties. As we have seen all week, these old guys give Senior Golf a good name.
Let's start with the presumptive favorite (always a stretch in match play), Paul Simson, who was Co-Medalist in Stroke Play at Beverly. He shot 65 today. So he's in, easily, right? Well, not exactly. Simson won, 1 up, on the 18th green. Andy Nichols (looking like Nicklaus in '67 at the Bev) shot 66 and couldn't get the job done. Looks like he caught a tough draw in the round of 32.
The former U.S. Amateur champ Vinny Giles, at a young 68, bested local favorite Tom Studer of Joliet, even though Studer led much of the match. Giles knows how to get the job done at the right time, like yesterday when he eagled 18 to send his match into extra holes.
Pat O'Donnell, a youthful looking (you gotta remember, I'm 55, too) Senior from Portland, Oregon, won 2 up over Marty West. On the lopsided side of life, past champ Stan Lee had a surprisingly easy time beating the very capable Buddy Alexander, winning 5&4. Likewise, Jeff Burda, who was very strong in stroke play, won 6&5 over the very tall Allan Small.
The play has been nothing short of spectacular. The Sweet 16 tee off around 1:45 p.m.
Terry Lavin
It's quite a sight out here at Beverly as the field of 32 gets pared down to 16. The old guys are more than happy to celebrate Sweet Sixteen in their fifties and sixties. As we have seen all week, these old guys give Senior Golf a good name.
Let's start with the presumptive favorite (always a stretch in match play), Paul Simson, who was Co-Medalist in Stroke Play at Beverly. He shot 65 today. So he's in, easily, right? Well, not exactly. Simson won, 1 up, on the 18th green. Andy Nichols (looking like Nicklaus in '67 at the Bev) shot 66 and couldn't get the job done. Looks like he caught a tough draw in the round of 32.
The former U.S. Amateur champ Vinny Giles, at a young 68, bested local favorite Tom Studer of Joliet, even though Studer led much of the match. Giles knows how to get the job done at the right time, like yesterday when he eagled 18 to send his match into extra holes.
Pat O'Donnell, a youthful looking (you gotta remember, I'm 55, too) Senior from Portland, Oregon, won 2 up over Marty West. On the lopsided side of life, past champ Stan Lee had a surprisingly easy time beating the very capable Buddy Alexander, winning 5&4. Likewise, Jeff Burda, who was very strong in stroke play, won 6&5 over the very tall Allan Small.
The play has been nothing short of spectacular. The Sweet 16 tee off around 1:45 p.m.
Terry Lavin
Monday, September 14, 2009
MATCH PLAY SPEEDS ALONG
Monday, September 14 at 4:15
After two relatively grueling days of stroke play with a full field of 156, the match play rounds today are speeding along. The difference between three players in a group and a single match makes the golf quicker and very few of the matches make it to the 17th hole. Despite having said that, we had one match go 20 holes today. Vinny Giles, of Kinloch Club in Virginia, was one down on the 18th tee after his opponent birdied #17. Undeterred, the 68 year-0ld Giles hit the 566 yard 18th hole in two and made the eagle putt to put the match into extra holes. After that spectacular play on the final two holes, the match ended on a somewhat ugly note, with both players chopping their way to the second green where it appeared to one observer that Giles' opponent conceded with Giles ready to put for a seven!
Bill Ploeger, a 69 year-0ld from Columbus, Ohio made it into the next round of match play with a victory today. My dark horse pick, Pat O'Donnell from Happy Valley Oregon, won 4&2 to advance to the round of 32, as did Paul Simson, George Zahringer and Bill Doughtie.
The golf course is getting more difficult as it firms up. The fairways are now very hard underfoot and the greens are starting to get that shiny look from all of the direct sunshine of the past week. Luckily enough, the forecast calls for warm temperatures, blue skies and clouds for decoration.
I worked as a forecaddie on the 9th hole today and had the chance to speak to a couple dozen players and USGA Rules Officials. The praise was uniform. The feelings were genuine.
We should all be proud to be a member of Beverly because our club is really at its zenith this week. It's not often that the committee members from golf's governing body consistently say that a club and its golf course are perfect sites for their championship. But that's what we're hearing this week.
Terry Lavin
After two relatively grueling days of stroke play with a full field of 156, the match play rounds today are speeding along. The difference between three players in a group and a single match makes the golf quicker and very few of the matches make it to the 17th hole. Despite having said that, we had one match go 20 holes today. Vinny Giles, of Kinloch Club in Virginia, was one down on the 18th tee after his opponent birdied #17. Undeterred, the 68 year-0ld Giles hit the 566 yard 18th hole in two and made the eagle putt to put the match into extra holes. After that spectacular play on the final two holes, the match ended on a somewhat ugly note, with both players chopping their way to the second green where it appeared to one observer that Giles' opponent conceded with Giles ready to put for a seven!
Bill Ploeger, a 69 year-0ld from Columbus, Ohio made it into the next round of match play with a victory today. My dark horse pick, Pat O'Donnell from Happy Valley Oregon, won 4&2 to advance to the round of 32, as did Paul Simson, George Zahringer and Bill Doughtie.
The golf course is getting more difficult as it firms up. The fairways are now very hard underfoot and the greens are starting to get that shiny look from all of the direct sunshine of the past week. Luckily enough, the forecast calls for warm temperatures, blue skies and clouds for decoration.
I worked as a forecaddie on the 9th hole today and had the chance to speak to a couple dozen players and USGA Rules Officials. The praise was uniform. The feelings were genuine.
We should all be proud to be a member of Beverly because our club is really at its zenith this week. It's not often that the committee members from golf's governing body consistently say that a club and its golf course are perfect sites for their championship. But that's what we're hearing this week.
Terry Lavin
BEVERLY CADDYSHACK GOES NATIONAL
Monday, September 14 at 10:20 a.m.
The Beverly caddie corps is well represented in this year's Senior Amateur Championship. Approximately twelve caddies got loops in the Championship, with a handful carrying bags that made it into match play.
Chris Shallow, an Evans Scholar out of Northwestern, is caddying for Steve Whitaker, who is from Minnesota. Chris doesn't play golf, so he is feeling a bit of pressure since his player is always asking him to read putts and is also looking for advice on "where to miss". Chris is a jovial, but soft spoken, young man and he looks like he's just waiting for the pressure to end. Whitaker, I'm sure, is thinking the same thing with the possible exception that he'd be happy for it to end on Thursday afternoon!
Jason Moss is quite possibly Beverly's most talented caddie. He is bright, intuitive and very motivated. He also plays the game and has a handicap of less than ten. His player, K. Simon, had to win in a playoff this morning in order to advance to match play, so Jason lives to loop another day! He and one other player won and eight or so were eliminated. Jason is ecstatic about this experience, saying, "[t]his thing is so cool."
David Healy, the diminutive, perpetually smiling #1 ranked caddie at Beverly, drew a dream bag for the Championship when he was assigned the job of looping for Mike Bell, a past champion from Indianapolis. Bell is an easy-going fellow who told me that he just loves the fact that David always has a smile on his face. "If he's walking, he's smiling. If he's running, he's smiling. And if he has the bag on his shoulder, he's smiling too," Bell said. David, unfortunately, had to go to school today, so Todd Enderle now takes Bell's bag. Lucky guy, he might have the bag of the winner.
Dan Prendergast, who just got back from a 21st birthday in Las Vegas with his dad and brother is caddying for Doug Poole, who just made it into match play. Poole is from (where else?) Las Vegas.
Zach Jennings, an ever-alert caddie at the Bev is working with Robert Linn, a happy-go-lucky guy from Connecticut with a gray ponytail. Linn is having the "greatest week of my golfing life" and says that he thinks Beverly is "just terrific. I'm going to try to get my club to start a tree removal program so it can look as good as this golf course," he said.
Last but not least, Paul Richards is still on the bag for George Zahringer, who made it into the final match last year. Richards has had some observed difficulties with interpreting distances on the "pin sheet", but otherwise is really enjoying his week. He is blogging about the experience on golfweek.com
MATCH PLAY BEGINS IN JUST A FEW MINUTES.
GET UP TO THE CLUB AND TAKE IN THE SIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Terry Lavin
The Beverly caddie corps is well represented in this year's Senior Amateur Championship. Approximately twelve caddies got loops in the Championship, with a handful carrying bags that made it into match play.
Chris Shallow, an Evans Scholar out of Northwestern, is caddying for Steve Whitaker, who is from Minnesota. Chris doesn't play golf, so he is feeling a bit of pressure since his player is always asking him to read putts and is also looking for advice on "where to miss". Chris is a jovial, but soft spoken, young man and he looks like he's just waiting for the pressure to end. Whitaker, I'm sure, is thinking the same thing with the possible exception that he'd be happy for it to end on Thursday afternoon!
Jason Moss is quite possibly Beverly's most talented caddie. He is bright, intuitive and very motivated. He also plays the game and has a handicap of less than ten. His player, K. Simon, had to win in a playoff this morning in order to advance to match play, so Jason lives to loop another day! He and one other player won and eight or so were eliminated. Jason is ecstatic about this experience, saying, "[t]his thing is so cool."
David Healy, the diminutive, perpetually smiling #1 ranked caddie at Beverly, drew a dream bag for the Championship when he was assigned the job of looping for Mike Bell, a past champion from Indianapolis. Bell is an easy-going fellow who told me that he just loves the fact that David always has a smile on his face. "If he's walking, he's smiling. If he's running, he's smiling. And if he has the bag on his shoulder, he's smiling too," Bell said. David, unfortunately, had to go to school today, so Todd Enderle now takes Bell's bag. Lucky guy, he might have the bag of the winner.
Dan Prendergast, who just got back from a 21st birthday in Las Vegas with his dad and brother is caddying for Doug Poole, who just made it into match play. Poole is from (where else?) Las Vegas.
Zach Jennings, an ever-alert caddie at the Bev is working with Robert Linn, a happy-go-lucky guy from Connecticut with a gray ponytail. Linn is having the "greatest week of my golfing life" and says that he thinks Beverly is "just terrific. I'm going to try to get my club to start a tree removal program so it can look as good as this golf course," he said.
Last but not least, Paul Richards is still on the bag for George Zahringer, who made it into the final match last year. Richards has had some observed difficulties with interpreting distances on the "pin sheet", but otherwise is really enjoying his week. He is blogging about the experience on golfweek.com
MATCH PLAY BEGINS IN JUST A FEW MINUTES.
GET UP TO THE CLUB AND TAKE IN THE SIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Terry Lavin
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Let the Playoff Begin
As previously thought the cut has been made at 151 and 11 players will be contending for 8 spots in the Match Play round.
The excitement will begin Monday morning at 8:30AM with the rest of the field teeing off at 9:30AM.
We should know within a couple of holes who will have these 8 spots, but as we know Beverly makes quick victories very challenging. (We saw players struggle immensely with the pin placement on 18 today, a lot of 3 putts...)
Another day in the books and another exciting one ahead. Please come join us in the morning to see the playoff... it should be interesting.
Ashley Whitten
The excitement will begin Monday morning at 8:30AM with the rest of the field teeing off at 9:30AM.
We should know within a couple of holes who will have these 8 spots, but as we know Beverly makes quick victories very challenging. (We saw players struggle immensely with the pin placement on 18 today, a lot of 3 putts...)
Another day in the books and another exciting one ahead. Please come join us in the morning to see the playoff... it should be interesting.
Ashley Whitten
Sunday Play Grinds On
Sunday, 6:00 p.m.
It's looking like the cut line will be right around 151.
Some interesting sidebar stories have emerged today:
Bill Ploeger, a 69 year-young player from Columbus Ohio will surely make the cut! Now that's some impressive super senior play.
Local favorite Tom Studer from Joliet has made the cut.
George Zahringer, with an assist on the bag from Beverly member Paul Richards (himself a former Bev caddie) shot 69 today and is well under the cut line at 142.
Former US Amateur champ Vinnie Giles is at 145 and will be in the match play round tomorrow.
Buddy Alexander, former US Amateur champ and the coach of the Florida Gator Men's Golf Team (which arrives this week to play in the Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields) is also at 145. Spectacular short game out of the Gator coach.
Paul Simson, Rick Ten Broeck's Pick to Click, shot 67 today, the low round in stroke play thus far and is tied for the lead at this point. He is a two-time winner of the British Senior Amateur and a winner of the Canadian Senior Amateur. He would be a great guy to follow in tomorrow's match play.
Gary Daniels carded a 9 on the 13th hole (I'm sure there are painful details, but I haven't heard any!) but still shot 39 on the back nine. Talk about hanging in there!
Finally, first round leader Jeff Burda has made the cut and sits at 142.
We're off to watch the Bears annihilate the Packers but hope to see some of you tomorrow!
Terry Lavin
It's looking like the cut line will be right around 151.
Some interesting sidebar stories have emerged today:
Bill Ploeger, a 69 year-young player from Columbus Ohio will surely make the cut! Now that's some impressive super senior play.
Local favorite Tom Studer from Joliet has made the cut.
George Zahringer, with an assist on the bag from Beverly member Paul Richards (himself a former Bev caddie) shot 69 today and is well under the cut line at 142.
Former US Amateur champ Vinnie Giles is at 145 and will be in the match play round tomorrow.
Buddy Alexander, former US Amateur champ and the coach of the Florida Gator Men's Golf Team (which arrives this week to play in the Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields) is also at 145. Spectacular short game out of the Gator coach.
Paul Simson, Rick Ten Broeck's Pick to Click, shot 67 today, the low round in stroke play thus far and is tied for the lead at this point. He is a two-time winner of the British Senior Amateur and a winner of the Canadian Senior Amateur. He would be a great guy to follow in tomorrow's match play.
Gary Daniels carded a 9 on the 13th hole (I'm sure there are painful details, but I haven't heard any!) but still shot 39 on the back nine. Talk about hanging in there!
Finally, first round leader Jeff Burda has made the cut and sits at 142.
We're off to watch the Bears annihilate the Packers but hope to see some of you tomorrow!
Terry Lavin
NEW LEADER IN THE CLUBHOUSE
Sunday, September 13 at 1:40 p.m.
I talked with Rick Ten Broeck before the championship began and asked him who he thought the favorites would be. He mentioned past champion Mike Bell (from the Country Club of Indianapolis) and a couple other prominent names, like George Zahringer, but when pressed, he thought Paul Simson of Raleigh, North Carolina had the best chance.
Turns out he has pretty good radar. Paul Simson is currently the leader in the clubhouse at two under par. Mike Bell is done for the day just one shot behind.
It looks like the cut line will be somewhere around 152. No matter what the number is, the inevitable playoff will commence Monday morning, because there simply isn't enough daylight to get it done tonight.
Terry Lavin
Co-Chair
USGA Senior Amateur Committee
I talked with Rick Ten Broeck before the championship began and asked him who he thought the favorites would be. He mentioned past champion Mike Bell (from the Country Club of Indianapolis) and a couple other prominent names, like George Zahringer, but when pressed, he thought Paul Simson of Raleigh, North Carolina had the best chance.
Turns out he has pretty good radar. Paul Simson is currently the leader in the clubhouse at two under par. Mike Bell is done for the day just one shot behind.
It looks like the cut line will be somewhere around 152. No matter what the number is, the inevitable playoff will commence Monday morning, because there simply isn't enough daylight to get it done tonight.
Terry Lavin
Co-Chair
USGA Senior Amateur Committee
Another Day in Paradise
Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1:20 p.m.
Well, it's another Chamber of Commerce weather day here at the USGA Senior Amateur at Beverly. The golf course is firming up and the players are having a bit more difficulty, particularly on the greens. I'll go into the scoring in a later post, but the purpose of this missive is to let the Beverly members know what the players, the USGA officials and the spectators are saying. In a word, "perfect". It surely doesn't help that the weather is spectacular, but it would be an insult if one didn't take time to take note of the perfection that has been achieved by our grounds crew.
Yesterday, Steve Coates was talking to a USGA official and the man was absolutely glowing about the agronomic condition of the golf course. "There's no ground under repair on the entire golf course," he said. "Not one bit of white paint. I've been working at USGA events for twenty years and I've never seen that, never." If that isn't enough, every single player that I've talked to for the past three days is positively raving about the beauty, condition and playability of the golf course. Pat Kaufman, the chair of the USGA Senior Amateur committee, said that the first day of the Championship was "flawless". I have heard many officials utter the same expression over the past three days: "I would never get tired of playing this golf course." That is very reassuring to me, because that is Rick Ten Broeck's mantra about being a member at Beverly. And he's only been playing the golf course for more than 50 years.
And they aren't blowing smoke. This place looks like it could host a Senior Tour event this week. The amateurs are playing the course at around 6500 yards, which is essentially the white tees, but they aren't killing the course in any way, shape or form. The principal difficulty is with the putting surfaces. The players, to my eye, seem to be overly cautious and tend to leave their approach shots well beneath the hole locations, leading to very difficult birdie putts. The hole on 18 has been a real devil for the players today. Joe Claffy was marshaling near the 18th green for two hours today and he saw more three putts than two putts.
Last thought for this post: This Championship has been a real whirlwind for Dick Carparelli. I honored Dick with a speech at the Players Dinner on Friday night. I would venture to say that half the field has sat down with Dick for at least a few minutes to pick his golfing brain. He has been giving a few lessons, as well, but the main thing that Dick has been doing is soaking it all in. He told me that all of the members should "get out here and see this tournament; it's the best thing to happen at Beverly in thirty years."
He should know: he's been here 63 years! Get out to the club and take a look at your golf course in the best condition that I've seen in 22 years of being a member. Talk to some of the players about Beverly. You'll never be prouder to be a member.
Terry Lavin
Co-Chair USGA Senior Amateur Committee
Well, it's another Chamber of Commerce weather day here at the USGA Senior Amateur at Beverly. The golf course is firming up and the players are having a bit more difficulty, particularly on the greens. I'll go into the scoring in a later post, but the purpose of this missive is to let the Beverly members know what the players, the USGA officials and the spectators are saying. In a word, "perfect". It surely doesn't help that the weather is spectacular, but it would be an insult if one didn't take time to take note of the perfection that has been achieved by our grounds crew.
Yesterday, Steve Coates was talking to a USGA official and the man was absolutely glowing about the agronomic condition of the golf course. "There's no ground under repair on the entire golf course," he said. "Not one bit of white paint. I've been working at USGA events for twenty years and I've never seen that, never." If that isn't enough, every single player that I've talked to for the past three days is positively raving about the beauty, condition and playability of the golf course. Pat Kaufman, the chair of the USGA Senior Amateur committee, said that the first day of the Championship was "flawless". I have heard many officials utter the same expression over the past three days: "I would never get tired of playing this golf course." That is very reassuring to me, because that is Rick Ten Broeck's mantra about being a member at Beverly. And he's only been playing the golf course for more than 50 years.
And they aren't blowing smoke. This place looks like it could host a Senior Tour event this week. The amateurs are playing the course at around 6500 yards, which is essentially the white tees, but they aren't killing the course in any way, shape or form. The principal difficulty is with the putting surfaces. The players, to my eye, seem to be overly cautious and tend to leave their approach shots well beneath the hole locations, leading to very difficult birdie putts. The hole on 18 has been a real devil for the players today. Joe Claffy was marshaling near the 18th green for two hours today and he saw more three putts than two putts.
Last thought for this post: This Championship has been a real whirlwind for Dick Carparelli. I honored Dick with a speech at the Players Dinner on Friday night. I would venture to say that half the field has sat down with Dick for at least a few minutes to pick his golfing brain. He has been giving a few lessons, as well, but the main thing that Dick has been doing is soaking it all in. He told me that all of the members should "get out here and see this tournament; it's the best thing to happen at Beverly in thirty years."
He should know: he's been here 63 years! Get out to the club and take a look at your golf course in the best condition that I've seen in 22 years of being a member. Talk to some of the players about Beverly. You'll never be prouder to be a member.
Terry Lavin
Co-Chair USGA Senior Amateur Committee
Saturday, September 12, 2009
LIVE REPORT FROM THE USGA SENIOR AMATEUR
CHAMPIONSHIP AT BEVERLY COUNTRY CLUB
Report #2
Saturday, September 12, 2009
1:20 p.m.
Jeff Burda, of Modesto, California, became the first player to post an under-par round in this year’s USGA Senior Amateur Chamionship at Beverly CC., shooting a two-under round of 69. Burda’s round began at the 10th hole, where he sunk a birdie putt. He went on to birdie the 15th, 16th and 18th holes to record a remarkable 33 on his first nine of the day. He shot even par on the other nine and is currently the leader in the clubhouse by three shots.
Early reports from the course indicate that the principal difficulty encountered by the players is negotiating the tricky putting surfaces. Even though the greens are not necessarily “fast” at 10.5 on the Stimpmeter, the setup crew from the USGA did a good job of placing holes in benign-looking, but deceptive locations. The result is a lot of missed birdie and par putts and a field of competitors that is overwhelmingly over par in the early going.
Our fellow member Paul Richards is caddying this week for George Zahringer, who was runner-up in last year’s Senior Amateur. Zahringer shot a two-over par 73 on his opening round, which has him well positioned to advance to match play should he shoot a similar number tomorrow.
Terry Lavin
Co-Chair
USGA Senior Amateur Committee
CHAMPIONSHIP AT BEVERLY COUNTRY CLUB
Report #2
Saturday, September 12, 2009
1:20 p.m.
Jeff Burda, of Modesto, California, became the first player to post an under-par round in this year’s USGA Senior Amateur Chamionship at Beverly CC., shooting a two-under round of 69. Burda’s round began at the 10th hole, where he sunk a birdie putt. He went on to birdie the 15th, 16th and 18th holes to record a remarkable 33 on his first nine of the day. He shot even par on the other nine and is currently the leader in the clubhouse by three shots.
Early reports from the course indicate that the principal difficulty encountered by the players is negotiating the tricky putting surfaces. Even though the greens are not necessarily “fast” at 10.5 on the Stimpmeter, the setup crew from the USGA did a good job of placing holes in benign-looking, but deceptive locations. The result is a lot of missed birdie and par putts and a field of competitors that is overwhelmingly over par in the early going.
Our fellow member Paul Richards is caddying this week for George Zahringer, who was runner-up in last year’s Senior Amateur. Zahringer shot a two-over par 73 on his opening round, which has him well positioned to advance to match play should he shoot a similar number tomorrow.
Terry Lavin
Co-Chair
USGA Senior Amateur Committee
LIVE REPORT FROM THE USGA SENIOR AMATEUR
CHAMPIONSHIP AT BEVERLY COUNTRY CLUB
The first National Championship conducted at Beverly Country Club began this morning at 7:30 a.m. Several dozen players have completed play and the current leader in the clubhouse posted a one-over par 72. Bill Ploger, of Columbus, Ohio recorded four birdies on his scorecard, but had a handful of bogies as well.
The conditions for play at Beverly are absolutely perfect. The temperature is in the mid-70’s with low humidity. The golf course is in pristine condition and the greens are running at 10.5 on the Stimpmeter. The early reviews of the golf course from the players have been quite complimentary. All of the players have praised the condition of the course and have been very pleased with the traditional look and feel of our Donald Ross layout.
The players dinner last night featured Jeff Rude from Golfweek magazine who reminded the lucky 156 competitors that they were “playing on the same hallowed ground as prior winners Chick Evans, Francis Ouimet, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.” Pat Kaufman, the Chairperson of the Senior Amateur Committee praised the Beverly golf course as a “terrific site for a national championship” and complimented Tom Harrigan, Keith Peterson and John Varner and their staffs for a job well done in the early going.
The remainder of the field will complete stroke play later this afternoon. Stroke play continues tomorrow and the field will be cut to 64 players for match play beginning Monday.
Just in case you aren’t aware, the CLUB IS OPEN FOR MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS. PLEASE COME UP AND ENJOY THIS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF GOLF. ALL FOOD/BEVERAGE SERVICE IS UPSTAIRS, IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM, THE PUB AND THE PATIO.
These occasional email blasts will continue throughout the championship, but if you want real-time scoring for the championship, please go to www.senioram.org and click on “scoring”.
Terry Lavin
Co-Chair
USGA Senior Amateur Committee
CHAMPIONSHIP AT BEVERLY COUNTRY CLUB
The first National Championship conducted at Beverly Country Club began this morning at 7:30 a.m. Several dozen players have completed play and the current leader in the clubhouse posted a one-over par 72. Bill Ploger, of Columbus, Ohio recorded four birdies on his scorecard, but had a handful of bogies as well.
The conditions for play at Beverly are absolutely perfect. The temperature is in the mid-70’s with low humidity. The golf course is in pristine condition and the greens are running at 10.5 on the Stimpmeter. The early reviews of the golf course from the players have been quite complimentary. All of the players have praised the condition of the course and have been very pleased with the traditional look and feel of our Donald Ross layout.
The players dinner last night featured Jeff Rude from Golfweek magazine who reminded the lucky 156 competitors that they were “playing on the same hallowed ground as prior winners Chick Evans, Francis Ouimet, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.” Pat Kaufman, the Chairperson of the Senior Amateur Committee praised the Beverly golf course as a “terrific site for a national championship” and complimented Tom Harrigan, Keith Peterson and John Varner and their staffs for a job well done in the early going.
The remainder of the field will complete stroke play later this afternoon. Stroke play continues tomorrow and the field will be cut to 64 players for match play beginning Monday.
Just in case you aren’t aware, the CLUB IS OPEN FOR MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS. PLEASE COME UP AND ENJOY THIS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF GOLF. ALL FOOD/BEVERAGE SERVICE IS UPSTAIRS, IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM, THE PUB AND THE PATIO.
These occasional email blasts will continue throughout the championship, but if you want real-time scoring for the championship, please go to www.senioram.org and click on “scoring”.
Terry Lavin
Co-Chair
USGA Senior Amateur Committee
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