Bagpiper: ASGA Golf Awards Banquet Tradition

Kenton Adler has been a tradition of the ASGA Golf Awards Banquet for 10 years now and is shown announcing the "call for dinner" at this year's banquet. Adler, a piper from Lyon College, is shown leading (from left) my mother, Dr. Emogene Fox; my sister, Dr. Dana Fox; and my father, Norris Fox down the hallway leading into the foyer.

Last year's special guests were Ken Duke and Ben Crenshaw and this year's special guest was Kathy Whitworth - I wonder who might be the special guest for 2010?

Surprise Ads Left Me Stunned and Speechless!

WOW! I was stunned. My staff, my wife, my sister and my parents (all shown) were in cahoots with the Arkansas Golfer magazine publisher, Stephanie Hopkins (standing far right), and came up with several surprise congratulatory Hall of Fame advertisements for me in this issue.

The photo was taken just before the awards banquet and I am seeing the magazine ads for the very first time. It was a wonderful, jaw-dropping surprise, with some great photos of me 1977 to present!

Legend of the LPGA and future legend!

Congratulations to all the ASGA Players of the Year, Hall of Fame Inductees and PGA Chapter Award winners from the ASGA Golf Awards Banquet October 29th at Chenal Country Club.

Kathy Whitworth, the all-time leader in professional tournaments won for either men or women, with 88 LPGA Tour titles is shown with 14-year-old Summar Roachell, the ASGA Junior Girl Player of the Year, along with Summar's parents. It was an honor and a privilege to have Kathy Whitworth at this year's banquet. If you did not attend, see what you missed!

Big Week for ASGA Women & Club Champions!

Maumelle Country Club host the 5th annual ASGA Women's Club Team Championship Monday, Oct. 19 and Tuesday, Oct. 20 - and the weather looks to be outstanding. The ASGA Women's Committee - Cippy Smith of Stuttgart, Kathe Parson of Maumelle, Sharon Wilson of Fayetteville, Linda Carter of Camden and Gaye Lanford of Little Rock - have done a great job of organizing the ASGA Women's Program and have some exciting announcements for 2010.

While back-to-back tournaments are unusual, it will happen this week as Hot Springs Country Club hosts the 2nd Annual ASGA Club Champions Tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 21 & Thursday, Oct. 22. Only club champions from ASGA Member Clubs are invited to participate in four divisions: Men & Senior Men; Women & Senior Women. Crystal Glass Trophies will be awarded to all four winners and participants will play the Park Course one day and the Arlington Course the other.

1st Orville Henry Cup is a Great Success

The first annual Orville Henry Cup played this weekend at Paradise Valley Athletic Club and Fayetteville Country Club went right down to the wire, with the "White" Team defeating the "Red" Team 18 1/2 to 17 1/2. Four-ball matches were played at Paradise Valley on Saturday in cold and chilly weather with a high of 48 degrees - and the 4-ball results were deadlocked at 6-6. Sunday's individual matches were delayed almost an hour by frost, and the White team won 12 1/2 to 11 1/2 to win the Cup.

Special thanks to the staff and membership at both clubs for hosting, and to ASGA Director Rick McCoy for the BBQ Friday night at PVAC - a great evening of food and fellowship to kick off the weekend. Also, thanks to the 48 players that took time away from their families to participate.

While both golf courses were in outstanding condition, I want to offer a special "thank you" to Brandon Nichols, Supt. at Fayetteville CC - the best and fastest bentgrass greens I have played this year....some of the downhillers were "scary fast" - but they were very smooth. Full results of all matches, including photos, will be posted at www.asga.org as soon as possible!

McNulty, Mangold & Westbrook at USGA State Team

Wes McNulty of Pine Bluff, Ron Mangolf of Pocahontas and Neal Westbrook of Russellville represent Arkansas this week at the 8th USGA State Team Championship at The Country Club of St. Albans, near St. Louis. Arkansas drew Florida and Colorado the first two rounds. Here are the two round tee times for the Arkansas players on Wed., Sept. 23 and Thurs., Sept. 24:

1:00 pm, hole #1/8:20 am, hole #10 - Neal Westbrook

1:10 pm, hole #1/8:30 am, hole #10 - Ron Mangold

1:20 pm, hole #1/8:40 am, hole #10 - Wes McNulty

Multi-time ASGA Amateur Player of the Year and playing captain Wes McNulty will carry the Arkansas flag at the opening ceremonies. The honorary tournament chairman and key-note speaker at the Players Dinner is Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, a member at the host club.

All 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have sent three-man teams, with the best two scores counting each round. Texas is the defending champion. The tournament runs thru Friday, Sept. 25.

To follow the Arkansas team online, go to www.usga.org - Good luck to all players and let's hope the forecast gets better as the course is already saturated and the forecast calls for more rain!

Stan Lee, Nicklaus Benton win Players of Year

Stan Lee won the final ASGA Senior Designated Tournament of 2009 - the River Valley Senior Stroke this past weekend with 65-64 - and vaulted to the top of the ASGA Senior Player of the Year standings. Lee finished with 840 points, 22 ahead of Oscar Taylor of Hot Springs Village (818) and 34 ahead of Roger Clement of Little Rock (806). 2008 ASGA Senior Player of the Year Bruce Dickey of Paragould finished fourth.

Lee was runner-up to Taylor in the ASGA Senior Match and won the ASGA Senior Stroke. He also earned 175 points for making the round of 16 at the USGA Senior Amateur in Chicago, which put him in position. A win at the River Valley would seal the deal - a tournament which he also won last year.

In the amateur division, Nicklaus Benton held a small lead over Wes McNulty entering the final tournament in Russellville and Benton sealed the deal with a one-stroke victory over Chris Jenkins. Benton finished with 767.5 points, Kirk Brown was second with 695.5 and McNulty finished third with 690. Benton also won the 2007 ASGA Junior Player of the Year award.

Former Arkansan Plays for Second USGA Title

Former Arkansan Carolyn Creekmore plays for her second USGA Senior Women's Amateur title tomorrow at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia. Creekmore, who grew up in Fort Smith and now resides in Dallas, also won the title in 2004. Her grandfather, S.W Creekmore is a former state amateur champion and was in the inaugural class of the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame in 1994. Her brother, Steve Creekmore, III, was elected to the ASGA Board of Directors this year. To follow Carolyn's match hole by hole, go to www.usga.org. GOOD LUCK CAROLYN!

Another former Arkansan came within an eye-lash of playing for the U.S. Senior Amateur in Chicago. John Pallin, a former Radiology Resident at UAMS in Little Rock, now of Kenosha, Wisconsin, lost in the semi-finals today 1-down at The Beverly Club. Pallin defeated 2007 Champion Stan Lee in the first round last year at Shady Oaks in Fort Worth and went on to the quarter-finals. Golf sometimes is rich in irony as many felt John Grace, a member at Shady Oaks would win last year (Buddy Marucci did). Well, Grace has a chance to redeem himself in tomorrow's Championship match in Chicago against 1972 U.S. Amateur Champion Marvin (Vinny) Giles, III.

Florida Coach Tried Gamesmanship - and LOST BIG!

Stewart "Buddy" Alexander, the University of Florida Men's Golf Coach, tried gamesmanship in his second round match against Stan Lee - and it came back to haunt him in a 5 & 4 whipping. Alexander often left the green or turned his back and did not even watch Lee putt, leaving him with just the referee. At the ninth hole, Alexander's approach settled less than a foot away and the birdie was conceded by Lee, who still had a 25-footer for a half. Alexander left the green, got in his cart and drove through the tunnel under 87th Avenue and over toward the 10th tee, more than 100 yards from #9 green. Lee made the birdie putt to halve the hole and since Lee had the honor on #9, he retained it on #10. When Lee reached the 10th tee and began to tee up first Alexander asked what he was doing and Stan said he made the birdie putt. Alexander evidently did not believe him and the referee had to confirm it to assure Alexander. So as Stan teed off on #10, a 171-yard par 3, Alexander went inside the clubhouse and did not even watch. But the biggest was yet to come. On #11, a long par-5, Lee had 120 left for his third shot, Alexander was 30 yards closer to the green. Alexander drove ahead, parked his cart in front of Lee and then walked all the way to the green and just stood in the middle of the green for at least a minute, maybe longer. Lee of course could not play, even though it was his turn to play. Alexander, 3-down at the time, was obviously trying to slow-play Lee and get him rattled and out of his rhythm. It only added fuel to the fire - Lee was far to experienced for this childish act that Alexander was attempting. It was very disappointing to watch a golfer who is a former U.S. Amateur Champion (1986) try that kind of gamesmanship. In fact, it was downright disgraceful. There is no place in the game for that kind of behavior - or as Stan is famous for saying "you can really find out a lot about a person when he is losing."

Stan Lee & Tanna Richard Both Ousted in Sr. Am

Stan Lee defeated Stewart "Buddy" Alexander in the round of 32 at the U.S. Senior Amateur at The Beverly Country Club in Chicago before falling to Mike Bell in the round of 16. Lee closed out Alexander 5 & 4 and lost a heart-breaker to Bell 1 up. The afternoon match featured the 2006 Champion (Bell) vs. the 2007 Champion (Lee) and the Heber Springs native comeback fell one hole shy. After losing the first three holes (Bell birdied the first two), Lee came back and won #4 and had a four-foot birdie putt at #7 to cut the deficit to one, but it grazed the cup. He birdied the 9th after a bogie at #8 and turned two down. Lee then won holes 13 and 14 to square the match and Bell made a tough 10-footer at 15 to stay all square, where they remained until the 18th hole. Lee's approach settled 18 feet above the hole on the treacherous Donald Ross green. His birdie effort narrowly missed and went seven feet by the hole and he missed the come-backer. Bell two putted for par and the victory.

In the U.S. Women's Senior Amateur in Virginia, Fort Smith's Tanna Richard lost to Robin Puckett in the round of 32 in 21 holes. Another former Fort Smithian, Carolyn Creekmore advanced to the quarter-finals and plays Wednesday morning!

Stan Lee & Tanna Richard Advance in U.S. Senior

Stan Lee of Heber Springs and Tanna Richard of Fort Smith both advanced to the second round of the U.S. Senior Amateur in Chicago and U.S. Women's Senior Amateur in Hot Springs, Virginia today. Lee advanced with a 1-up decision over Tom Elfers of Cincinnati and Richard defeated Joanne Catlin of Ashburnham, Mass. Neither trailed in their match. Lee won 2, 3, 11 and 14 (losing only #9) and was 3 up with three to play, losing 16 & 17 and holding on 1-up. He was one over par, which will win alot of matches. Richard was all square at the turn and won holes 10, 11, 12 & 15 to close out Catlin 4 & 3. Richard was +5 for 15 holes, which will also win alot of matches.

Lee played University of Florida Golf Coach Stewart "Buddy" Alexander at 9:59 am Tuesday. Richard plays Robin Puckett of Irvine, CA at 8:54 am (eastern) Tuesday.

Former Arkansan and past U.S. Women's Senior Am Champ Carolyn Creekmore also advanced to the second round. You can watch hole-by-hole progress of these matches at www.usga.org

Tanna Richard Makes Match Play in Virginia

Tanna Lee Richard of Fort Smith, shot 79-77 and easily qualified for match play (T23rd) in the 2009 U.S. Women's Senior Amateur Sunday at The Homestead in Hot Springs Virginia. Richard plays at 10:48 in the first round on Monday.

Both Tanna and her husband Ron are previous inductees in the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame.

Another former Arkansan and native of Fort Smith, Carolyn Creekmore, qualified third with 72-75 and plays at 12:36 Monday. Creekmore is a former Champion, winning at Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, California.

Good Luck Tanna and Carolyn! It would not surprise me if either of these women win this USGA Championship!

Lee Qualifies for Match Play; Hargraves Just Misses

Stan Lee, fresh off a victory in the 2009 ASGA Senior Stroke at Greystone, qualified for match play today in the 2009 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at The Beverly Club in south Chicago. Lee fired rounds of 75-75 and tied for 46th and plays Tom Elfers of Cincinnati (72-74) at 1:06 p.m. Monday. Lee was exempt from qualifying as the 2007 Champion at Flint Hills National GC in Wichita, Kansas. Last year, in the defense of his title, Lee lost to former Little Rock resident John Pallin of Kenosha, Wisconsin in 19 holes. Pallin went on to make the quarter-finals, earning exempt status this year, and qualified in the top 5 with 73-69.

Bev Hargraves of Helena, the lone Arkansas qualifier, shot 77-75 and missed the playoff for match play by one stroke. 11 players at 151 will playoff at 8:30 a.m. for 8 qualifying spots.

To see the scores and bracket of the USGA Senior Amateur Qualifying, go to www.usga.org

Arkansas - Here is Your Chance!

Alright Arkansas - here is your chance to show you love golf! The best field ever in the three year history of the LPGA's P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship is assembling this week in Rogers as the newly renovated Pinnacle Country Club will be a fantastic host. Get out and show your support of golf in Arkansas as this is only the second professional golf tournament held in the Natural State (Nationwide Tour is at Hardscrabble in June!) Tickets are easy to come by and parking is easy too - you park your car in a designated parking lot, load up on a bus and they drop you at the 17th green! Get your tickets here and show that you love golf! http://www.pgbeautychampionship.com/ Paula Creamer will play her pink ball on Sunday as she is doing in the above photo!

Pinnacle is Impressive - To Say The Least!

Mac Stubbs, our talented Director of Handicapping, and I took a rare opportunity yesterday to play one of Arkansas' finest courses - Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers (that's Mac on the signature par-3 15th hole). After a 10 month renovation, converting to a more heat tolerant Zoysia fairway and Tyee bentgrass, what a joy it was to play. No stress in the greens and the fairways were perfect. The LPGA Tour and the fans are getting a real treat at the P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship Sept. 11-13 and it may be the most-talented field in the three years of the event. C'mon Arkansas - show the LPGA you love golf - and buy your tickets today from a number of local charities or visit the official tournament site at http://www.pgbeautychampionship.com/

1st ASGA Event at Cooper's Hawk a Success!

The first ASGA Designated Tournament at Cooper's Hawk in Melbourne August 8-9 was a very successful tournament. Sixty players ventured into Izard County to play the manicured Zoysia fairways and smooth bentgrass greens. Show at left is one of the course owners, Jim Cooper and his son, Sam. Congratulations to Justin Burns, who won the inaugural "Hawk" trophy with a four-under par 140, one shot better than Nathan Circle and Mark Bartlett. Bruce Dickey won the Senior Division in a playoff over Hall of Famer Stan Lee after both tied at 9-under 135 and Hall of Famer Jack Jordan won the Super-Senior Division. The ASGA will be having one of its "majors" at Cooper's Hawk in the very near future. Thanks again to Jim Cooper and the entire staff for hosting this inaugural tournament!

Thanks Josh for a Job Well Done!

On behalf of the ASGA Board of Directors and Staff, I want to thank Josh Wright of Bryant, AR for a job well done as the 2009 USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern for the ASGA. Josh heads back to Mississippi State tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 14) to finish his final semester in the Professional Golf Management Program. Hopefully, we taught Josh a few things about golf administration, specifically tournaments, as he prepares to become a real citizen with a real job. Josh is shown in front of the Texarkana Court House with his right foot in Texas and his left in Arkansas!

Hulse wins ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Stroke

Playing in his last ASGA Championship as a junior, 17-year-old Lane Hulse of Fordyce fired a final round of three-under par 69 to win the ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Boys Stroke Play Championship at Texarkana Country Club. Hulse trailed by four strokes entering the final round but turned the front nine in three-under par 33 with a birdie on #1 and an eagle on the par-5 7th hole, to go with 7 pars, to grab the lead. Steady golf on the back nine, including birdies on #16 and #17 closed the Championship in style with a six stroke victory over Dylan Lovell of Harrison and Nate Smith of Benton. Hunter Smith, a 16-year-old from Cabot, edged his classmate at Cabot High School, Colby Benton and won the ASGA Junior Boys Player of the Year title. Smith will receive the award October 29 at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock. Thanks to all that helped make the 2009 ASGA Junior Tournament Season a success!

Roachell wins ASGA Mountain Valley Stroke Play

Congratulations to 14-year-old Summar Roachell of Conway, winner of the 2009 ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Girls Stroke Play Championship at Texarkana Country Club. She is shown with the Lou Miller Trophy, named in honor of ASGA Hall of Famer Lou Miller. Summar also wrapped up the ASGA Junior Girls Player of the Year and will receive that award Thursday, October 29 at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock. To see all of Summar's tournament results, click on Junior Girl Point Standings at www.asga.org

Also, congratulations to all age division winners and thanks to all the mother, fathers, grandparents, brothers and sisters that helped support these young women in 2009 and for making the ASGA junior tournament schedule a success!

Final 2009 ASGA Junior Tourney at Texarkana CC

Historic Texarkana Country Club, where the legendary Byron Nelson once hung his hat as golf professional, hosts the final ASGA Junior Designated Tournament of 2009 this week. The ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Boys and Girls Stroke Play is August 4-6 and 54 holes will determine both player of the year titles. Hunter Smith and Colby Benton are neck-and-neck in the boys race and Katie Webb leads Summar Roachelle by a narrow margin in the girls race. Last year's junior girls stroke at Pine Bluff CC went 54 holes - and then 6 more in a playoff between Taylor Fisher and Roachelle. Fisher won the tournament and the ASGA Junior Girls Player of the Year. It is unknown at this point what will unfold at TCC, but one thing is clear: Superintendent Ken Sawyer has the course in great shape (he always does) even after 8 inches of rain recently. Tee times are 8:00 - 9:30 off #1 & #10 first two days. Players are repaired for Thursday's final round. I apologize for not "blogging" recently - five days at the US Junior Am in NJ and a week in Ardmore, OK for the Big I National Championship - I will catch up and hope to blog everyday from TCC this week. Stay tuned.......more excitement to follow!

The Future of Golf is in Good Hands!

The future of this wonderful game is in the hands of our young players - and these three players are true gentlemen of the game. Shown, from left, Trent Burroughs, 11 of Donaldson; Zach Leming, 11, of Malvern; and Logan DePriest, 10 of Marshall. I was lucky to draw these fine young players in my group today at the Arkansas PGA Chapter Junior Tour State Finals at Burns Park. Trent qualified to go to Oklahoma with a fine round of 41, while Logan had a 44 and Zach a 46. It was not only their golf skill that impressed me - THEY ACTED LIKE GENTLEMEN - and that should make their families very proud! Check out the winners photos at www.asga.org

Good Luck to All in PGA Junior Tour

Congratulations and good luck to all the boys and girls participating in the Arkansas PGA Chapter Junior Tour State Tournament this week.

The younger boys and girls will play Burns Park on Wednesday and the older boys and girls will play Greystone (Cypress Creek Course) on Thursday. The low qualifiers in each age division will advance to the South Central PGA Section Tournament later this month.

Special thanks to all members of the Arkansas PGA Chapter who hosted regional tournaments and to Steve Ralston, PGA Professional at Burns Park and Dustin Ralston, PGA Professional at Greystone for hosting the state tournaments. I have been invited to play and appreciate the invite and look forward to playing with the juniors both days. A number of PGA Professionals from across the state will also be playing.

Please check the ASGA website - www.asga.org - as we hope to have photos of the winners!

Ball on Putting Green - Do You Have to Putt?

An interesting rules situation happened at the ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Match Play at Foxwood G.C. in Jacksonville. Lane Hulse's ball came to rest on the front left of the 14th green and the hole was on the upper tier. The contour of the green made it almost impossible to putt and being the talented player he is, he took a sandwedge and chipped the ball over the fringe. Note that his caddie, Wilson Anthony is attending the flagstick because the ball is on the green. Hulse did not take a divot, instead sweeping the ball off the turf and went on to make par! So the answer is no, you do not have to putt - sometimes you have to chip a ball on the green!

What Powers ASGA Champions - Chocolate Milk?

Whew! I can finally catch my breath. June was a busy month for the ASGA. We crowned Champions in the Men's Stroke, Mid-Senior Stroke, Junior Boys Match, Junior Girls Match and Monk Wade Father & Son.

I was cleaning off my desk, looking at some of the hundreds of photos the ASGA staff takes during tournament season and this one caught my eye. Micah Radler, our Junior Girls Match Play Champion and her brother/caddie Sawyer drinking Chocolate Milk during play at Foxwood - not Gatorade, Powerade or Vitamin Water. That's their Dad, Hug, catching some shade in the background!

Radler Wins Mountain Valley Junior Girls Match

Micah Radler of Fayetteville won three of the first five holes agaubst Libby Croom of Russellville and cruised to a 6&5 victory in the finals of the ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Girls Match Play Championship at Foxwood Golf Club in Jacksonville. Radler received custody of the Mary Perrin Trophy from Foxwood PGA Professional Rick Jenkins. Perrin won numerous state championships back in he 1950s and is a member of the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame.

At the closing ceremony Jenkins congratulated both players and said they will remember this day their whole life. He also shared a story about the 1976 ASGA Junior Match Play where this blogger defeated Jenkins in the semi-finals and Rick said he still remembers lots of things about that match. I lost in the finals to Donny Davis of Fort Smith.

Nick Zimmerman of North Little Rock faces Ethan King in the boys finals Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Zimmerman won the 2008 ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Stroke at Pine Bluff Country Club and has the chance to complete the "Zimmerman Slam." The winner will receive the Fred Gordy trophy. To see either bracket, scroll down at www.asga.org

Medalists Eliminated in Junior Match Play

Co-medalist in the ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Boys Match Play, Richard Zimmerman of Mountain Home, was eliminated by Tim Netherton of Conway 2&1 in the round of 32 this morning at Foxwood Golf Club. "We just ran into a buzz-saw," Lang Zimmerman, father of Richard, and managing partner of Big Creek Country Club in Mountain Home, said. "Tim played great and made a bunch of birdies." Zimmerman did not leave Foxwood empty handed and was presented the medalist trophy by ASGA Intern Josh Wright. Big Creek hosted the ASGA Match Play earlier this year.

The other co-medalist, Andrew Flesher of Little Rock, survived a scare winning 1-up over Austin Eoff of Benton.

The medalist in the ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Match Play, Katie Webb of Heber Springs, was eliminated 1-up by Madison Talley of Clarksville. Defending champion Summar Roachell cruised into the semi-finals with a 6&5 win over Little Rock's Grace Grubb. Micah Radler of Fayetteville also advanced to the semi-finals with a 7&6 decision over Stephanie Leake of Little Rock The girls finals will be Wednesday morning at 8:45.

Zimmerman, Flesher Earn Medalist Honors

Richard Zimmerman of Mountain Home and Andrew Flesher of Little Rock shared medalist honors, each with a two-under par 70 at the ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Boys Match Play Championship at Foxwood yesterday. Both players advanced into the second round with first round victories Monday afternoon. Often considered a grueling endurance quest, the qualifying round was an 18-hole shotgun start Monday morning at 8:00 a.m., the 64-man bracket was determined and first round matches were played Monday afternoon. The last first round match teed off about 4:00 p.m. Two matches will be played today (Tuesday) with the quarter-finals and semi-finals on Wednesday and the finals Thursday morning.

In the ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Girls Match Play, Summar Roachell begins defense of her title she won last year at the age of 13. As the defending champion and #1 seed, Roachell was exempt from qualifying. Katie Webb of Heber Springs earned medalist honors and the #2 seed with a 79. Grace Grubbs of Little Rock defeated Kaitlyn Duncan of Melbourne on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to get the 8th and final seed and faces Roachell this morning. The girls semi-finals are this afternoon and the championship match will be Wednesday morning.

McNulty Wins State Am in OT

Wes McNulty birdied the first hole of sudden death to win the 95th ASGA Stroke Play Championship at Pine Bluff Country Club Sunday afternoon. In the playoff, both players found the center of the fairway on the reachable par-5 1st hole. McNulty's second shot found the greenside bunker and Payne's second was long over the back of the green. Both played nice third shots to within 12 feet. Payne missed and McNulty made as approximately 35 people watched, many of them members at PBCC. Both players finished regulation at 11-under par. McNulty found himself three down with four holes to play, before birdies at 15 and 17 and a bogie (3-putt) by Payne at 15 sent the duo into overtime. The pro shop was overflowing for the trophy ceremony, including McNulty's longtime teacher and former PBCC Professional for more than 37 years, George McKeown. George is a member of the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame and it was nice to have him there for the presentation. In the first ever mid-senior division, John Siratt won by three strokes over Tracy Harris and David Shirey. Hats off to Cary Maddox, PGA Golf Professional and his staff and to Garland Tynes, Superintendent and his staff for all their hard work. Thunderstorms the first two rounds caused more than 5 hours of delays. The golf course was in outstanding shape, especially considering the May rains had a large part of the golf course under water, including the 11th green, which was more than 4 feet under water for afew days.

Payne, McNulty Duel for State Am Title at PBCC

Jordan Payne of West Memphis and local favorite Wes McNulty of Pine Bluff are only separated by one stroke heading into the final round of the ASGA Stroke Play Championship at Pine Bluff Country Club. Payne leads at 10-under par 132 after rounds of 67-65 and McNulty is 9-under after 69-64. Jeff Jenkins of Conway is in third after 71-69. For full field scores, log onto www.asga.org
Mother Nature has reared her summer-time head with more than 5 hours of delays for thunderstorms. Play was halted twice on Friday, with the final group completing play at 8:30 p.m. Lightning and heavy rain causes almost a two-hour delay in the second round, with the final group finishing near 7:30 p.m. The winner Sunday will earn custody of the E.B. Gee Trophy and be the 95th ASGA State Amateur Champion. In the first ever mid-senior division, John Siratt of Donaldson, leads at 143 after rounds of 69 and 74. Todd Martin of Cabot and Rodger Bates of Hot Springs trail by three strokes at 146. Keep your fingers crossed for no weather delays in Sunday's final round!

Has McNulty Scared Off the Field at PBCC?

Has the defending champion Wes McNulty scared off the field at this weekend's ASGA Stroke Play Championship at Pine Bluff Country Club? Sure, McNulty won 8 of 9 tournaments last year including the Stroke, Match and ASGA Player of the Year (and is a member at PBCC). Does that make him unbeatable? Some think so. "I don't think Tiger Woods could beat Wes McNulty at Pine Bluff C.C.," one prominent player said. A few (a very few) aren't afraid of McNulty (left) including 2007 ASGA Player of the Year Ron Mangold, who has his head in his hand in this photo. Forty-four players will tee it up Friday in the amateur division, with 20 in the Mid-Senior Division! Are 43 players all playing for second place, or will someone knock McNulty from his throne, including Kirk Brown, the 2009 ASGA Match Play Champion or Nicklaus Benton, current leader in the ASGA Player of the Year standings. The ASGA has paired all three players together at 9:11 a.m. on Friday, June 12th and 12:50 p.m. on Saturday, June 13th. Tee times will be posted at www.asga.org on Tuesday, June 9 - Good Luck to all Players!

Congratulations Mac & Vena for 45 Years!

Kudos, hats off and congratulations to Mac Stubbs and his lovely wife Vena, who are celebrating their 45th anniversary today (June 5) and I do not think it is unkind to list the number of years. I know they are proud - for a boy from Melbourne and a girl from Calico Rock to be together for 45 years (they got married young!) They have two wonderful children - Shelly and Tim and two grandchildren they adore! Mac has been working like a slave lately preparing for the ASGA Monk Wade Father & Son Tournament. With more than 400 players in four shotgun starts over two days, it takes a lot of time and energy from computer input to pairings to cart signs to score cards. And just when you think everything is ready to go, a team withdraws and he has to make the changes. Congratulations Mac and Vena - go celebrate 45 years of marriage! Hope you have many more!

Hardscrabble Hosts U.S. Am Qualifying Aug. 11

Historic Hardscrabble Country Club in Fort Smith will host the U.S. Amateur Qualifying on Tuesday, August 11th. Shown is the 17th hole during the 2007 ASGA Mountain Valley Hickory Open. The entry deadline is July 8 and the fee is $125. For online entries, click here:
https://champs.usga.org/info.asp?ID=13 or go to www.usga.org and click on "Championships," then "Apply to Play" and scroll down to U.S. Amateur to download the application and mail it. The U.S. Amateur will be played at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa August 24-30. If you want a close look at Hardscrabble in championship condition and the future PGA Tour stars check out the Nationwide Tour's Fort Smith Classic June 18-21. Log onto www.fortsmithclassic.com or call 479-782-3410 for tickets - $10 daily or $25 for a weekly pass!

Hogs Lose NCAA on Final Hole of Final Match!

Congratulations to the Arkansas Razorback Men's Golf Team - runner-up in the 2009 NCAA Tournament at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

To see a wrap-up of the NCAA Tournament, watch this seven minute Golfweek video here:

http://www.golfweektv.com/index.asp?ID=5496

Some are calling the shot that beat Andrew Landry on the final hole the greatest in NCAA history. Landry and his Texas A&M opponent came to the 18th hole all square in the final match of the day with the score tied 2-2. It was definitely an heroic shot - especially since Landry had won four consecutive holes.

The Razorbacks did enact a small measure of revenge in the semi-finals defeating Georgia, the 2009 SEC Champions, as the Razorbacks finished as the runner-up.

Hall & Fisher Win ASGA Women's Scramble

Congratulations to Taylor Fisher (left) and Carrie Hall, winners of the 2009 ASGA Women's Scramble yesterday at Hot Springs Country Club. Cippy Smith (center), chairman of the ASGA Women's Committee and Secretary of the ASGA Board of Directors is presenting the trophy. Fisher is the reigning ASGA Junior Girls Player of the Year and will be attending Univ. of Missouri - Kansas City this fall on a golf scholarship. Hall is an AWGA Board Member and both players are from the host club. A full field of 36 teams participated. Check out all scores of all four flights at www.asga.org

Duke Birdies Final Hole to Make Cut

Ken Duke birdied the 18th and final hole of the second round of the Crown Plaza Invitational at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth and appears he will make the cut on the number at even-par.

Duke fired a one-over 71 yesterday and a one-under 69 today. he moved from 79th after round one to T65th. He is only seven shots behind tournament leader Steve Stricker.

He currently ranks 111th on the Fed Ex Cup Standings and 133rd on the PGA Tour Money List with $257,337 in official earnings.

This is about the time of year Duke breaks out and starts to play well. Let's keep our fingers crossed that is about to happen for one of the nicest people ever to play golf in this state. He is a great ambassador for the game of golf and for the state of Arkansas! GO KEN!

Razorback Golfers Advance to NCAA Semi-Finals

The Razorback Men's Golf Team advanced to the NCAA Semi-Finals this morning in Toledo, Ohio with a 3-2 victory over Washington. The #4 seeded Hogs are the only team in the top four to advance to the semi-finals.

Top seeded Oklahoma State lost to #8 Georgia (Arkansas's next opponent) while second seeded Arizona State fell to #7 Texas A&M and third seeded Southern Cal fell to number 6 Michigan.

Conway's Jason Cuthbertson, a Razorback senior, won his match over Chris Kilmer 3 & 2.

The program is rising to the top again under third-year coach Brad McMakin. The Hogs are fresh off a #2 finish to Georgia in the SEC tournament and can enact the sweetest form of revenge in the semi-finals! GO HOGS!

Randy Beaver - 2007 PGA Professional of the Year

Randy Beaver was named the 2007 Arkansas PGA Chapter Professional of the Year and received the award at the Annual ASGA Awards Banquet at Chenal Country Club. He is surrounded by his family including his wife, Debby (to his right). On Debby's right is their daughter Mikki and her husband Dan Hosman of Jonesboro. To his left is his daughter-in-law Lindsey and his son Mitch. (Photo courtesy of Wayne Smith)

Randy Beaver Photos - A Tribute

Randy Beaver (red shirt) and Nicklaus Benton are shown watching the 2008 ASGA Senior Match Play at Rolling Hills Country Club in Cabot.

Nicklaus Benton was the 2007 ASGA Junior Boys Player of the Year and also won back-to-back ASGA Mountain Valley Junior Match Play titles in 2007 and 2008.

Randy Beaver Photos - A Tribute

Randy Beaver (red shirt) presented the 2008 ASGA Senior Match Play Trophy to Champion Stan Lee. Rolling Hills Country Club in Cabot was a great site for this event - mainly because of Randy Beaver and his maintenance crew.

During the 2008 tournament, Randy went for a chemo treatment one day and came back to Rolling Hills to check on the status of the senior match play. We all encouraged him to go home and take care of himself - but he cared deeply for other people. Because he was Pro/GM/Supt. at the host site, he felt he had to be there!

Photos of Randy Beaver - A Tribute

I am going to post some photos of Randy Beaver, as a lasting memory to honor him for all the contributions to the game of golf.

This photo is Debby & Randy Beaver at the 2007 Nike Cup Matches at Hot Springs Country Club!

Governor's Cup Stays Home 3rd Year in a Row

Congratulations to the 10 mid-amateurs and 8 seniors representing the Arkansas State Golf Association at the 4th Annual Governor's Cup at Chenal Country Club May 14-16 (see photo).

The Arkansas team won for the third consecutive year against the team representing the Mississippi Golf Association. Last year the matches came down to the final putt of the final match on the final day. This year was not quite as close (23-13) - but still exciting to win. Also special thanks to Captain Wyn Norwood and Assistant Captain Trey Schaap!

Randy Beaver - A Giant of a Man

The game of golf lost a dear friend on Thursday, May 21 with the passing of Randy Beaver, GM/PGA Professional/Superintendent at Rolling Hills Country Club in Cabot for the past 23 years. Randy's battle with pancreatic cancer ended at the age of 53. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Debbie and his daughter, Mickey and son, Mitch and a handful of grandchildren.

I am a better man for knowing Randy Beaver - and anyone that spent more than 30 minutes around him would say the same thing. Randy had a passion for life and a deep desire and hunger to play golf at the highest ability. He was never afraid of any shot and felt he could birdie every hole, no matter how long or how many obstacles came into play.

At six-foot, five inches tall and over 300 pounds, he was a giant of a man - but not just in size. He was a giant of a man in character and integrity and was one of the finest Christian men I ever knew. At least 500 people turned out for the visitation and funeral at Lonoke Baptist Church, where Randy faithfully served as a Deacon.

Randy's suffering is over - and he is playing the heavenly fairways now. He will be missed by many - men like Randy are few and far between on this earth. Randy will live on in our hearts and our memories of him will never fade.

(Be sure and read the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on Thursday, May 28 as Golf Writer Jeff Slatton is writing about the life of Randy Beaver!)

Need Rain? Schedule an ASGA Tournament

Anyplace out there need rain? Anyplace outside of Arkansas, I mean because the Land of Opportunity has had its fair share this year. With the economy like it is, the ASGA can use all kinds of revenue. We will bring an ASGA Tournament to your city - which will guarantee rain!

Today, 72 women (36 teams) ventured over to Hot Springs Country Club for the Annual ASGA Women's Scramble and guess what - RAIN! About and hour-and-a-half of heavy rain fell on the Park Course beginning around 3 p.m., mixed with intermittent lightning causing a suspension of play (I can hear the air horns, can you??)

As I understand it from one of our staff, many of the women found the sale table at HSCC and hopefully contributed to the local economy. Barry Howard, GM/Director of Golf, always has a good selection of women's clothing and accessories for his members (and guests) to enjoy.

The bad news for the golfers is once play resumed, it looked like "carts on path" would be required from not only today's rain, but the already saturated ground at HSCC!

Want rain in your area - the ASGA is for hire!

Superintendents - Golf's Hidden Heroes

Golfers in the Natural State are lucky to play on some of the finest courses anywhere - and the maintenance crews led by our outstanding stable of superintendents that work long hours to provide the best playing conditions possible.

We owe a big pat on the back to these men and women and always take the time to say thank you because I know they appreciate it. The ASGA has had three Championships thus far in May - all have been affected by weather. The Men's Match and Mid-Senior Match Play at Big Creek in Mountain Home had numerous rain delays. But Brent Edens, superintendent and his crew, had the course in remarkable shape despite all the problems Mother Nature threw our way!

The Governor's Cup at Chenal was played on the tail-end of record rain-fall mid-May - and Jed Spencer, Superintendent and his crew went above and beyond the call of duty to get the greens as firm and fast as possible. Last week, Nick Birch, Superintendent at Hurricane Country Club in Bryant, also had his greens firms and fast, despite several holes literally being "under water" just a week before the Senior & Super-Senior Match Play.

Often we do not see these superintendents hard at work - they arrive early at their facilities, often before the sun comes up and stay sometimes until well after dark. If you are proud of the condition of your course, take time to let the superintendent know. "Thank You" will mean a lot, I promise you!

An Outdoor Game Must Deal With the Elements

Golf is an outdoor game and inclement weather is far too often a factor. Such was the case for the 43rd Annual ASGA Men's Match Play and 1st Annual ASGA Mid-Senor Match Play the first weekend in May at Big Creek Golf & Country Club in Mountain Home. Over the four days of play - two 18-hole stroke play rounds and two days of matches, the participants endured about 8 hours of rain delays. But somehow Mother Nature let us complete the tournament on schedule. Patience, dry towels and a really good rain suit were a must.

Hats off to Brent Edens, golf course superintendent and his crew for all their hard work. Brent had the zoysia fairways and bentgrass greens in perfect condition and it was the only way the course was playable. Over an inch of rain fell on Saturday and roughly the same amount fell Sunday. But when the dust settled (HA HA) - the winner in the men's match was also the sentimental favorite and hometown hero Kirk Brown. Stacey Shiew won the first ever mid-senior division.

Also, PGA Professional/Metereologist Eddie Roethlisberger was "right on the money" in his radar predictions about when the rain would arrive and how long it would last. Knowing the area was a key to the success of getting the players off the course safely when threatening weather moved into the Mountain Home area. Big Creek has now hosted the ASGA Men's Stroke and Match, ASGA Senior Stroke and Match and the Ozark Junior Challenge.

Rules Violations Get "Everyone"

I could make excuses like it was cold (40 degrees), but the simple fact is I was penalized two strokes under Rule 11-5 in an "Eskimo" tournament this winter. I should have read the rules sheet. Instead, I asked the starter, "what tees are we playing?" Long story short, we played the BLACK Tees on the first hole and I made eagle on the make-shift par-6 from the 1st tee to the 8th green with three great shots and holed a 20-footer. When our group got to the second hole, which was the 18th tee, I teed it up on the BLACK tees and played a nice sand wedge over the pond on the 70-yard hole to the 10th green.

"Jay, why are you the first divot?" one of my fellow-competitors asked. I looked around befuddled. We were about sixth or seventh group to tee off and there should have been numerous divots. About then we noticed the BLUE tees about 15-yards to the right of where the BLACK tees were and there were lots of divots. I immediately knew I had played the wrong tees and also immediately knew from 19 years of studying (and sometimes teaching) the rules of golf the penalty was two strokes and I had to correct my mistake.

I wanted to blame somebody else - but the real truth is I did not read the rules sheet, which read "BLUE tees #2." It was cold, and I was trying to stay warm at the first tee. Long story short, I shot a four-under par total for 9 holes, but with the two stroke penalty, wound up at two-under par. I lost the tournament by one stroke. I felt foolish. I should have read the rules sheet. Had I not made eagle on #1 and had the honor on #2, somebody else would have been penalized. Rules have consequences when they are violated - and this time it cost me the tournament and a nice gift certificate in the golf shop!

Golf Tournaments Have Rules

Have you ever noticed all golf tournaments have rules? In most tournaments, there is even a "rules sheet" that contains all the local rules for the course. When tee times or starting times are used, the "starter" will hand out the rules sheet. It is ALWAYS a good idea to get to first tee 10 minutes early so you will have some time to read the local rules sheet.

For example, in all ASGA and Arkansas PGA Chapter Tournaments, distance measuring devices such as Bushnell Rangefinders or Skycaddies, etc. are allowed by "local rule" in accordance with USGA Decision 14-3/0.5. This decision, one of over 1,200 in the USGA Decision Book, states the device must measure distance only and the measuring device cannot contain gradient (slope) or wind - even if that particular feature is turned off or diabled. The penalty for using a measuring device that does not conform is pretty severe - DISQUALIFICATION! Or as my friend Tom Meeks, the retired Senior Director of Rules and Competitions for the USGA says, "they are a trunk slammer."

The USGA does not allow the use of such a measuring device in USGA Qualifying Rounds and USGA Championships. Not all state and regional golf associations allow them either - although well over 50% of state associations are now allowing the use of these devices.

Welcome to Fox Tales

Welcome to Fox Tales, a new blog dedicated to the experiences of Jay Fox, Executive Director of the Arkansas State Golf Association. Quite a few people have been suggesting I write a blog, so here goes. Most of my writing will be about golf, the happenings of the ASGA, and of course the rules of golf.

This is my 19th year with the ASGA, 17 as Executive Director, after being hired in January 1991.

I have seen a lot and learned a lot in 19 years - about golf and of course about people. I think it was Sam Snead (or maybe Bobby Jones) that said "golf doesn't produce character, it reveals it."

If I have the quote wrong, maybe I am close as I am simply pulling it off the top of my head! Stay tuned for more information about golf in Arkansas and throughout the United States. There is also lots of information at www.asga.org - check it out!