Archived News

FRANK WINS FOR FIRST TIME IN 2012; KEMPISKI WINS SECOND STRAIGHT PLAYOFF

Five time Player of the Year Chad Frank won for the first time in 2012 at Southern Dunes.  The golf course was in absolutely perfect condition--we may not find a better conditioned course all year.  With green running fast and true, Frank posted 34-38-72 for a four stroke win in Championship flight over first time player Tal Johnson.  Tour veterans Ray Vigeant and John Bessette followed right behind with 77 and 78, respectively.

For the second straight week, Rob Kempinski (pictured) topped the Senior Championship flight by winning a playoff.  Last week it was Bill Foster who took Kempinski to extra holes; this week it was Jim Hammons.  They each shot 78 in regulation.  Rob prevailed on the second hole.

First year player Michel Dion, a former NHL player, claimed victory in A flight with a very nice round of 77.  It is his first year on Orlando's tour, after he transferred from the Hilton Head tour.  Sam Bellamy posted one of his best scores on tour with a 79 that put him T2 with Dennis Cargo.  Another two strokes back, five players matched scores of 81 as the field really bunched up.

In Senior A flight, Michel's 77 was good enough to send him into a playoff with tour regular Larry Barousse.  It was over quickly as Michel won the first extra hole.  Greg Takacs (81) took thrid place in a scorecard match with Ed Paterniti.

Three players shot 82 to send the B flight to extra holes.  New member Mike Ferretti, veteran Scotty Garcia and Tampa member Lou Savinetti headed out to #10 to find a winner.  They found one on the first playoff hole as Ferretti made the only par as the others bogeyed.  Savinetti's 82 was good for first place in Senior B flight.  Chet Parker's 84 took second place over Bill Robertson's 84 on the scorecard.

Chase Forsyth Chips To Green at Southern Dunes
Photo by Angi Forsyth

On a day when we had a number of players from other tours join us, C flight saw two Tampa members take home prizes.  Orlando member Gregg Sargent took the top prize with a very good score of 83.  Still, he needed every putt as Tampa's Brian Lipsey shot 84 for second.  Tampa director Len Benedetti posted 86 for third place.  Chase Forsyth and Enrique Saez finished T4 with 87.

D flight went to a first time player as Jude Bien-Aime shot 85. He will go into C flight next time out.  James Rearden of the North Central Florida tour shot 89 to finish second.  Mark Watson took thrid with 91.  Mark, too, will be headed to the C flight next time out.

Next event is May 19 at Stoneybrook West.

MORRISON WINS FOR THIRD TIME; PRESSLEY GOES LOW; KHOKHAR WINS, EARNS PROMOTION

Garrett Morrison Has Won 3 of 4 Events In 2012

Garrett Morrison shot a fine 69 at Harmony to win the Championship Flight in the Golfweek Amateur Tour event on April 28.  It was his thrid win in four events this season and gave him a 400+ point lead in the Points Standings over John Henry, winner last time out at Duran.  Garrett was four strokes clear of second place finisher Bill Shufelt (73).  Chad Frank and Bill Foster tied for thrid with 74's.

Marvin Pressley Shoots 70 at Harmony

A Flight saw Marvin Pressley shoot a fantastic round of 2-under par 70.  His round included six birdies and four bogeys.  It was the lowest of many good scores in A Flight.  Scott Puttick and Arnie Guerra posted 74's that would win A Flight on most any other day.  At Harmony, they tied for second.  Dan Seidenfaden playing in A Flight this year was excited to put up a 76.  He tied with Ed Paterniti for fourth.  In all, 13 players broke 80 in A Flight.  Great playing guys!

Dan Seidenfaden Finishes T4 in A Flight

The good play carried on into the B Flight.  Andy Khokhar shot a fine 77 to capture his first victory on tour.   The margin was four strokes as Ben Hamby carded 81 to take second by one stroke over two players.  Jim Kenney and Ernie Hallare tied with 82's  Matt D'Auria rounded out the top 5 with 83.  Khokar joined the tour in the second half of last year and with the victory has earned a promotion up to A Flight beginning with his next tournament.  It is one of the great things about the tour--when a player "takes his game to a new level", he earns the right to step up his competition.  Good job Andy!

First year player Enrique Saez topped the C Flight with a nice 84 at Harmony.  He, too may be headed for a promotion--time will tell.  Another first year player, Dennis Frantz was second with 87, followed by yet another rookie, Lorenzo Perez (89).

Mark Watson Putts as George Alysworth Watches

In D Flight Mark Watson topped the field with 87.  Lawrence Blunk took second with 90 and Brandon Prokop finished thrid on 91.

In Senior Flight play, Rob Kempinski and Bill Foster needed a playoff to decide the Senior Championship Flight.  They both played 18 holes in 74.  Rob won on the second extra hole.  Senior A went to Arnie Guerra with 74.  Ed Paterniti was second with 76.  Five players--count 'em!--tied on 77.  Jeff Bradshaw won the scorecard match for the third place prize.  Senior B went to Ben Hamby with his 81.  Chet Parker carded an 82 for second.  Rick Whitman was thrid with 86.

Next up is Southern Dunes on May 5.

In Memory of Eric Baker (1990-2012)

The Golfweek Amateur Tour/Orlando mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars.  Eric Baker died in a traffic accident on February 10, 2012.  The Tour leadership and every Orlando Golfweek Amateur Tour member extends its sympathy to his father, Andy Baker and the entire Baker family.  The 2012 season will be dedicated to Eric's memory.

Garrett Morrison Has Won 3 of 4 Events In 2012

Garrett Morrison shot a fine 69 at Harmony to win the Championship Flight in the Golfweek Amateur Tour event on April 28.  It was his thrid win in four events this season and gave him a 400+ point lead in the Points Standings over John Henry, winner last time out at Duran.  Garrett was four strokes clear of second place finisher Bill Shufelt (73).  Chad Frank and Bill Foster tied for thrid with 74's.

Marvin Pressley Shoots 70 at Harmony

A Flight saw Marvin Pressley shoot a fantastic round of 2-under par 70.  His round included six birdies and four bogeys.  It was the lowest of many good scores in A Flight.  Scott Puttick and Arnie Guerra posted 74's that would win A Flight on most any other day.  At Harmony, they tied for second.  Dan Seidenfaden playing in A Flight this year was excited to put up a 76.  He tied with Ed Paterniti for fourth.  In all, 13 players broke 80 in A Flight.  Great playing guys!

Dan Seidenfaden Finishes T4 in A Flight

The good play carried on into the B Flight.  Andy Khokhar shot a fine 77 to capture his first victory on tour.   The margin was four strokes as Ben Hamby carded 81 to take second by one stroke over two players.  Jim Kenney and Ernie Hallare tied with 82's  Matt D'Auria rounded out the top 5 with 83.  Khokar joined the tour in the second half of last year and with the victory has earned a promotion up to A Flight beginning with his next tournament.  It is one of the great things about the tour--when a player "takes his game to a new level", he earns the right to step up his competition.  Good job Andy!

First year player Enrique Saez topped the C Flight with a nice 84 at Harmony.  He, too may be headed for a promotion--time will tell.  Another first year player, Dennis Frantz was second with 87, followed by yet another rookie, Lorenzo Perez (89).

Mark Watson Putts as George Alysworth Watches

In D Flight Mark Watson topped the field with 87.  Lawrence Blunk took second with 90 and Brandon Prokop finished thrid on 91.

In Senior Flight play, Rob Kempinski and Bill Foster needed a playoff to decide the Senior Championship Flight.  They both played 18 holes in 74.  Rob won on the second extra hole.  Senior A went to Arnie Guerra with 74.  Ed Paterniti was second with 76.  Five players--count 'em!--tied on 77.  Jeff Bradshaw won the scorecard match for the third place prize.  Senior B went to Ben Hamby with his 81.  Chet Parker carded an 82 for second.  Rick Whitman was thrid with 86.

Next up is Southern Dunes on May 5.

In Memory of Eric Baker (1990-2012)

The Golfweek Amateur Tour/Orlando mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars.  Eric Baker died in a traffic accident on February 10, 2012.  The Tour leadership and every Orlando Golfweek Amateur Tour member extends its sympathy to his father, Andy Baker and the entire Baker family.  The 2012 season will be dedicated to Eric's memory.

John Henry Wins By 1 at Duran

Hurricane season doesn't start for six more weeks, but you couldn't tell the Golfweek Amateur Tour members that on Saturday at Duran.  Steady 30+ mph winds butteted players all day.  It was tough out there.  John Henry managed the best round in Championship Flight with a 76 from the 7000 yds+ back tees.  It was a good score and it gave him a one shot victory over John Bessetgte.  William Mann of the Atlanta Golfweek Tour and Chad Frank were tied for 3rd with 78's. 

In Senior Championship Flight, it was Rob Kempinski who led the way.  He posted a solid round of 73--the lowest score of the day in any flight.  He cruised to a seven shot win over Bill Foster.

Adam Wilson posted arguably the next best round of the day when he went out in 35 and held on on the back nine for 40 and a nice score of 75 to win A Fight.  Ryan Huisman was four strokes back at 79 as they were the only two to crack 80 in the flight.  After an opening 44 on the front nine, Dennis Cargo rallied to shoot even par 36 on the back for 80 and third place. Tom Dillon was next with 82. 

The Senior A flight needed extra holes for Ed Paterniti to top David Parker.  Both shot 83.  Paterniti won on the first extra hole.

Adam Wilson Tops A-Flight at Duran

Jim Kenney bounced back from an off day at the last tournament and captured the B Flight by shooting a nice 85.  It was two better than Chet Rakowski (87).  Veteran Rick Whitman and first year member Zack Mihalik tied for 3rd after shooting 88's.  Chace Petersen rounded out the top five with 89.

Chet Rakowski's 87 was good enough to take top honors in Senior B Flight.  Chet Parker beat Rick Whitman in a scorecard playoff for second place.  Both shot 88.

C Flight continues to provide some of the best competition on tour week in and week out.  At Duran play was dominated by first year players.  Don Welch, playing in his first event, managed to break 90 as he put up an 88 to take top honors.  Three strokes back on 91 was Chris Koubeck.  Rob Lattig and Enrique Saez tied for third on 92.  This is the first year on tour for Chris, Rob & Enrique. 

Lawrence Blunk continued to dominate D flight by finishing with a 93 and taking a six stroke win over Mark Watson and Dan Salik.  Still, the biggest news out of D flight might have come from Joshua Johnson.  He was the winner of the 50/50 drawing to benefit the Eric Baker Fund.  His "50" was $190.  Without hesitation, after Stephanie gave him the money, he turned to me and said "I'd like to put it all back in for Eric."  The first two winners have given back over $100 of their winnings too, but Josh is the first to put it all back in!  The tour and the Baker family say Thank You! 

Joshua Johnson Won the 50/50 Drawing for the Eric Baker Fund And Then Gave
All $190 Back to the Fund!  We Say THANK YOU JOSHUA!

The next two events are on consecutive weeks, April 28 at Harmony Golf Preserve and May 5 at Southern Dunes.

In Memory of Eric Baker (1990-2012)

The Golfweek Amateur Tour/Orlando mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars.  Eric Baker died in a traffic accident on February 10, 2012.  The Tour leadership and every Orlando Golfweek Amateur Tour member extends its sympathy to his father, Andy Baker and the entire Baker family.  The 2012 season will be dedicated to Eric's memory.

The 2012 Orlando Golfweek Amateur Tour rolled into Orange Lake resort to play the Arnold Palmer designed Legends course.  It was another great day of competition.  Garrett Morrison continued his hot start to the season by taking his second straight event in the Championship flight.  He posted a 1-under par 71 to edge past runner up Chad Frank.  Chad shot 73.  His fate was sealed on #17 where he made double bogey while Marrison made birdie.  Bill Foster and Jim Hammons were next at 74.

A playoff was needed in A flilght for the second straignt week.  Ed Paterniti and Paul Cope posted scores of 78.  When no one could go lower, they headed back out for a playoff.  Ed prevailed on the first extra hole after Paul went in the water on the difficult 10th hole at Legends.  Three players tied for third, two strokes back; Tom Dillon, Andy Bakdr, and Dennis Cargo.  Ed's 78 was good for first place in the Senior A flight.  Three players finished tied for second; Steve Johnson, Jim Amneus and Robbie Robinson.

Jim Kenney Tees Off #18 at Orange Lake in B Flight

The B flight saw the top prize to go Mike Damewood of the Jacksonville tour.  Mike makes several trips a year to join in with us.  He shot 81.  Ray Rodriguez turned in a nice 82 for second.  Chace Petersen and Andy Khokhar finished on 83 for third.    Ray's 82 was good for first place in the Senior in B flight and Bob Molsick was third on the senior side.

The C flight is full of new faces this year but it was a tour veteran that led the way this week.  Brian Mack was one of two players to break 90 as he posted a nice 87.  Dennis Frantz took second for the second event in a row with 89.  That was two strokes better than two players who tied for third place; Gregg Sargent. and Chase Forsyth.

In the D flight, Lawrence Blunk led the way as he came in with 87.  He had a new club in his bag and it must have been working to perfection as he blew away the field by 10 strokes!  John Thomas was second with 97 and Joshua Johnson shot 100 for thrid place.

In the Senior Championship flight, Rob Kempinski led the way with a nice 1-under 71. Jim Hammons and Bill Foster were next on 74.

Next event is on April 14 at Duran.

In Memory of Eric Baker (1990-2012)

The Golfweek Amateur Tour/Orlando mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars.  Eric Baker died in a traffic accident on February 10, 2012.  The Tour leadership and every Orlando Golfweek Amateur Tour member extends its sympathy to his father, Andy Baker and the entire Baker family.  The 2012 season will be dedicated to Eric's memory.

The 2012 Orlando Golfweek Amateur Tour opened with a bang!  After a 45 minute fog delay in the morning, the day got off to an emotional start as players gathered to watch Andy Baker hit the first shot of the new season in memory of his son Eric.  It was the start of a spectacular day.  First year member Garrett Morrison topped the Championship flight field with a one over par 73.  Tour veteran John Henry finished second with 74.  Five time Player of the Year Chad Frank started his year with a 3rd place finish after shooting 75.

In A flilght Tom Dillon and Stacy Banach posted scores of 77.  When no one could go lower, they headed back out for a playoff.  Tom prevailed on the second extra hole.  Tom's victory was highlighted by a hole in one on the 120 yard 15th hole.  Mike Lombardo and Mark  Farrow missed the playoff by a single shot, coming in with 78's.

Tom Dillon Scores Ace, Wins A flight in Playoff

The B flight also needed a playoff to decide a winner.  Bill Robertson, returning after a year away from the tour, turned in a nice 82.  Chace Petersen, playing in the first group of the day, was already in the clubhouse with his 82.  Newcomer Terry McCabe posted an 82 while competing in the senior B flight.  So, Bill headed back out for a "double" playoff as he would meet Chace for the regular B flight top spot and Terry for the senior B prize.  It took just one hole as Bill topped both of them with a par on the first hole.  Jim Kenney finshed third in B flight and Bob Molsick was third on the senior side.

The C flight is full of new faces this year and three of them rose to the top in the first event.  Lorenzo Perez was the lone player to break 90 as he posted a nice 88.  Dennis Frantz took second with 92, one stroke better than third place winner Enrique Saez.

In the D flight, Mark Cole of the Indiany-Western Ky tour led the way as he came in with 93.  First player Mark Watson was second with 95 and Challenge Hole sponsor Lawrence Blunk shot 96 for thrid place.

In the other senior flights, Dennis Brady and John Ward tied with rounds of 76 in the senior Championship flight.  Dennis won the playoff on the first hole.  And in the senior A flight, Mike Lombardo took top honors after shooting 78.  New member Michel Dion was next on 79.

Next event is on March 31 at Orange Lake Legends.

In Memory of Eric Baker (1990-2012)

The Golfweek Amateur Tour/Orlando mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars.  Eric Baker died in a traffic accident on February 10, 2012.  The Tour leadership and every Orlando Golfweek Amateur Tour member extends its sympathy to his father, Andy Baker and the entire Baker family.  The 2012 season will be dedicated to Eric's memory.

The Golfweek Amateur Tour/Orlando mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars.  Eric Baker died in a traffic accident on February 10, 2012.  The Tour leadership and every Golfweek Amateur Tour Orlando member extends its sympathy to his father, Andy Baker and the entire Baker family.  The 2012 season will be dedicated to Eric's memory.

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MISSION INN & METROWEST/FALCON'S FIRE TO HOST MAJORS IN 2012; CELEBRATION, STONEYBRROK WEST RETURN TO SCHEDULE

BLACK BEAR IS ALWAYS A GREAT PLACE TO OPEN SEASON

The Golfweek Amateur Tour  will open its 2012 season on March 17 at Black Bear GC in Eustis.  Fifteen tournaments are scheduled on some of the finest courses in central Florida.  “Last year we played a terrific schedule; this year our lineup is every bit as good” said Tom Mirus, Tour director.  “We will be taking the tour to some new courses this year. We are returning to Disney and Orange County National after renovating the Panther Lake greens last summer. We are excited about the coming season.  We will again qualify fifty players (10 from each of the five flights) for the Tour Championship in October.  It is being held in Hilton Head, SC now and the players that made the trip last year loved it.  I am sure competition for the invitations will be strong again this year.  Plus, our players competed for nearly $50,000 in prizes last year.”  The Golfweek Amateur Tour/Orlando is the first Florida affiliate of the Golfweek Amateur Tour.  There are local tours operating in 43 geographic areas with nationwide membership exceeding 3000.

The Senior (50 & up) flights will continue play on Saturdays with the regular flights. Senior players may choose to compete simultaneously in Regular flights for an additional surcharge.  Senior players will qualify for the senior Tour Championship in November, in Pinehurst. 

            Bob Mirus Memorial becomes Major

Each year, the tour plays two "major" events--two day, 36-hole tournaments.  Beginning in 2012, the first major of each season--this year on June 2-3 at Mission Inn--will be designated at the Bob Mirus Memorial.  Each flight winner will win a crystal trophy commerating the event.

Players are put into flights by handicap/handicap inex.  Players without inexes may submit recent scorecards to be assigned to a flight, subject to change based on tournament performance.  All prizes in all flights are based on gross scores.  Entry fees start as low as $75 and include course costs, range balls and prizes.  Annual Player Cards are $110.  Registration is open now.  Player Cards are only $95 until January 5, 2012.

2011 saw the Golfweek Tour continue its reputation as central Florida’s "Tour of Choice." Forty-six players represented Orlando at the national finals in Hilton Head, SC. They were part of a 608-player field spread across the seven beautiful courses at Palmetto Dunes Resort and Palmetto Hall Plantation.

Christian Vozza (Windermere) placed 2nd in Championship Flight while Eric Baker (Lady Lake) was fourth. Other top finishers were, Dan Seidenfaden (Casselberry) 6th in B flight.

In November fifteen senior players traveled to Pinehurst, NC to represent the tour in the senior Tour Championship played at National Golf Cub, Pine Needles, and Seven Lakes courses. Dennis Brady (Melbourne) finished second in Championsip flight. Tim Sobitz (Oviedo) took second in B flight.  Also in B flight, Chet Parker was sixth and Ben Hamby seventh.  Len Benedetti was 3rd in C flight.

The website, (www.orlandoagt.com) provides tour visibility and awareness, providing easy access for members and new players wishing to join in the fun. Tournaments average nearly 100 players. The Order of Merit points list determines the invitations to the national tournament as well as Player of the Year in each flight. In 2011, Chad Frank (Sanford), Dennis Cargo (Orlando), and Dan Seidenfaden (Casselberry) earned Player of the Year in the Championship, A, and B flights respectively. Brian Mariani (Apopka) took the C flight and Alberto Esperon (Merritt Island) took the D flight. Steve Maddox (Lakeland) and Ed Paterniti (Port Orange) captured the Senior Championship & Senior A flight awards, respectively. Ben Hamby (Clermont) took the Senior B title.

The tour was founded in 1997. Every year the fields get stronger and the quality of play increases. The best players are playing this tour. Director Tom Mirus points out that "over 1/3 of our membership play with a 4.0 index or better and another 1/3 are between 4.1 and 9.0." Players come from Tampa to Cocoa Beach and from Jacksonville to Ft. Lauderdale to compete. Take your game to a new level!

Applications and information are available at Orlando area Edwin Watts Golf Shops, host golf courses or by contacting Tour Director, Tom Mirus, at (407) 348-5650.  Or you can visit the website at www.orlandoagt.com and register online. 

IS A BIG SUCCESS

ORLANDO'S AGT FLORIDA CUP TEAM

PLAYERS ENJOY RYDER CUP FORMAT

 The first annual AGT Florida Cup was played December 10-11 at Falcon's Fire Golf Club.  Teams from the Orlando and Tampa Golfweek Amateur Tours competed in a Ryder Cup style event.  Two rounds were played on Saturday, alternate shot in the morning and foursomes (best ball) in the afternoon.  Sunday saw 20 single matches played. 

Orlando had more players than Tampa sign up for the event and as a result, we "loaned" them four players to balance out the teams.  Most matches were closely contested and, to a man, everyone expressed great satisfaction with the event format.  The event is designed to promote friendship and competition among the Florida Golfweek Amateur Tours.  We hope that Jacksonville and the new North Central Florida (Villages-Ocala area) will be added in 2012.

We are certain that in future years, players will be competing hard for a spot on the team.  With the help of a few Orlando players, Tampa took the Cup.  Complete results are below.

Watch for details early next season about the 2012 AGT Florida Cup.