JOBY GRAY, ANN COWAN & HARRY PAYNE, CROWNED CHAMPIONS

Joby Gray: it took him 34 holes
to look this relaxed. You'd be too
with a 15 shot lead!

The 2011 Elk City Golf & C.C. Club Championship had a few "firsts": it was the first time a 16 year old wins the event; it was the first time  we had a Senior Division; and, it was the first time that a champion dominates the field as Joby Gray did (won by 16 shots!!). And it is not like the other players scored poor rounds, Joby had two solid rounds of 65 (12 under par total) for a 130 and a 16 shot victory over closest competitor Rusty Wilson who had solid rounds of 71 & 75 but felt like a train had run over him.

Peggy Munkres: can't say she
didn't enjoy participating!

Players who played with Joby had nothing but praises about the youngster, not only about his performance, but also about his demeanor in and off the course. Joby had only one bogey in 36 holes. In the second round, playing at +1 after 5 holes, he finished the front nine, birdie, birdie, birdie, eagle for a 32 that put everyone else with any hope left, completely out of the tournament. He then cruised the back nine with a solid 33.

Jordan Williamson. The long
hitting golfer, could not drop many
putts. Here shortly after an eagle on 13

In the senior division, almost as impressive as Joby's performance, Harry Payne, turned in rounds of 73 & 75 for a 4 shot victory over his younger counterparts (he is 74). In 2nd place, Paul Hill turned rounds of 77-75 and won the net with a 136!

Ann Cowan, always intense when
on the course.

In the women's division, the ladies could not keep up with Ann Cowan whose performance from tee to green helped her overcome inconsistent and frustrating putting. With a 78-73, she won by five shots over young Haley Gunkel (80-76) who also won the net.

It was really nice to see young golfers like Kelsi Wilson (15) and Logan Gore (15) participate. Kelsi shot rounds of 85-88, and Logan 75-75, which shows that their names will be often mentioned in high school events. Also, it was good to see people who as of late, have not played much (Tori Windsor) or in tournaments (Peggy Munkres) take part in the event, and actively try to help the event grow.

Paul Gunkel, usually happiest
when he is competing.

Harry Payne surprised no one.

The Men's A flight was won by Paul Gunkel who shot rounds of 79-78 and won by one over Greg Dodson and Bobby Wechsler. The net was won by Bob Miller (141). Both Paul and Bob participated in the Senior Division as well.

In the B flight, the winner was Don Murphey (192) and the net was won by Mike Clinton (154).

Don Murphey follows his tee
shot on #12

Note: there will be a match play championship later in the year, date to be announced.

To see the final scoreboard with results, click here.

To see other tournament pictures, click here.