DC Golf Tour Whiskey Creek Recap

DC Golf Tour Tournament Recap – Saturday, March 26th, 2011 – Whiskey Creek Golf Course

On a brisk early spring day, 44 golfers braved sub-50 degree temperatures to play in the DC Golf Tour’s Season-Opening Scramble Tournament, presented by Tournament Sponsor MGI. As always, I arrived at the course a couple hours early to set-up and prepare for the day with my two Assistant Tour Directors, Alton Bell III and Lenny Coleman. The staff at Whiskey Creek is first-rate, and they really make you feel like you are a “Member for a Day”. We were greeted warmly in the parking lot by the cart attendants, and once inside the Clubhouse were given free reign in terms of setting up our Registration Table and Tour Materials. General Manager Ted Goodenow made sure that we had everything we needed, and the Director of Sales and Marketing Scott Wisnom helped out as well, giving complimentary swing and short game advice at the driving range before players teed off. Just as soon as we were done setting up, our tournament golfers began to arrive.

The first group teed off at 11 am, with the final group going off at 12:30 pm. According to the forecast earlier in the week, the weather could have been much more severe, but we lucked out with minimal wind and a cloudless sky. We added to each golfer’s Bridgestone Golf goodie bag by providing complimentary hand warmers and hot chocolate to show our appreciation for them coming to our event in spite of the temperature. Pace of play was relatively even throughout the day, with the last group finishing in 4:35 minutes.

Dave Langer and Aaron Grocholski
David Langer and Aaron Grocholski hoist their Championship Flight Trophies

Tour Member David Langer and Aaron Grocholski scorched the course with a two-person scramble score of 66 (-6) making 7 birdies and 1 bogey to win the Championship Flight by two strokes over Bob Linkous and Barry Flaer. “We both contributed,” Aaron said, “It really was a team effort.” The best shot by this twosome that I saw occurred on hole #9, a downhill par 5. After David’s drive put them in the fairway, from about 220 and a downhill lie, Aaron hit a beautiful 3 iron to about 12 feet. 2 putts later, they had made a key birdie and made the turn at 5 under par. The twosome went on to birdie 2 more holes on the back (offset by their lone bogey on 17), to finish at 6 under par.

After post-round flighting, Tour Member Keith Nelson and Tour Rookie Dave Lovett took home the First Flight trophies with a score of 75. In the Day Games contests, Deon Yates and Tour Member Quintin Stewart won 2 Closest to the Pin competitions (#7 & #15) and the team of John White and Dwight Rochester won the Closest to the Pin competition for hole #11. Newly-minted Tour Member Daniel Bobbitt and Greg Tomlin sank a 27’ putt to win the Longest Putt contest on hole #18. Since the tournament format was a scramble, each 2 person team split prize earnings. The winning teams in each flight won gift cards and a Waggle Golf Passes. Full results are posted on www.dcgolftour.com by the Tuesday following an event.

Players raved about the course conditions at Whiskey Creek. “The best conditions I’ve played all year” was the resounding sentiment I heard from the players. The tee boxes, fairways and greens, all in great shape, were very green, and had rebounded nicely from their winter slumber. I had a chance to talk to Course Superintendent Ed Gasper, and was able to relay my appreciation for his hard work and relay the compliments I had received just from choosing this course to play. The Ernie Els-designed layout is both challenging and rewarding, depending on the hole. “It’s just in amazing shape,” intoned Tour Member Keith Nelson. “I love the layout of the course… It’s a treat to play such a well-conditioned golf course.”

As good as the course is, the service at Whiskey Creek is even better, as players themselves were met in the parking lot by cart attendants, assisted with getting their bags into the correct cart, and ushered into the expansive and comfortable clubhouse to check in and register. The DC Golf Tour hosted 18 players who were playing the course for the first time. John White, President of BTP, said it best, “We’re from PG County (Mitchellville), and we’re coming back to play here – with a big group.” It definitely makes my job as Tour Director easier when players are impressed with the course and the service. I definitely enjoy fielding compliments more than complaints. If you have to chance to play Whiskey Creek, I suggest you do it. You won’t be disappointed.

The DC Golf Tour is having its next event at 1757 Golf Club on Saturday April 9th. Format is a 2-person team Better Ball. Like all DC Golf Tour Tournaments, this event is open to the public, and you can sign up as a twosome, a foursome, or a single (you have a guaranteed partner). Tour Membership is optional, not required. Players can register online at www.dcgolftour.com.

It’s a great way to meet new, like-minded golfers, and enjoy a taste of tournament competition in a fun and inviting environment. If you have any questions regarding the DC Golf Tour, feel free to contact me.

DC Golf TourRamesh M. Sundaresan
DC Golf Tour Director
ramesh@dcgolftour.com

0 thoughts on “DC Golf Tour Whiskey Creek Recap”

  1. These events are excellent!

    You get friendly competition and real pressure applied to your game – no ‘gimmies’ from 12 feet anymore for me 🙁 – without an overly officious atmosphere…

    This is my third year and I love the courses we play and good vibes amongst the players…

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