The Spartan Classic at Kingsley

[Buck Wolter]

Some pretty amazing scoring from Cal -- not bad for the 24th ranked team in the country. I assume the conditions were good.

Bears Win Spartan Golf Classic
Mina comes first, Hale second; Hale sets course record with second-round 63
Eric Mina won the individual title and the Bears won the team title at the Spartan Golf Classic.
  
Bears Win Spartan Golf Classic

Sept. 20, 2009


KINGSLEY, Mich. - The No. 24 men's golf team won the three-round weekend at the Spartan Golf Classic that ended Sunday at The Kingsley Club, with junior Eric Mina taking the individual title and junior Stephen Hale coming second with a course-record 63 in his second round. Newcomer Chad Vivolo finished sixth. The Golden Bears held off UC Davis during Sunday's final round to exit their second fall tournament with a 10-stroke victory over the Aggies and 13 other teams.

A 5-under team score for the final round sealed California's victory over UC Davis. The host, Michigan State University, took third place with a team score of 863. The Bears left their mark of the event with under-par performances in all three rounds, shooting 8-under and 5-under in rounds two and three.

Saturday's fireworks were keyed by the scorching 63 from Hale, who blew through the course on his second time through with 8 birdies and 10 pars to leave his name in the Kingsley history books.

"Most importantly, we played well down the stretch," said Head Coach Desimone of Cal's play on a top-20 modern course as rated by Golfweek.

"It was very important to put ourselves in position and got some young guys more experience, with four different freshmen over the first two tournaments. "

CALIFORNIA SCORING


Spartan Golf Classic (Hosted by Michigan State)
The Kingsley Club (Par 71, 6,723 yards)
Kingsley, Mich.

Team Place: 1st (of 15 teams) - after final round
Team Standings:
1. California 281-276-279 - 836 (-16)
2. UC Davis 278-278-290 - 847 (-6)
T3. Michigan State 291-290-282 - 863 (+11)
T3. San Francisco 283-285-295 - 863 (+11)
5. Detroit 281-285-298 - 864 (+12)
6. Santa Clara 289-281-301 - 871 (+19)
7. Charleston Southern 286-299-292 - 877 (+25)
8. Cleveland State 292-293-293 - 878 (+26)
9. Northern Illinois 302-280-301 - 883 (+31)
10. Oakland 299-294-303 - 896 (+44)
11. Columbia 293-305-299 - 897 (+45)
12. Jackson State 301-303-303 - 907 (+55)
13. Evansville 312-289-307 - 908 (+56)

Edit to add the INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
1. Eric Mina California 203 (67-67-69) -10
2. Stephen Hale California 205 (73-63-69) -8
3. David Byrne Detroit 208 (66-66-76) -5
Austin Graham UC Davis 208 (68-69-71) -5
Scott Travers Santa Clara 208 (69-68-71) -5
6. Chad Vivolo California 210 (68-75-67) -3
7. Jack Newman Michigan State 211 (70-69-72) -2
8. Tyler Raber UC Davis 212 (72-66-74) -1
9. Domingo Jojola San Francisco 213 (73-69-71) E
10. Griffi n Bauman Northern Illinois 214 (76-67-71) +1
Jimmy Cacho Santa Clara 214 (75-66-73) +1
Jeff Clarridge Detroit 214 (68-72-74) +1
Griffi n Wood Evansville 214 (72-69-73) +1
14. Chris Cunningham San Francisco 215 (67-73-75) +2
Andrew Haggen UC Davis 215 (71-72-72) +2
Andrew Ladwig Michigan State 215 (71-76-68) +2
Chris Mory Michigan State 215 (72-73-70) +2
18. Kyle Cobb Cleveland State 216 (75-73-68) +3
Kelvin Day Charleston Southern 216 (69-74-73) +3
Dan Ellis Michigan State (I) 216 (72-66-78) +3
21. Brent Booth UC Davis 217 (67-71-79) +4
Jonathan Rustin Charleston Southern 217 (68-77-72) +4
23. Britt Pronk Detroit 218 (73-74-71) +5
24. Clark Granum Columbia 219 (72-71-76) +6
Frank McAuliff e Oakland 219 (72-69-78) +6
Ji Wan Park San Francisco 219 (75-75-69) +6
27. Kent Monas Cleveland State 220 (72-72-76) +7
28. Maurice Jeff ries Jackson State 221 (68-78-75) +8
Cory Mehl Santa Clara 221 (71-72-78) +8
Ross Th omson Charleston Southern 221 (74-74-73) +8
31. James Ross Michigan State 222 (78-72-72) +9
32. Brandon Hagy California 223 (78-71-74) +10
E.J. Kahn San Francisco 223 (68-73-82) +10
Michael Klaric Cleveland State 223 (71-77-75) +10
Travis Peitz Oakland 223 (76-73-74) +10
36. Jeff Dick Northern Illinois 224 (75-72-77) +11
Brendan Doyle Columbia 224 (71-80-73) +11
Alex Michalowski Cleveland State 224 (79-71-74) +11
Clay Myers Jackson State 224 (82-75-67) +11
Simon Reyers Detroit 224 (74-73-77) +11
Michael Yiu Columbia 224 (76-74-74) +11
42. Dave Ellis Michigan State (I) 225 (72-76-77) +12
Paul Hammerschmidt Northern Illinois 225 (77-72-76) +12
Tim Hunnycutt UC Davis 225 (77-75-73) +12
Kurtis Luedthe Northern Illinois 225 (74-71-80) +12
Logan Osborne Evansville 225 (81-69-75) +12
47. Michael Coriasso Oakland 226 (75-76-75) +13
James Rayner Jackson State 226 (73-72-81) +13
Matt Triplett Northern Illinois 226 (79-70-77) +13
50. Jason Clatworthy Charleston Southern 227 (75-76-76) +14
David Denlinger Charleston Southern 227 (78-75-74) +14
Dash Lindsel San Francisco 227 (77-70-80) +14
53. Curtis Loop California 228 (73-79-76) +15
Ronnald Monaco Santa Clara 228 (74-75-79) +15
Casey Olsen Oakland 228 (76-76-76) +15
56. Mark Hicks Detroit 229 (76-75-78) +16
57. Jimmy Dewling Michigan State 234 (78-79-77) +21
Neal Millay Evansville 234 (82-74-78) +21
Sam Mysock Columbia 234 (78-80-76) +21
60. Will Morris Michigan State (I) 235 (78-76-81) +22
Michael Sainz Evansville 235 (77-77-81) +22
62. Michael Marks Oakland 236 (78-77-81) +23
Curtis Stanton Jackson State 236 (78-78-80) +23
64. Rick Lamb Santa Clara 237 (78-76-83) +24
65. Steve LaRouere Columbia 238 (74-81-83) +25
66. Derrick Williams Michigan State (I) 242 (86-74-82) +29
67. Andrew Luo Evansville 246 (85-79-82) +33
68. Kellen Erdman Cleveland State 247 (74-83-90) +34
Chenai Mushiri Michigan State (I) 247 (83-82-82) +34
70. James Cox III Jackson State 254 (84-79-91) +41

[Tim Bert]

Time to narrow the fairways and lengthen the course. 

[JC Jones]

Kudos to the Spartans for coming in 3rd.  I can tell you that going from Akers West to Kingsley would be the equivalent of a rowing team entering a white water rafting competition.  Sure its still boats and paddles but the similarities stop there.

[Joe Hancock]

Kudos to the Spartans for coming in 3rd.  I can tell you that going from Akers West to Kingsley would be the equivalent of a rowing team entering a white water rafting competition.  Sure its still boats and paddles but the similarities stop there.

Surprisingly clever analogy. I'm almost anxious for more when I spank ya at the Dixie....almost.

 

[Steve Lang]

  JC,

What would the kids would shoot at Belvedere?

p.s. is there appropriate golf in naples?

[JC Jones]

Hancock,

Considering how many 3 hole energy drinks you'll have in you, I'm concerned about any "spanking" you may have in mind.

Steve,

They would shoot half as well as they would if they had me guiding them around the course

I haven't picked up a club since August 3rd at Crystal Downs.  When I do finally play down here, my guess is that the course wont live up to that   In all seriousness, outside of Calusa Pines and perhaps Old Collier,  I understand the golf courses down here are pretty typical of Florida golf and thus, no very appropriate.

Say Hi to the better half for me.

[John Handley]

The USF team finished 3rd in this tournament which is very solid.  We played with the team out at the Cal Club prior to this event.  They have some very good players.  Their best score at the Cal Club was a 74 and they loved the golf course.  I didn't do much but I did ace the 16th hole.     Good luck to The USF Dons this year.

[RSLivingston_III]

Having a hard time wrapping my mind around a 63 at Kingsley. I'd love to see that scorecard to see how he did it.

[JC Jones]

Having a hard time wrapping my mind around a 63 at Kingsley. I'd love to see that scorecard to see how he did it.

Maybe he had DeVries on the bag?

[Bill_McBride]

All I can say is,

"Go Bears!" 

(and good thing they can play golf..........)

[Tim Bert]

Having a hard time wrapping my mind around a 63 at Kingsley. I'd love to see that scorecard to see how he did it.

They were probably playing with clubs that didn't have wooden shafts for starters!

[Buck Wolter]

Having a hard time wrapping my mind around a 63 at Kingsley. I'd love to see that scorecard to see how he did it.

When I was looking for the scores I read his round was 8 Birdies and 10 pars. My guess is 1,4,5,6,8,14,17&18. That's better than my eccelectic (sp?) 18 at Kingsley. Other than the 2 guys from Cal that were 18 under scores looked about what I would expect if it wasn't windy. Hopefully we can get a firsthand account.

[Mike_DeVries]

Nice to see this on the Board!

I got to watch the USF guys go around the front on the Friday practice round and met many of the coaches and players.  I didn't see the tournament rounds but did see them when they came in on Sunday.  Some thoughts:
1) These kids are really good, they hit the ball a ton and have all the tools.  Overall, if someone is hot, they can score!  
2) Course management is the toughest thing for them because they hit it so far and usually have a PW in their hand for an approach (that is not the kind of golf we should have, but is what the game at its highest proficiency has become).  Kingsley is not long for them, but they have to think about the shot they are going to make and I think that makes it different for them, and hence, fun -- they commented a lot on the fact that they liked the course.
3) All the of the players and coaches I met were great sportsmen, polite and courteous, respecting the traditions of the game (despite taking a zillion divots, that's just what they are capable of doing).
4) I saw 3 of the Dons hit it to the 190 yards out on the drive on the 1st, with a medium N. wind (helping) from the high tee on the left (570 yards) -- that surprised me!
5) The medalist's score of 67-67-69 is very impressive, just from the consistency factor.

Looking forward to next year's tournament and the teams coming back for another shot at it!

[JC Jones]

Nice to see this on the Board!

I got to watch the USF guys go around the front on the Friday practice round and met many of the coaches and players.  I didn't see the tournament rounds but did see them when they came in on Sunday.  Some thoughts:
1) These kids are really good, they hit the ball a ton and have all the tools.  Overall, if someone is hot, they can score! 
2) Course management is the toughest thing for them because they hit it so far and usually have a PW in their hand for an approach (that is not the kind of golf we should have, but is what the game at its highest proficiency has become).  Kingsley is not long for them, but they have to think about the shot they are going to make and I think that makes it different for them, and hence, fun -- they commented a lot on the fact that they liked the course.
3) All the of the players and coaches I met were great sportsmen, polite and courteous, respecting the traditions of the game (despite taking a zillion divots, that's just what they are capable of doing).
4) I saw 3 of the Dons hit it to the 190 yards out on the drive on the 1st, with a medium N. wind (helping) from the high tee on the left (570 yards) -- that surprised me!
5) The medalist's score of 67-67-69 is very impressive, just from the consistency factor.

Looking forward to next year's tournament and the teams coming back for antoher shot at it!

Yes, but could any of them make par from the woods/cart path right on #5 at Greywalls?  Just sayin....

[Mike_DeVries]

Nice to see this on the Board!

I got to watch the USF guys go around the front on the Friday practice round and met many of the coaches and players.  I didn't see the tournament rounds but did see them when they came in on Sunday.  Some thoughts:
1) These kids are really good, they hit the ball a ton and have all the tools.  Overall, if someone is hot, they can score! 
2) Course management is the toughest thing for them because they hit it so far and usually have a PW in their hand for an approach (that is not the kind of golf we should have, but is what the game at its highest proficiency has become).  Kingsley is not long for them, but they have to think about the shot they are going to make and I think that makes it different for them, and hence, fun -- they commented a lot on the fact that they liked the course.
3) All the of the players and coaches I met were great sportsmen, polite and courteous, respecting the traditions of the game (despite taking a zillion divots, that's just what they are capable of doing).
4) I saw 3 of the Dons hit it to the 190 yards out on the drive on the 1st, with a medium N. wind (helping) from the high tee on the left (570 yards) -- that surprised me!
5) The medalist's score of 67-67-69 is very impressive, just from the consistency factor.

Looking forward to next year's tournament and the teams coming back for antoher shot at it!

Yes, but could any of them make par from the woods/cart path right on #5 at Greywalls?  Just sayin....

Of course not -- that takes skills only Double Barky Sparky has!  

[Chip Gaskins]

190 yards in from the back tees on #1....that is astonishing

[Jeff Goldman]

I think scoring in these events is dependent on both weather and whether the club actually takes the time and wants to prepare the course.  For the Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields, we don't do much because we get a lot of guest play in September and growing the rough out would make for 6 hour rounds.  However, the weather was very dry in the weeks before, and the course got very firm and fast.  Balls were bouncing into fairway bunkers, the players had trouble getting close to pins, and so, even though we had 7 of the top 10 (and 15 of the top 30 players) teams on golfweek's rating, +30 was the winning score, and the course averaged more than 75.  If there had been much wind, then who knows (aside from the course firmness, scoring conditions were very good).

The year before, we got flooded and the place was mush, and the winning score was +12, and the course averaged around 74, with a somewhat weaker, though still very strong, field.  I suspect that if we wanted to prepare the course, growing the rough and keeping carts off it for a couple days before, it could play significantly more difficult in dry conditions.  Same goes for Kingsley, Skokie and other venues.

Incidentally, Don Cross, the DOG at Skokie, has a terrific blog at http://skokieturf.blogspot.com/  Among the terrific general discussion, he discusses preparations for the 2010 Western Amateur at Skokie, and they are taking it seriously.  Fertilizing and seeding the rough, zooming up the greens all year, and even talking about rolling the fairways.  

[Dan_Lucas]

They are good, but my god they're slow! Scheduled for 36 on Sat.- 9am shotgun. They finished the first 18 between 2:30 and 3. "Uh, guys. It's dark at 8." The last group headed in at 7:45. Sunday/ 9-2:30. Even with all the skills on display it was brutal to watch.

[JC Jones]

What did they do on #8?  Lay up?  Or did they take a poke at it?  Anybody drive it?  

WHAT??

I would think that, even with the length, 8 would be impossible to drive because of the front bunker and the slope of the green.  Where would one land a driver with enough spin to hold the 3 very small flat areas of 8 green?

The best they could do would be to have a pitch/putt from pin high on the right or left side of the green.

[Dan_Lucas]

JC & Dave

8 has been driven several times. If you can carry 300 over the bunker and catch the downslope it will run up to the green, especially with a good South wind. The first one I heard of was Brett Hull when he was a Red Wing. There have been a few others that I've heard of. I didn't hear of any college kids doing it. Some layed up, but it's real hard to pry the drver out of these kid's hands.

[JC Jones]

JC & Dave

8 has been driven several times. If you can carry 300 over the bunker and catch the downslope it will run up to the green, especially with a good South wind. The first one I heard of was Brett Hull when he was a Red Wing. There have been a few others that I've heard of. I didn't hear of any college kids doing it. Some layed up, but it's real hard to pry the drver out of these kid's hands.

Consider me proven wrong.  I guess I just took it too much to heart Dan, when you said to me on the 8th tee, "don't even think about driver."

[Bart Bradley]

Can someone tell me what tee did they use on #9?

Were there any disasters on 9?

Clearly, some of the players must have consistently handled this challenge....proof that the hole doesn't need tinkering!

Bart

[Dan_Lucas]

Bart
There were some disasters on 9. There was at least one 7 and one 8. The winner played it 1 under for the tourney. They played the west tees twice and the south once.

JC
If I'd known that you were one of the chosen few who can carry it 300+ I would have given you better advice. I just had not seen that yet at that point in our round.

[JC Jones]

Bart
There were some disasters on 9. There was at least one 7 and one 8. The winner played it 1 under for the tourney. They played the west tees twice and the south once.

JC
If I'd known that you were one of the chosen few who can carry it 300+ I would have given you better advice. I just had not seen that yet at that point in our round.

Nor did you see it at any point after that in our round!

[Buck Wolter]

I didn't get all the scores but the course record by Steve Hale of Cal of was a 63 with 8 birdies and 10 pars.
He birdied 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 13, 16 and 17 out in 30. Pretty amazing that he birdied 4 of the 5 par 3's and only 2 or the par 5's. My guess was way off.