The 2023 Season for the Columbia/Charleston Chapter kicked off on Sunday, January 15 at Timberlake Country Club in Chapin, SC. The day started out rather cold. We had a 1hr frost delay due to it getting down to 26 on Saturday night. It sure was cold for Mark and I setting up the course and getting ready to host this. Special thanks to all the staff at Timberlake for helping us put on this event. Steve Stuber the Superintendent and his staff rushed and got the course in great shape even with an hr delay before they could get out on course. Monica and Stan were great in the Pro Shop and Julie Nelson and David Hamilton both Board Members welcomed all of our players with coffee and pastries. Our Sponsor S&S Destination owner made some delicious Chili and cornbread. It was amazing. Stephen Hartwig (Twigg) the Head Pro ran a special sale in the Pro Shop for our tour members as well. We were scheduled to start at 8:30 and finally got started about 9:40. Luckily it warmed up quick and was a perfect day to play. We booked the course for 36 and ended up selling out and had 56 at tee time. Thanks to all the guest and players from 9 other Chapters that came and played. I really appreciate your support. The Prize fund for this event grew to $1920 and the Optional cash games payout was $1200 for a total of $3120. Not too bad for a 1 day. Great start for the 2023 Season.

Division 1 had 8 players and the reigning Club Champion at Timberlake, Chase came away with the victory by firing 4 over 75 despite making double on #7 and #12. The par 5 12th played havoc on the entire field especially the D1 players. #12 played as the hardest hole on the course with an average of +2.23 over par. Daryl Phelps from Lexington and Chase were tied at +2 at the turn but when Chase made birdie on the long par 4 #11 with Daryl making bogey and all of a sudden Chase was ahead by 2. #12 is where the things got out of hand. All but 1 D1 player made double or worse on the par 5 12Th hole. Luke Egger a new member also from Chapin, playing in his first event edged out Darryl Phelps, KJ Kujawa (Chapin) and Michael Crabtree (KY) by 1 shot. With the win, Chase received $150 and Luke $50.

Division 2 had 12 players and was a battle to the very end. Trent Whitfield from Lexington got the win by 1 shot over Joe Tucker (Upstate) and 2 shots over Bobby Ream (Upstate). Joe held a one shot lead over Trent at the turn but once again #12 took it’s toll. Trent held a 2 shot lead headed the most scenic hole on the course, the par 5 #18. Trent made double and gave Joe a chance to tie it up but couldn’t quite pull it off when he made a bogey 6. Bobby played the final 9 the best and ended up moving back to 3rd place. For the win Trent won $180, Joe $75 and Bobby $45

Division 3 was our largest field with 15 players. Crys Peyton (Sumter). Started out on fire to card his best 9 to date with a +1 at the turn. He held a 6 shot lead. The battle of the day was between 2 newcomers, Ryan Gibson and David Gibson both of Chapin and members at TCC. David had Ryan by 1 shot going into #18. I was standing beside Ryan and he was worried for sure due to the fact if David beat him, he would have to hear it for a while. David struggled on the 18th and Ryan ended up taking 2nd at (84). David held on for 3rd. Crys received $225, Ryan $85 and David $55. Jamie Bohnke the owner of S&S Destinations who sponsored this event and playing in her first Amateur Players Tour event held on to finish tied for 11th.Thabks for your support.

Division 4 had 11 players and was close all day. Mark Scott (MB) held a slim lead after the outward 9. Lee Touchton (Rock Hill) came to #18 tied with Darrel Arledge (Duncan) and a 2 shot lead over Mark. When the dust settled Lee edged out Mark by 1 shot, Mike Raushenberger (Iowa) finished tied for 3rd at (94). For his win Lee received $190, Mark $85.

Division 5 had 10 players and had to go to a playoff to decide the winner. John Greider Sr played a career round on the front and held a shot lead headed to #10. AJ Greer and Danny Sullivan both from the Upstate Tour were battling for what appeared to be 2nd place. Mr Greider ran into some trouble on the difficult back 9 at Timberlake and when John walked off the 17th hole the lead had shrunk to 2 shots. Danny was in last group and new where he was since he looks at Live Scoring. He was able to bogey the 18th and on to the playoff they went. John was able to win on the 1st playoff hole. John received $175, Danny $75.

Seniors were as follows:

Div.1 - Darryl Phelps Winner = $60

Div.2 – Trent Whitfield Winner = $100

Div.3 – David Hamilton Winner = $100, Travis Blackwell 2nd = $60

Div.4 – Lee Touchton Winner = $100, Mark Scott 2nd = $40

Div.5 – Danny Sullivan Winner = $50

Optional Cash Game Results are on Webpage

Div 1,2 Skins = $180 (4 Skins won) Div. 3 Skins = $130 (7 Skins), Div.4 Skins = $100 (8 Skins),

Div.5 Skins = $90 (9 Skins), Super Skins = $470 (7 Skins)

Closest To PIN = $57 each , #1 – Michael Crabtree, #8 – John Greider Sr, #13 = Judd Dye, #17 – Darryl Phelps

50/50 Travis Blackwell - $195 , John Greider Sr – APT Hat and Towel

Thanks to all that played and special thanks to Steven Hartwig and all of Timberlake Staff and members for allowing us to play. We will be back for sure!!!

Lee Barton

TOURNAMENT RESULTS