Survival of the Fittest: Wins, Winds, and High Stakes at Soboba Springs

SAN JACINTO, CA – The Amateur Players Tour (APT) Southern California field faced more than just a golf course this weekend; they faced an absolute battle against the elements. The Soboba Springs Elevated Event will be remembered for its 30mph wind gusts and lightning-fast greens that turned every approach shot into a guessing game and every putt into a test of nerves.

Despite the “brutal” conditions, several players showed incredible grit to climb to the top of the leaderboard and claim those coveted double points.

Division 1: Winslow Fends Off the Newcomer

The battle in Division 1 was a wire-to-wire thrill ride. Cameron Winslow (Desert Hot Springs, CA) managed to stay composed under immense pressure, securing a one-shot victory. He narrowly fended off an impressive debut performance from new member Tyler Ruiz (Chino Hills, CA,) who made a serious statement in his first APT appearance with birdies on 16, (chip in), and 18 to make it close. Winslow’s experience and ability to flight the ball in heavy winds proved to be the deciding factor in the closing stretch.

Division 2: A Playoff for the Ages

The drama reached a fever pitch in Division 2. Jayson Huett (Los Alamitos, CA) found himself trailing late but showed veteran poise on the 18th. Huett carded a clutch par on the final hole to force a playoff against another standout newcomer, Mike Nakunz (Highland, CA).

The playoff was short-lived as Huett stayed aggressive, winning on the first extra hole. Huett’s performance earned him a “double-dip” victory, taking home both the D2 crown and the Mid-Am Net title. Mike Nakunz walked away with hardware himself, as his steady play earned him the Senior Net championship. Jayson took away $770 for the weekend with his 2 championships.

Division 3: The Vegas Streak Continues

In Division 3, it was a case of déjà vu. Levi Lynch (Henderson, NV), representing the Las Vegas Chapter, proved he has the blueprint for success at Soboba Springs. Returning as the defending champion from last season, Lynch went back-to-back, carding a resilient 87 to top a stacked field. Even with the 30mph gusts, Lynch’s comfort level on this layout shone through as he navigated the hazards better than anyone else in the flight.  New Member Zack Jellsey (Eastvale, CA) made a great go at it, shooting just one back with an 88, and Blake Moorman (Fallbrook, CA) took third.

Division 4: The Hour-Long Wait Pays Off

Division 4 provided the most agonizing finish of the day. Thomas Meagher (Palm Desert, CA) posted his score early and was forced to wait in the clubhouse for over an hour to see if his number would hold up. It all came down to the 18th hole, where current season points leader Kurt Odegard (Anaheim Hills, CA) suffered a costly late bogey, falling into a tie with Meagher.

The two headed back out for a playoff, where the conditions continued to wreak havoc. Ultimately, Meagher’s steady play secured the win with a bogey on the first playoff hole. The victory is a massive swing for the rankings, as Meagher banked double points to close the gap at the top of the standings.  Roberto Covarrubias (Alta Dena, CA) came through with a third-place finish.

Division 5: Gritting it Out

Clark Decker (Seal Beach, CA) showed immense heart in Division 5, grinding out a win as the gusts peaked in the afternoon. In a flight where every shot felt like a battle against the wind, Decker’s perseverance, even with a 2 stoke Slow Play penalty and mental toughness, still earned him the trophy.  Tiffany Ward (Henderson, NV), our only female in the event, played really well and was able to take second place in D5.

Mid Am Net: Double Dip

Jayson Huett (Los Alamitos, CA) 73 first, Zack Jellsey (Eastvale, CA) 77 Second, Andres Viramontes (Murrieta, CA) 78 Third

Senior Net:

Mike Nakunz (Highland, CA) 77 first, Levi Lynch (Henderson, NV) 78 second, Keith Muruako (Costa Mesa, CA) 78 second, Clark Decker (Seal Beach, CA) 78 second.

Closest to the Pin Winners

Nothing highlighted the difficulty of the day quite like the Par 3s. While three players managed to pierce the wind, Hole #16 proved so difficult in the 30mph gusts that no one in the field found the green.

• Hole #4: Cameron Winslow (6′ 4″)
• Hole #8: Jason Tanigawa (2′ 5″) – Shot of the Day!
• Hole #14: Zack Jellsey (23′)
• Hole #16: No Winner (Field vs. Wind: Wind Wins) $$ Carries over to Diamond Bar Event.

Next Stop: The Points Race Heats Up at Diamond Bar Member/Guest

With Elevated points now on the board, the season standings have seen a major shake-up. Those who survived Soboba Springs have positioned themselves perfectly for the run toward the local finals.