Elks Country Club Tournament Results

The Donald Ross designed Portsmouth Elks is one of the best kept secrets in the Ohio River valley. The APT-West Virginia Tour came to take it’s shot at this course with perfectly manicured fairways that were relatively dry, considering all of the rain the region has had lately. The round started with overcast skies, but then Mother Nature, obviously still emotional after Marshall’s GIANT upset of Notre Dame, let out a few happy tears that caused the umbrellas to come out. The sun then shown over the course, as we had some good battles to close out the inaugural trip to Portsmouth. 

Tyler Hetzer and Lindy Sullivan have gone toe to toe all season and today at Portsmouth was no different. Lindy attended the Marshall football game at South Bend and traveled back this morning to play today. The long drive took its toll on Lindy as he had 3 double bogey’s on the front 9, and 1 on the back. Lindy also had 4 birdies on the round, but it was a +3 round for Tyler that gave him the 4 shot win. Less than 200 points separate these 2 going into the championship at Glade Springs for D2. 

Division 3 points leader Michael Heitz didn’t get a chance to play much in August, and the rust showed as he was not able to add much to his point lead going into the championship. Craig Jackson however is not done fighting yet and wants a say in the D3 points championship. Craig fired a +4 with 2 birdies and an eagle, as he gained valuable points heading into the tour championship. A little over 100 points separates 1st and 2nd in the points battle. With his win today, Craig is now officially mathematically back in contention to win the championship, giving 5 players a shot at glory.  

Division 4 points leader Tyler Ellison is officially out for the tour championship. Ibiza came calling and he leaves, hoping that he built up enough of a points lead to hang on. Will his 1,600 point lead hold up against triple points for the championship? Tyler won unopposed today. 

Two players who are usually near the top of the leaderboard when they play, made their returns to the tour today after a few months off. Patrick McNeely who started the season with a win at The Greenbrier, made his return to competitive golf today looking to shake off the rust before heading into the tour championship. Jason Massie was looking to get his first career win, and came up a day early to get a practice round. The rust was too much for Patrick as he struggled off the box, but still gained points going into the tour championship. The practice round for Jason paid off as he was able to battle back and defeat guest player Jason Gibson by 2 shots.  

Thanks to everyone who played and to Nick and his team at Portsmouth for hosting us. Portsmouth is an unbelievable course and I can’t recommend everyone come check it enough. It will definitely be back on the 2023 schedule.  

Tour championship registration closes at 10:24 AM this Thursday morning. Tee times begin at 11:00 AM both days this weekend at the Glade Springs Cobb Course.