Season Opener Results – Wedgewood Golf Club

The Memphis/Mid-South APT kicked off it’s 2022 season on Saturday, March 5 at Wedgewood Golf Club in Olive Branch, MS.  The weather gave us a chamber of commerce day with temps in the mid-70s and sunshine.  However, mother nature made sure she was felt as winds gusted 20-25mph throughout the round. 

Division 1 got the day started with some fireworks.  Ed McDugle carded 7 birdies en route to his two under par 70 to win by one stroke.  Josh Caldwell stayed right on Ed’s heels all day by carding a one under par 71, which included 4 birdies and an eagle.  Caldwell’s day got off to a rocky start with a double bogey on the first hole, but rebounded for a one under par 35 on the front.  Atlanta APT Chapter Owner Derek Nicholson finished 3rd in Division 1 with an even par 72, including an eagle on the par 5 3rd hole.  

In Division 2, APT newcomer Jack Ross followed Caldwell’s lead with a double bogey on the dogleg right par 4 opening hole.  Ross settled in nicely after that rough start to card a two over par 74 and win Division 2 by 3 strokes over long time tour member Paul Luker.  Luker was one over par leaving the 15th green and had a 1 shot lead over Ross.  A rough go on 16 and 17 with double bogeys on both left Luker chasing the lead going into 18 where Ross held on for his win. 

Division 3 did not want Division 2 to have the only newcomers to win.  New tour member John Gathings from Medina, TN carded an eleven over par 83 to win Division 3 by one stroke over Neil Adams and Bill Barker, who carded matching twelve over par 84s.  The highlight of the tournament came on the par 3 11th hole where Bill Barker made an ACE!  Congrats Bill!!! 

Division 4 was a tight race as well on this windy day.  Aundra Miller and Kevin Brown both carded matching 90s.  Unfortunately for Brown, he left the course not thinking he was in contention.  The playoff was not able to take place and Miller was awarded the win with Brown finished 2nd. 

The story of the day happened in Division 5.  New tour member Bradley Ashmore carded a 91 for a 6 stroke win.  The story appears when you find out that Bradley had never picked up a golf club until about 10 months ago.  He has spent the last several months taking lessons and learning the game and his passion and dedication paid off in his first competitive event with a win.  Longtime friend of the tour and returning member Denver Dulaney carded a 97 to finish 2nd in D5. 

The Memphis/Mid-South APT would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all 63 players that came out to our first sold out event and battled the wind to have a great day!  We appreciate you all and look forward to next weekend in Tupelo!