Novato, CA (Feb 5, 2005) -- Bob Niger wasn't paired in the final foursome on Sunday at the Wine Country Cup, yet only 2 strokes separated him from the first round leader, 2004 NCGA Junior Champion Roberto Galetti of Clayton.
Galetti, who fired even par 72 in Saturday's first round, was paired with Trent Tessler, Steve Hubble, and Jerry Ledzinski, who all shot 73 on Saturday. Galetti struggled at the start, as he had on Saturday, but Sunday's recovery was a bit more challenging.
"This isn't like junior golf, where some of the players can get psyched out by long drives in the fairway," said Galetti.
Indeed, players like Trent Tessler, who played at San Jose State with Arron Oberholser, aren't easily intimidated by other players, especially when grinding it out at a course like StoneTree, where par is usually a good score. While Tessler played solid golf in fashioning a 74 for 147, he had to wonder if anyone in the groups behind would post lower.
That's where Niger came in, firing a 72 for 146 and the title. As anyone who has played StoneTree from the tips can attest, that's a solid Sunday round. Niger, eyeing the scoreboard after the round, said "I think I've got it" and we have a feeling it won't be his last amateurgolf.com victory.
In the Senior Division, Mark Miller of Antioch posted a 72 on top of his first round 75 to make up five shots on first round leader Carl Selkirk. Selkirk, who opened the tournament with a wonderful 70, slipped to a 78 and was forced to settle for second place. Lou Alvarez, Dave Stone, and Shelton Washburn tied for third at 150. Washburn posted 79 on top of a snappy first round of 71; like Tom Lehman he has been posting solid performances with chances to win and his turn will come this season.
Cameron Farah of San Anselmo won the Net Title with a 3-over par 147 net total; he and Darren Whiteside of Novato were the only two players to break 150 in the Net Division. Don't worry net players -- if we applied our course handicap to the Championship and Senior
Players, not many would have broken 150 either!
Many thanks to StoneTree, with a special note of thanks for PGA Professionals Brian Paul and Dallas Goldsmith who did a great job juggling fog delays, scoring, and preparing the course and staff for our event.
Our next event is the Diablo Valley Amateur at Shadow Lakes in Brentwood on March 12 and 13. And similar to past years when we have run an event the same weekend as the finals of the SF City, if anyone who has entered our event makes the finals, we will not only refund their entry fee, we will provide them with a free entry to another one of our events!
View results for amateurgolf.com 2005 Wine Country Cup
ABOUT THE amateurgolf.com 2005 Wine Country Cup
Tournament Information: A 36-hole medal play event with scratch, senior scratch, and handicap divisions. The host club, StoneTree, is one of California's top new courses.
A "Spouse-Friendly Event" ..Players from outside of the immediate Bay Area are encouraged to bring a spouse/significant other and enjoy a weekend in Wine Country.
Special rate of 79.00/night available at our host hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott in Novato- mention rate code wcc when calling 800.321.2211 for reservations.
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