Reinsberg, Knoll take Commuters titles

ALAMEDA, Calif. (April 17, 2011) -- Rick Reinsberg claimed his fifth Alameda Commuters title today, firing a final round of 4-under 67 at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex Earl Fry North course. Recent winner of the NCGA Senior Championship Jim Knoll defended his senior championship title, continuing his torrid season.

The Alameda Commuter Golf Tournament is one of Northern California’s oldest and most beloved amateur golf tournaments. For over 84 years, the Alameda Commuters Golf Committee has strived each year to produce an event that captures the true essence of being an amateur golfer. Back that with 250 NCGA points!

Over the years, many players have captured the coveted “Commuters” title. From 1928 winner, J. Charles Jordan, to the Lotz brothers, to 2010 winner George Gandranata, there are two players that have stood above all the champions: Talbert Smith who captured seven titles in 1941,'46, '47, '50, '51, '52 and '54 and Bob Blomberg who captured six titles in 1974, '78, '79, '84,'86 and '93.

After firing 8 under par 276 over 72 holes Rick Reinsberg, of Lafayette, CA can now add to his total of “Commuters” titles...number 5! Since his first win in 2003, Rick also won in '04, '06, '07 and now in 2011! That's five wins in nine years!

Reinsberg starting the final round tied for the lead with 36 hole medalist, Ricky Stockton. The two, alongside Chabot College star Ryan Thomas of Alameda and 2010 defending champion, George Gandranata teed off for what would prove to be an epic battle. After a front nine 33, Reinsberg held a small lead. Only Ryan Thomas, who fired a back nine 31 was a threat and passed Stockton and Gandranata to finish runner-up. This is Thomas’s second runner up finish in the event.

After the round Reinsberg expressed satisfaction with this win as he stated “I felt that I let 2010 slip away." Although family has limited Rick’s tournament schedule, he feels that if there is one tournament to play in, the Alameda Commuters is that event he will seek out each year. At the awards ceremony, Rick’s wife and two children were on hand to share in his epic win!

In the 24th annual Alameda Commuters Senior, Jim Knoll of Sunnyvale, added to his collection with his 3rd STRAIGHT title; winning in 2009- 2010. Knoll, probably the hottest amateur in Northern California with his 5 wins in 2011, including the 2011 NCGA Senior Amateur had this to say:

…the Earl Fry course in Alameda is spectacular! Narrow fairways, excellent rough and firm greens with exciting pin placements. By far, this is the best field we play against. Everyone here is a champion. Everyone wants to play here. To beat a player like Jeff Burda by one is exciting, to say the least….

Knoll’s, 137 (66-71) outlasted Burda’s 138 (72- 66) who finished runner-up. NCGA stalwart John Enright of Montara fired 142 (70-72) to finish third.

14 year old Jeff Carney, of San Mateo, CA fired rounds of 73-77-75-68—293 to finish T22. Carney, is the youngest amateur to play and qualify in the Commuters!