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10/30/08
The Federal Club, Glen Allen, Virginia
The first annual Nelson Broach Memorial Championship was won in a similar fashion to the way Mr. Broach dominated the Richmond city golf scene for over 2 decades. Father / Son pair Tim and Brock Kelley steam-rolled their way to an 8 shot victory under sunny but cool skies at a fantastic venue. The Kelleys – both Federal Club members – used a combination of local knowledge, great shotmaking, and accurate putting to rack up an unbelievable 11 birdies en route to a 10 under par 62. On the front nine – which was played under a captain’s choice format - they birdied 6 of the nine holes. On the back they were even more impressive recording 5 birdies against a lone bogey to shoot 32 – despite playing a true alternate shot format. They were only one of two teams to score par or better on the inward nine holes out of 30 teams.
The real battle was for 2nd…and was won by incoming RGA prez Bert Wilson and his partner Allan Strange. They recorded a 2 under par 70 (32-38). Close behind them was the pair of Greg Marshalek and Scott Evans with a solid 71 (36-35). Everybody else in the field was at par or higher as this format challenged the nerves of the best players in the area over the 6,731 yard Federal Club course. With the greens rolling 12+ on the stimpmeter any putt from above the hole seemed like a Halloween trick one day early. The course was in immaculate shape as usual and the professional staff headed by Spencer Rife and Spence Andrews was in top form as well. Many thanks to Ray Tate, Richard Laibstain and the other owners for graciously agreeing to host the inaugural tournament.
Rounding out the places in the first flight were Glenn Mullian – Jeff Bostic (4th) and Larry Loving – Jay Pickus (5th) both at 72 followed by 4 teams at 73.
The second flight was won by Jay Zapko and Krister Hampton as they recorded an excellent even par 72 (33-39). They were followed in the flight by Eric and Taylor Crain at 75 (35-40) which was good for 2nd place.
Thanks to all who participated in this and all the RGA tournaments this year and we look forward to seeing you again in 2009.
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