CHARLESTON, W.Va. –– Tiger Woods will play in this year’s Greenbrier Classic, resort owner Jim Justice confirmed Monday.

His July appearance will be his first at the White Sulphur Springs tournament, set for July 2-8 at the Old White TPC Course at The Greenbrier.

“He doesn’t play many new venues,” Justice said. “We were persistent. I give a lot of credit to our tournament team, and I’ve talked back and forth to his agent many times.”

Woods, 36, has had 72 PGA Tour victories and is a 10-time PGA Tour player of the year. His record includes 14 major championships and two FedExCup titles.

Justice said Woods is intrigued with the history of The Greenbrier, and is impressed that the tournament was given the PGA Tour’s Best in Class award last year.

Justice said it would be difficult to say if Woods’ appearance will mean a bigger crowd because the tournament already has a great following. 

“Tiger Woods being here puts the spotlight on [West Virginia] even more,” he said. “It’s like a merit badge in a way.”

Woods joins World Golf Hall-of-Famer Phil Mickelson, who announced last week that he would return to the tournament for the second year in a row.

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Copyright, The Charleston Gazette, 2012. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Related:

• The Big Welcome at The Greenbrier Classic (May/June 2012 Virginia Golfer)
• Woods adds Greenbrier to busy slate (“The Tour Report)

The upperclassmen-laden Tigers team received three rounds of 77 or better in the final round to conclude the event at 31-over 607. Four of the best six scores count toward a team’s aggregate. Richmond-based Collegiate School returned a closing day score of 308 to place second (41-over 617). Central Virginia’s’ St. Christopher’s School was third (48-over 624).

With the triumph, Woodberry Forest claimed its record 23rd Prep League Championship and first since 2010. The event was initiated in 1975. The Tigers were represented by four seniors at the event of the nine on the team.

For coach Marc Hogan, the emotion of sending the seniors out with a Prep League title was felt when the event concluded.

“We have nine seniors and four here … it’s a great group,” said Hogan, his voice cracking for a moment.

“It never gets old and it never gets easier,” Hogan added. “There’s a lot of good golf in the Prep League now and am really excited to see that because it’s great for the league. It’s always good to have a lot of competition, because it brings out the best in the kids.”

Junior Timothy Walter (Silver Spring, Md.) led the way for Woodberry Forest, firing a final round team-best 2-over 74 to finish at 6-over 150. Walter birdied two of the final four holes, played that stretch in one under and finished his round by holing a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-4 18th. Senior Tyler Grills had 77 to record the Tigers’ second-best score (9-over 153).

Meanwhile, Senior Jack Dalrymple of Pinehurst, N.C., (76) and junior William Knibbs of Kingston, Jamaica (78) responded with scores for the Tigers in the final round after shooting in the 80s and not having their totals count on day one.

“They were the first two guys out today and set a good pace,” Hogan said.

Four Woodberry Forest competitors claimed All-Prep League accolades, an honor awarded to players who finish in the top-10 individually in Walter, senior Bennett DuPont of Darien, Conn. (opening round 74 for a 9-over 153 aggregate), Grills and Dalrymple (12-over 156).
“That’s a goal we have every year – have as many guys as we can on All-Prep,”
Hogan said. “The kids worked really hard and it paid off.”

For the Tigers, Walter, duPont and senior Hardsion of Charlotte, N.C. (first round 74), earned their second Prep League title, having been a part of the title-winning team two years ago.

“All the seniors played great all year,” Grills said. “When one person didn’t play well, someone would come up from the back and shoot a good number. We were a deep team all year and that’s how we played.”

Richmonder Wade Hayes, 16, paced Collegiate School (74, 2-over 146). Fellow Richmond resident Adam Ball, 17, a junior at St. Christopher’ School, the event’s 2011 champions, earned individual medalist honors with a 6-under 138 (68-70) aggregate.   

“It’s definitely a look in the right direction,” said Ball, the 2011 VSGA Junior Boy of the Year. “Today was a good day, but there’s still more work to do. It was just solid golf.”

Woodberry Forest and the attention of the top eight teams in Division I (maximum 250 students) now turns to next Monday’s Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Tournament at Sleepy Hole Golf Course in Suffolk.

“We definitely thought we had a great chance because we’re an experienced team. Everyone played well both days and I’m really happy that we won,” Walter said. “We want to win [the state tournament] next week. We want to be state champs, too.”    
 
MIDLOTHIAN –– Results following the final round of the Virginia Preparatory League Championship on Tuesday, May 15 at Independence Golf Club (6,677 yards, par 36-36—72). The best four of six scores count toward the team’s aggregate.

Woodberry Forest School: 302-305—607
Timothy Walter, 76-74—150; Tyler Grills; 76-77—153; Bennett duPont, 74-79—153; Jack Dalrymple, 80-76—156; Shep Hardison, 76-81—157; William Knibbs, 83-78—161

Collegiate School: 309-308—617
Wade Hayes, 72-74—146; Alex Thompson, 78-74—152; Joe Keiger, 78-81—159; Rives Fleming, 84-79—163; Matt Hourigan, 81-87—168; Sam Stein, 89-85—174 

St. Christopher’s School: 307-317—624
Adam Ball, 68-70—138; Jordan Chalkley, 79-83—162; Austin Fockler, 84-79—163; Trey Romig, 78-85—163; Sutton White, 82-86—168; Clark Asplundh, 83-88—171 

St. Anne’s Belfield School: 314-320—634
Fitz Woodrow, 71-80—151; Drew McDonough, 75-77—152; Ian Buchanan, 76-81—157; Taylor Ratliff, 92-82—174; Joe Upchurch, 98-113—211

Individuals:
Chris Kapsak (Trinity Episcopal School), 76-76—152
Johno Burke (Trinity Episcopal School), 87-80—167
Grant Gonzalez (Trinity Episcopal School), 89-80—169

• First round recap

Charlottesville-area Woodberry Forest, a team laden with upperclassmen, was led by senior Bennett duPont (Darien, Conn.), who opened with 2-over 74. Fellow seniors Shep Hardison (Charlotte, N.C.) and Tyler Grills (Clifton, Va.) as well as junior Timothy Walter (Silver Spring, Md.) returned scores of 4-over 76.

The 18-year-old duPont, who is headed to Elon (N.C.) University on a golf scholarship in the fall, played a stretch from Nos. 13-16 in one under to post the Tigers’ low round. Woodberry Forest has taken home the VIPL Championship a record 22 occasions since the event was initiated in 1975, with their last triumph coming in 2010. The program’s seniors know the final day will provide their last opportunity to grab the title. They finished the dual-meet season with a record of 14-1.

“We’ve had a really good season,” said the 19-year-old Hardison, bound for the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in the fall. “We came in thinking we’d have a great shot at winning because we have a lot of depth.”

Woodberry Forest coach Marc Hogan noted the team’s approach to the nearly 6,700-yard layout won’t change during Tuesday’s final round

“We have to do the same thing we did today – put the ball in the fairway and leave ourselves the best approach into the green,” he said. “I think our guys believe we can play better. We had a lot of good holes. We just have to keep the big number off the card.”

Said duPont: “We’ll definitely be aggressive. We’ll try to do our best [Tuesday] and bring home the title.

Ball, the reigning Virginia State Golf Association junior boy of the year, continues to excel on the Independence track, logging five birdies and an eagle to offset a bogey and a double. Trey Romig (78) and Jordan Chalkley (79) also supplied scores in the 70s. Ball knows the Saints are in close enough striking distance to post a repeat victory.

“Really, five strokes in a team event is not much at all,” said the 17-year-old Ball. “As a team, our short games have to be sharp [Tuesday] and if we play smart, we’ll be right in it.”
 
Collegiate School had three rounds of 78 or better, paced by 16-year-old Wade Hayes’ (Richmond) even-par 72, the third best round of the day. Charlottesville’s Fitz Woodrow, 14, had 1-under 71, registering one of two rounds in red numbers, to show the way for St. Anne’s Belfield School (26-over 314).

Independence Golf Club, owned by the VSGA Foundation, features a 22,000-square-foot clubhouse, an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship course and a nine-hole Sawyer Short Course, layed out by Fazio. In addition, the club includes separate junior clubhouses with dormitories for campers.  The VSGA Foundation continues to champion junior golf initiatives, particularly those that benefit at-risk children. The club’s Robins Junior Program camps and clinics not only teach fundamentals of the game, but also empowering life lessons.

MIDLOTHIAN –– Results following the first round of the Virginia Preparatory League Championship on Monday, May 14 at Independence Golf Club (6,677 yards, par 36-36—72). The best four of six scores count toward the team’s aggregate.

Woodberry Forest School: 302
Bennett duPont, 36-38—74; Shep Hardison, 35-41—76; Tyler Grillis; 37-39—76; Timothy Walter, 40-36—76; Jack Dalrymple, 38-42—80; William Knibbs, 44-39—83 

St. Christopher’s School: 307
Adam Ball, 35-33—68; Trey Romig, 40-38—78; Jordan Chalkley, 41-38—79; Sutton White, 41-41—82; Clark Asplundh, 47-36—83; Austin Fockler, 39-45—84 

Collegiate School: 309
Wade Hayes, 35-37—72; Joe Keiger, 41-37—78; Alex Thompson, 37-41—78; Matt Hourigan, 44-37—81; Rives Fleming, 46-38—84; Sam Stein, 42-47—89

St. Anne’s Belfield School: 314
Fitz Woodrow, 38-33—71; Drew McDonough, 37-38—75; Ian Buchanan, 37-39—76; Taylor Ratliff, 49-43—92; Joe Upchurch, 52-46—98

Trinity Episcopal School: 341
Chris Kapsak, 41-35—76; Johno Burke, 42-45—87; Grant Gonzalez, 41-48—89; Mark Hoppe, 49-48—97; Matt Brassington, 49-40—89; Liza Lewis, 56-49—105

Fork Union Military Academy: 389
Mark Graham, 49-42—91; Alex Collins, 50-43—93; Kim JuYong, 51-49—100; Kyle Lam, 51-54—105; John Alexander, 52-55—107; Colin Jones, 59-52—111

Christchurch School: 466
Graham Andreae, 55-48—103; Donny Lee, 49-57—106; Noah Johnson, 60-59—119; Ryan Campbell, 66-72—138; Dylan Norwood, 78-68—146; Abraham Li, 66-82—148

The 99th VSGA Amateur Championship is scheduled for June 26-30 at Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach, while the SunTrust State Open of Virginia is scheduled for July 19-22 at Independence Golf Club in Midlothian.

For non-exempt amateur players, qualifying will take place at 11 sites throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Each qualifier consists of 36 holes in one day. Competitors may attempt to qualify for one or both events, but may only compete in one qualifier.

Sign Up Online (amateurs) | Sign Up Online (professionals) | VSGA Amateur Championship Paper Entry Form | SunTrust State Open of Virginia Paper Entry Form

In addition to online registration being offered, entry forms in pdf format are also available on the VSGA website at www.vsga.org. No phone or faxed entries will be accepted. Competitors in the VSGA Amateur Championship and amateurs wishing to play in the SunTrust State Open of Virginia must have an active GHIN number established at a VSGA member club and meet United States Golf Association
Rules of Amateur Status.

VSGA Amateur Championship
Qualifiers and exempt players comprise the VSGA Amateur field of 120 players. Following 36 holes of stroke play qualifying, 18 holes each day (Tuesday-Wednesday, June 26-27), the low 32 competitors advance to match play comprised of a first and second round (Thursday, June 28), quarterfinal and semifinal matches (Friday, June 29) and the scheduled 36-hole final (Saturday, June 30). With regard to eligibility for VSGA championships, the VSGA now considers college students to be residents of Virginia if either their parents / guardians reside in Virginia or they attend a college or university in Virginia. VSGA Championship and Tournament Eligibility Guidelines

SunTrust State Open of Virginia
The SunTrust State Open of Virginia is a 72-hole, stroke play event with the field limited to 168 golfers (80 eligible professionals, 80 eligible amateurs, the defending champion (amateur Roger Newsom) and seven Open qualifier spots. The field will be cut to the low 70 players and ties following the completion of 36 holes.

The non-exempt amateur field will be filled at 11 qualifying sites throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, The non-exempt PGA professional field will be filled at a PGA professional qualifier on Monday, June 25 at Hanover Country Club. The seven remaining spots will go to the low seven Open qualifiers for amateurs and professionals on Monday, July 16 at Providence Golf Club in Richmond.

Eligibility
Amateurs: Amateurs must be VSGA members (maintain an active GHIN number at a VSGA member club).  For other eligibility guidelines, please see the VSGA Championship and Tournament Eligibility Guidelines 

Professionals: The SunTrust State Open is open to all MAPGA Members and Apprentices. Additionally, non-MAPGA PGA members who reside in Virginia are eligible to participate, and non-PGA professionals, such as past State Open participants and professionals Jay Woodson and Cameron Yancey, for example, who reside in Virginia, may also play. See the SunTrust State Open of Virginia Information Page

______

The VSGA has grown from four founding clubs since its inception to 310-plus today. In addition, the VSGA and VIP Card participants totals nearly 80,000 individuals. The VSGA promotes and preserves the best interests of the game through its championships and VSGA One-Day events, handicap program, course rating system, rules education, communications, VIP Card Program and the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation, as well as the VSGA Foundation and Independence Golf Club, which is open to all golfers.

The new date for One-Day event at Winchester, originally scheduled for Monday, May 14, is now Monday, June 11 at 10 a.m. The Virginia Oaks event, originally set for Tuesday, May 15 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 5 at 8:30 a.m.

If you cannot make the rescheduled dates please let the VSGA know and we can transfer you to another event or refund your money. Please call the VSGA office at (804) 378-2300, ext. 24 or e-mail Ryan Dunham at rdunham@vsga.org.

If the VSGA does not hear from you, the association will assume you will participate on June 11.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your support of the VSGA.

VSGA One-Day events are open to all men and women golfers and all you need is a Handicap Index established at a VSGA member club.

Golfers of every level have an opportunity to participate and the entry fee is $56 per person for VSGA members ($76 for non-VSGA members), which includes green fees, golf cart and prizes.

SIGN-UP ONLINE | CLICK HERE FOR A PAPER ENTRY

THE AT&T NATIONAL IS BACK! 

Washington D.C.’s premier golf event is making its much anticipated return to the famed Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., June 27 – July 1, 2012. This is sure to be a homecoming event no D.C. golf fan will want to miss, as past champions Tiger Woods and Nick Watney battle in their return to Congressional against the best PGA TOUR professionals.

TICKETS
Ticket start at just $10 with a variety of group ticket packages and hospitality options available. Visit http://www.attnational.org/ to buy tickets today! Use promo code VSGA when purchasing tickets to save 10% off your entire order.  In addition to raising funds and awareness for the Tiger Woods Foundation and local D.C. education programs, the AT&T National pays tribute to the men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

The 2012 AT&T National will welcome 120 of golf’s finest to complete for their share of a $6.5 million purse. Past tournaments have welcomed professionals including 2009 champion Woods, defending champion Watney, Justin Rose, K.J. Choi, Jim Furyk, Lucas Glover, Rickie Fowler and many more for an exciting week of golf.

VOLUNTEER
Registration is now open for the 2012 AT&T National Volunteer Program!

If you are interested in volunteering for the 2012 AT&T National at Congressional Country Club, please visit the volunteer Web page on http://www.attnational.org/. Spaces are limited, so please do not wait.

From the Rhododendron lined Skyboxes to the heart-pounding comeback finish provided by reigning champion Scott Stallings in a three-way playoff, the 2011 Greenbrier Classic was a huge success.

Played on the famed The Old White TPC at The Greenbrier, The Greenbrier Classic has garnered national awards and praise from the PGA TOUR, players and enthusiastic spectators from aroundthe globe. This year’s event is set for July 2-8.

In its second year, The Greenbrier Classic was proud  to have the support of more than 2,200 volunteers.opportunities are still available for you to become a member of the most exciting Volunteer Team on the PGA TOUR. Marshals, Information Ambassadors, Scoring/Leaderboards and Sponsor Services are just a few of the committees available.  

As a member of the Virginia State Golf Association, The Greenbrier Classic would like to give you an opportunity to register as a volunteer for the tournament. If you’reinterested in volunteering, please fill out a 2012 Volunteer Application and select your volunteer committee preferences.

Don’t wait, committees fill up on a first-come, first-servedbasis. Please visit www.greenbrierclassic.com, click on Volunteer Registration and fill out the application

It’s just that simple. So sign up today to be a part of the most exciting stop on the PGA TOUR. The Greenbrier Classic, come for the history, be a part of our future.

GORDONSVILLE –– Martinsville’s Keith Decker and northern Virginian Scott Shingler of Haymarket combined for a final round 6-under-par 66 to post a one-stroke victory at the 47th VSGA Four-Ball Championship, which concluded today at Spring Creek Golf Club.

Decker-Shingler combined for their first title in their second straight year partnering together, finishing at 11-under 133 and a shot ahead of central Virginians Spence Andrews (Glen Allen) and Tom Vlahakis (Ashland), who returned 7-under 65 (10-under 134 aggregate) in the final round, tying the second-best score of the day. Defending champions Brandon LaCroix (Roanoke) and Nick Biesecker (Staunton) also closed with 65 to finish two back at 9-under 135, along with first round overnight leaders Ray Dingledine and Alex Sleeker of Richmond (3-under 69).

The 52-year-old Decker, already a record five-time VSGA Four-Ball winner, added a sixth to his collection and claimed his 19th VSGA ‘major’ VSGA title. Meanwhile Shingler, the reigning VSGA Amateur champion, became the first player to hold both the VSGA Amateur and Four-Ball titles in the same rotation since Decker captured both events in 1991.

Shingler (pictured right) and Decker were the top two points’ leaders, respectively, in the 2011 season-ending VSGA player rankings. Decker, who has consistently held the top spot since the 2001, offered a stern opinion when asked who has the stake as the best player in the commonwealth these days.

“It’s not a hard question at all. He’s right here,” said Decker, pointing right at Shingler, who was honored as the VSGA golfer of the year in 2011. “Over the last one and a half to two years, Scott’s been the man.”

Shingler politely shook his head and was quick to throw water on that notion.

“We have so many great players in the state,” said the 40-year-old Shingler. “Out here, any player can beat any other guy on any given day.”

It might’ve been the only time the two friends weren’t on the same wavelength at this year’s Four-Ball. Decker, showing he has plenty left, shot 32 on his own ball on the outward half to move the team to nine under for the championship. He birdied the short par-4 fourth hole and ran off three more at Nos. 6, 7 and 9, holing a 35-footer at the demanding par-4 seventh. Still, Decker credited his partner with making an important 20-foot par-saver at the par-4 third as a round-starter that kept early momentum on their side.

“That sort of got our whole day going,” Decker said.

Shingler was in position all day, but Decker was the one making the putts on the first nine. Shingler holed a 7-footer for birdie at the par-4 11th and Decker soon added a straight-in birdie putt at the par-5 12th to move the team to 11 under. They never trailed the rest of the way. That’s because the tandem complemented each other well throughout the round, a necessity on the demanding, nearly 7,100-yard Spring Creek layout.

“I trust Scott 100 percent. Hopefully, he trusts me about 80 percent,” Decker said with a laugh.

There seems little question about Shingler’s belief in his partner.

“I just felt like I was making pars and everyone knows Keith is a great putter,” Shingler said of the seven time VSGA golfer of the year. “When you free him up, he’s even more dangerous.”

After opening with 3-under 69, Andrews-Vlahakis climbed up the leader board on day two. Vlahakis, 37, played a nine-hole stretch from Nos. 9-17 in five under par, starting the surge by holing a 30-footer for eagle at the par-5 ninth. He added birdies at Nos. 11, 13 and 17 to move the team to 10 under as Andrews, a reinstated amateur, sandwiched in a birdie at the par-5 12th. Vlahakis 6-foot birdie bid at the par-5 18th to move the team to 11 under slipped just past the hole.

“I played a little too much break – it was just a little too much,” Vlahakis said.

As Andrews-Vlahakis waited in the clubhouse at 10 under, Decker-Shingler had more work to do. Shingler firmed in a slippery 3-footer from above the hole at the par-5 17th. And with Decker in the thick rough at the last and bound for bogey, Shingler kept it in the short grass and made par from just short of the putting surface to secure the victory.

Decker-Shingler played bogey-free over the course of the championship’s 36 holes. In the four-ball format, each player plays his ball into the hole, but only the best score is counted toward the team’s total.

“Obviously, when you look at winning by one shot, having a clean card was important,” Shingler said.

The owner of an enviable and powerfully efficient golf swing, with the triumph, Shingler is a win away from what Decker refers to as the ‘VSGA Grand Slam’ – victories at the VSGA Amateur, the SunTrust State Open, the Mid-Amateur and the Four-Ball. In addition to claiming the 2011 Amateur, Shingler won the Mid-Amateur in 2010 and is only a SunTrust State Open win away from accomplishing a rare feat. Only Decker and former Galax resident Tom McKnight have won all four titles since the VSGA Mid-Amateur was first conducted in 1977.

“If you look at what I consider the VSGA ‘Grand Slam,’ I look at Scott and think he has a wonderful chance,” Decker said.

The Decker-Shingler partnership was almost one that didn’t happen. Decker’s daughter, Christina will graduate from the College of William & Mary with a degree in psychology on Sunday; had commencement been on Friday or Saturday, Decker admitted that he would’ve missed the Four-Ball and Shingler would’ve had to find a different partner.

“This tournament is the second-most important thing happening this weekend,” Decker said.

Shingler knows the feeling. He and his wife, Arshia, will celebrate their daughter, Aava’s sixth birthday on Saturday, which meant he was high-tailing it back to northern Virginia following the event’s conclusion.

“See, Keith’s OK,” Shingler said with a laugh. “I better get home.”

He’ll do it with victory – and a step closer to a special place in VSGA history – in hand.

GORDONSVILLE –– Results following the final round of the 47th VSGA Four-Ball Championship at Spring Creek Golf Club (7,080 yards, par 36-36—72) on Saturday, May 12.

Keith Decker (Martinsville)-Scott Shingler (Haymarket), 67-66—133
Spence Andrews (Glen Allen)-Tom Vlahakis (Ashland), 69-65—134
Brandon LaCroix (Roanoke)-Nick Biesecker (Staunton), 70-65—135
Ray Dingledine (Richmond)-Alex Sleeker (Richmond), 66-69—135
Lee Fisher (Lynchburg)-James Gallagher (Yorktown), 69-67—136
Jimmy Delp (Arlington)-Ben Keefer (Glen Allen), 68-68—136
Aaron Eckstein (Salem)-Danny Hopkins (Roanoke), 68-68—136
Matt Paciocco (Henrico)-Jay Zapko (Glen Allen), 73-64—137
Jason Robertson (Virginia Beach)-Garland Green (Tazewell), 71-66—137
Al Bello III (Stafford)-Brian Hood (Stafford), 71-66—137
Ryan Stinnett (Amherst)-Matt Chandler (Hardy), 69-68—137
Jim Nirich (Catlett)-Dan Hosek (Alexandria), 68-69—137
Robert Bradshaw (Virginia Beach)-Roger Newsom (Virginia Beach), 70-68—138
Mark Sinder (Alexandria)-Mike Kirby (Falls Church), 69-69—138
Matt Plumer (Ashburn)-Francesco Romano (Reston), 74-65—139
Kevin Miller (Charlottesville)-Rick LaReau (Glen Allen), 70-69—139
Larry Loving Jr. (Richmond)-Jerry Wood (Martinsville), 70-69—139
Daniel Haugh (Crozet)-Rupe Taylor (Earlysville), 70-69—139
Tim Kelley (Ashland)-Jason Copeland (Virginia Beach), 67-72—139
Chris Taylor (Leesburg)-Mark Rallas (Leesburg), 67-72—139
Buck Brittain (Tazewell)-Donnie Hankins (Tazewell), 71-69—140
Chase Duffy (Virginia Beach)-John Dawson (Chesapeake), 70-70—140
Phil Mahone (Charlottesville)-Cory Amory (Free Union), 69-71—140
Ryan Patrick (Vienna)-Danny Ott (Potomac Falls), 71-70—141
Hunter Russell (Lynchburg)-Eric Davenport (Forest), 69-72—141
Brendan Giuseppe (Vienna)-Josh Hartman (Washington, D.C.), 71-71—142
Wes Smith (Virginia Beach)-Matt Hopkins (Virginia Beach), 74-69—143
Ben Hillman (Reston)-Travis Benson (Herndon), 71-72—143
Buddy Patch (Fairfax Station)-Dan DeRisio (Springfield), 70-73—143
J.W. Entsminger (Lexington)-David Brogan (Lexington), 75-69—144
Tim Krouse (Dunn Loring)-Lee Fields (Leesburg), 74-71—145
Justin Young (Roanoke)-Miller Baber (Roanoke), 73-72—145
Tony Good (Glen Allen)-David Passerell (Scottsville), 70-76—146
Josiah Schuyler (Richmond)-Taylor Smart (Manakin Sabot), 77-70—147
John Reynolds (Richmond)-Todd Hoyle (Manakin-Sabot), 75-72—147
David Partridge (Manakin)-Mark Lawrence Jr. (Richmond), 75-73—148
Conlin Giles (Portsmouth)-Stephen Whitfield (Norfolk), 74-75—149
Michael Keating (Fairfax)-Mark Waslo (Leesburg), 74-75—149
Adam Houck (Richmond)-Ryan Taylor (Glen Allen), 77-73—150
Adam Rhodes (Fairfax)-Bill Rhodes (Stephens City), 75-75—150
Gilbert Bell (Arlington)-Greg Moss (Arlington), 74-78—152
Tim Ritter (Chantilly)-Wesley Liu (Herndon), 80-73—153
Jaymie Martino (Gainesville)-Larry Spielberg (Gainesville), 76-77—153
Scott Huneycutt (Chesapeake)-Gregg Fisher (Chesapeake), 79-75—154
John Bradberry (Vinton)-Ryan Crush (Roanoke), 76-80—156
Jay Spitler (Fredericksburg)-Casey Russell (Fredericksburg), 74-82—156
Luke Kinder (Tazewell)-Matthew Tiller (Bluefield), 84-74—158
Bob Harwick (Oak Hill)-John Steele (McLean), 80-79—159

• First round recap
• Championship preview

GORDONSVILLE –– Central Virginians Ray Dingledine and Alex Sleeker of Richmond carded an opening round 6-under-par 66 to headline a bunched leader board entering Saturday’s final round of the 47th Virginia State Golf Association Four-Ball Championship being conducted at Spring Creek Golf Club.

The Dingledine-Sleeker combination is a stroke clear of the combinations of record five-time VSGA Four-Ball winner Keith Decker (Martinsville), who is teaming with reigning VSGA golfer of the year Scott Shingler (Haymarket), as well as the northern Virginia combination of Chris Taylor-Mark Rallas of Leesburg and former Four-Ball champion Tim Kelley (Ashland) and partner Jason Copeland (Virginia Beach). The trio of teams had 5-under 67.

Three other combinations, including past Four-Ball victor Ben Keefer (Glen Allen), combining with Jimmy Delp (Arlington), as well as Aaron Eckstein (Salem)-Danny Hopkins (Roanoke) and former VSGA Public Links winners Jim Nirich (Catlett) and Dan Hosek (Alexandria) are two strokes back after returning 4-under 68. Altogether, 12 teams are within three shots of the lead entering the final round.

On a fairly benign first day, more than half the field – 27 teams among 48 – broke par on the nearly 7,100-yard Spring Creek layout, which features perfect putting surfaces, but menacing areas through the green. In the four-ball format, each player plays his ball into the hole, but only the best score is counted toward the team aggregate.

Dingledine-Sleeker led the way on Friday. They earned the last spot in extra holes in the Hunting Hawk Golf Club qualifier and are making the most of the opportunity at the championship’s start, accounting for seven birdies against one bogey to own the overnight lead.

Former teammates on the College of William & Mary’s golf team, both partners complemented each other well the entire day. Sleeker made a 20-foot par-saver on their first hole of the day, No. 10, and mastered the greens the rest of the way, draining a 25-footer at the par-5 18th to help the tandem turn in three under. They played the four par 5s in three under, key on this layout, and birdied three of the final six holes.

“I saw the lines today and the greens are so good that if you get the ball online, you’re going to make some putts,” said Sleeker, who moved back to Virginia about four years ago.

Taylor-Rallas earned medalist honors at qualifying at their home club, Evergreen Country Club, and carried the momentum into the first round. After firing two under on the outward nine, they closed their round by birdieing four of the final seven holes, playing that stretch in three under.

They’ll be in the final grouping with Dingledine-Sleeker, likely armed with the same strategy they had on day one.

“We both played well and made a number of short putts,” Rallas said. “We both covered up for one another. It’s a lot of golf course. The rough is unbelievably thick. It’s no ‘gimmie’ golf course, that’s for sure. But we drove the ball well and when one of us was in trouble, the other one was there. It was all about keeping it in play. We played solidly the whole day.”

Decker-Shingler, ranked 1-2, respectively in last year’s season’s ending VSGA player rankings played a clean round, collecting five birdies while going without a bogey. Decker’s last Four-Ball victory came in 2007. Shingler won last year’s VSGA Amateur on his way to garnering association golfer of the year honors.

In the first round, Shingler made important 8-foor par putts at Nos. 12 and 16 to keep their round going and stay within striking distance.

“That saved our whole round,” Decker said.

What will it take for Decker to add a sixth Four-Ball title to his mantle?

“I think it’s going to take 65 [on Saturday],” Decker said. “I think 12 under [aggregate for the championship] is a good number to shoot at. I’d take it right now.”

They’ll be in the penultimate grouping with Kelley-Copeland, who also played blemish-free, registering three birdies and an eagle. Copeland holed out his 129-yard second shot at the par-4 15th using a 9-iron, bolstering the tandem to a 4-under 32 score on the inward half. Kelley drilled a hybrid to 12 feet at the par-3 17th and holed the ensuing birdie putt to help finish off their strong second nine. They saved par from off the green a host of times on the outward half, making the inward nine birdies all the more valuable.

“We didn’t hit our drivers as well [on the first nine]. It was good to come back. We were pleasantly pleased with our round,” Kelley said with a laugh.

“It’s wide open [on Saturday],” Kelley continued. “It’s that kind of golf course. I don’t see anyone going nuts, so it should be close.”

Reinstated amateur Spence Andrews (Glen Allen) and former Four-Ball champion Tom Vlahakis (Ashland) are among six teams at 3-under 69. Defending champions Brandon LaCroix (Roanoke) and Nick Biesecker (Staunton) were among eight combinations to open with 2-under 70.

GORDONSVILLE –– Results following the first round of the 47th VSGA Four-Ball Championship at Spring Creek Golf Club (7,080 yards, par 36-36—72) on Friday, May 11.

Ray Dingledine (Richmond)-Alex Sleeker (Richmond), 33-33—66
Chris Taylor (Leesburg)-Mark Rallas (Leesburg), 34-33—67
Keith Decker (Martinsville)-Scott Shingler (Haymarket), 33-34—67
Tim Kelley (Ashland)-Jason Copeland (Virginia Beach), 35-32—67
Aaron Eckstein (Salem)-Danny Hopkins (Roanoke), 35-33—68
Jimmy Delp (Arlington)-Ben Keefer (Glen Allen), 37-31—68
Jim Nirich (Catlett)-Dan Hosek (Alexandria), 34-34—68
Spence Andrews (Glen Allen)-Tom Vlahakis (Ashland), 33-36—69
Lee Fisher (Lynchburg)-James Gallagher (Yorktown), 36-33—69
Phil Mahone (Charlottesville)-Cory Amory (Free Union), 37-32—69
Mark Sinder (Alexandria)-Mike Kirby (Falls Church), 36-33—69
Ryan Stinnett (Amherst)-Matt Chandler (Hardy), 35-34—69
Hunter Russell (Lynchburg)-Eric Davenport (Forest), 36-33—69
Chase Duffy (Virginia Beach)-John Dawson (Chesapeake), 35-35—70
Tony Good (Glen Allen)-David Passerell (Scottsville), 33-37—70
Larry Loving Jr. (Richmond)-Jerry Wood (Martinsville), 37-33—70
Robert Bradshaw (Virginia Beach)-Roger Newsom (Virginia Beach), 36-34—70
Brandon LaCroix (Roanoke)-Nick Biesecker (Staunton), 34-36—70
Daniel Haugh (Crozet)-Rupe Taylor (Earlysville), 34-36—70
Buddy Patch (Fairfax Station)-Dan DeRisio (Springfield), 36-34—70
Kevin Miller (Charlottesville)-Rick LaReau (Glen Allen), 34-36—70
Ben Hillman (Reston)-Travis Benson (Herndon), 32-39—71
Buck Brittain (Tazewell)-Donnie Hankins (Tazewell), 37-34—71
Jason Robertson (Virginia Beach)-Garland Green (Tazewell), 36-35—71
Ryan Patrick (Vienna)-Danny Ott (Potomac Falls), 36-35—71
Al Bello III (Stafford)-Brian Hood (Stafford), 36-35—71
Brendan Giuseppe (Vienna)-Josh Hartman (Washington, D.C.), 36-35—71
Justin Young (Roanoke)-Miller Baber (Roanoke), 36-37—73
Matt Paciocco (Henrico)-Jay Zapko (Glen Allen), 36-37—73
Tim Krouse (Dunn Loring)-Lee Fields (Leesburg), 37-37—74
Gilbert Bell (Arlington)-Greg Moss (Arlington), 37-37—74
Wes Smith (Virginia Beach)-Matt Hopkins (Virginia Beach), 39-35—74
Matt Plumer (Ashburn)-Francesco Romano (Reston), 38-36—74
Michael Keating (Fairfax)-Mark Waslo (Leesburg), 39-35—74
Conlin Giles (Portsmouth)-Stephen Whitfield (Norfolk), 38-36—74
Jay Spitler (Fredericksburg)-Casey Russell (Fredericksburg), 36-38—74
John Reynolds (Richmond)-Todd Hoyle (Manakin-Sabot), 39-36—75
Adam Rhodes (Fairfax)-Bill Rhodes (Stephens City), 38-37—75
J.W. Entsminger (Lexington)-David Brogan (Lexington), 40-35—75
David Partridge (Manakin)-Mark Lawrence Jr. (Richmond), 36-39—75
Jaymie Martino (Gainesville)-Larry Spielberg (Gainesville), 40-36—76
John Bradberry (Vinton)-Ryan Crush (Roanoke), 38-38—76
Adam Houck (Richmond)-Ryan Taylor (Glen Allen), 40-37—77
Josiah Schuyler (Richmond)-Taylor Smart (Manakin Sabot), 39-38—77
Scott Huneycutt (Chesapeake)-Gregg Fisher (Chesapeake), 39-40—79
Bob Harwick (Oak Hill)-John Steele (McLean), 38-42—80
Tim Ritter (Chantilly)-Wesley Liu (Herndon), 40-40—80
Luke Kinder (Tazewell)-Matthew Tiller (Bluefield), 42-42—84

GORDONSVILLE –– Groupings and starting times for the first round of the 47th VSGA Four-Ball Championship at Spring Creek Golf Club (7,080 yards, par 36-36—72) on Saturday, May 12.

Saturday (May 12), hole No. 1

8:30 a.m. – Brendan Giuseppe (Vienna)-Josh Hartman (Washington); Ryan Patrick (Vienna )-Danny Ott (Potomac Falls)
8:40 a.m. – Robert Bradshaw (Virginia Beach)-Roger Newsom (Virginia Beach); Ben Hillman (Reston)-Travis Benson (Herndon)
8:50 a.m. – Larry Loving Jr. (Richmond)-Jerry Wood (Martinsville); Brandon LaCroix (Roanoke)-Nick Biesecker (Staunton)
9 a.m. – Tony Good (Glen Allen)-David Passerell (Scottsville); Chase Duffy (Virginia Beach)-John Dawson (Chesapeake)
9:10 a.m. – Buddy Patch (Fairfax Station)-Dan DeRisio (Springfield); Kevin Miller (Charlottesville)-Rick LaReau (Glen Allen)
9:20 a.m. – Ryan Stinnett (Amherst)-Matt Chandler (Hardy); Daniel Haugh (Crozet)-Rupe Taylor (Earlysville)
9:30 a.m. – Spence Andrews (Glen Allen)-Tom Vlahakis (Ashland); Mark Sinder (Alexandria)-Mike Kirby (Falls Church)
9:40 a.m. – Hunter Russell (Lynchburg)-Eric Davenport (Forest); Lee Fisher (Lynchburg)-James Gallagher (Yorktown)
9:50 a.m. – Jimmy Delp (Arlington)-Ben Keefer (Glen Allen); Phil Mahone (Charlottesville)-Cory Amory (Free Union)
10 a.m. – Jim Nirich (Catlett)-Dan Hosek (Alexandria); Aaron Eckstein (Salem)-Danny Hopkins (Roanoke)
10 a.m. – Tim Kelley (Ashland)-Jason Copeland (Virginia Beach); Keith Decker (Martinsville)-Scott Shingler (Haymarket)
10:20 a.m. – Ray Dingledine (Richmond)-Alex Sleeker (Richmond); Chris Taylor (Leesburg)-Mark Rallas (Leesburg)

Saturday (May 12), hole No. 10

8:30 a.m. – Jason Robertson (Virginia Beach)-Garland Green (Tazewell); Buck Brittain (Tazewell)-Donnie Hankins (Tazewell)
8:40 a.m. – Al Bello III (Stafford)-Brian Hood (Stafford); Matt Paciocco (Henrico)-Jay Zapko (Glen Allen)
8:50 a.m. – Justin Young (Roanoke)-Miller Baber (Roanoke); Gilbert Bell (Arlington)-Greg Moss (Arlington)
9 a.m. – Matt Plumer (Ashburn)-Francesco Romano (Reston); Tim Krouse (Dunn Loring)-Lee Fields (Leesburg)
9:10 a.m. – Conlin Giles (Portsmouth)-Stephen Whitfield (Norfolk); Wes Smith (Virginia Beach)-Matt Hopkins (Va. Beach)
9:20 a.m. – Jay Spitler (Fredericksburg)-Casey Russell (Fredericksburg); Michael Keating (Fairfax)-Mark Waslo (Leesburg)
9:30 a.m. – J.W. Entsminger (Lexington)-David Brogan (Lexington); David Partridge (Manakin)-Mark Lawrence Jr. (Richmond)
9:40 a.m. – Adam Rhodes (Fairfax)-Bill Rhodes (Stephens City); John Reynolds (Richmond)-Todd Hoyle (Manakin-Sabot)
9:50 a.m. – Jaymie Martino (Gainesville)-Larry Spielberg (Gainesville); John Bradberry (Vinton)-Ryan Crush (Roanoke)
10 a.m. – Josiah Schuyler (Richmond)-Taylor Smart (Manakin Sabot); Adam Houck (Richmond)-Ryan Taylor (Glen Allen)
10:10 a.m. – Scott Huneycutt (Chesapeake)-Gregg Fisher (Chesapeake); Tim Ritter (Chantilly)-Wesley Liu (Herndon)
10:20 a.m. – Bob Harwick (Oak Hill)-John Steele (McLean); Luke Kinder (Tazewell)-Matthew Tiller (Bluefield)

• Championship preview

Featuring a 10 a.m. shotgun start with overall gross and net winners, 84 players and 42 teams participated in the event, which was flighted by course handicap.

Overall gross winners were Joanne Kitusky (Glen Allen) and Cyndi Carlson of Chesapeake (pictured right), who posted 3-under-par 69.

Meanwhile, overall net winners were fellow northern Virginians Jane Cook (Waynesboro) and Neysa Simmers (Fishersville). The tandem posted a net score of 9-under 63.

Each session had two divisions with low gross and low net winners.

Division I
In division one, Springfield residents Mimi Hoffman and Kay Tyler shot even-par 72 to take home first low gross honors. Meanwhile, Mount Vernon Country Club members Linda DiVall and Joan Gardner of Alexandria were second after shooting 1-over 73. Third low gross honors in division one went to Sherry Bowman (Manassas) and Shelley Savage (Alexandria), who also carded 1-over 73.

First low net honors in division one went to Arlington residents and Washington Golf and Country Club members Novice Nelson and Pat Ballard, who compiled a net score of 7-under 65. Meanwhile, fellow Farmington Country Club members Margaret Gilmer and Gail Hoerr of Charlottesville had 6-under 66 to earn second low net accolades. Danville-area golfers Vickie Oakes (Blairs) and Debbie Thompson (Ringgold), VSGA members at Ringgold Golf Club, had 5-under 67 to garner third low net.

Division II
In division two action, fellow Washington Golf and Country Club members Pam Murray (Arlington) and Lynn Fuechsel (McLean) shot 8-over 80 to take home first low gross. Meanwhile, Fellow Washington Golf members Trish Christian (Arlington) and Barbara Walton (Falls Church) had 84 for the second low gross score. Roanoke Country Club members Julie Light (Roanoke) teamed with Kailynn Sprinkle (Salem) to card 84 and collect third low gross honors.

Northern Virginians and Chantilly National Golf and Country Club members Catherine Miller (Fairfax Station) and Caryn Franca (Clifton) garnered first low net accolades, recording a net score of 7-under 65. Meanwhile, Springfield Golf and Country Club members Lori Farro (Springfield) and Donna Skrobala (Annandale) earned second low net (6-under 66). Local Sarah Robertson (Wintergreen) and Barbara Poretz (Alexandria) were third in division two net (5-under 67)     

VSGA Women’s Division tournament action resumes on Thursday-Friday, May 31-June 1 with the 15th VSGA Senior Women’s Stroke Play Championship at Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club in Kilmarnock.

NELLYSFORD –– Results from the Virginia State Golf Association Women’s Division Four-Ball Stroke Play Tournament at Stoney Creek at Wintergreen’s Monocan and Tuckahoe nines on Tuesday, May 8.

Overall Low Gross: Joanne Kitusky (Glen Allen)-Cyndi Carlson (Chesapeake) – 69 (-3)
Overall Low Net: Jane Cook (Waynesboro) and Neysa Simmers (Fishersville) – 63 (-9)

DIVISION I
1st Low Gross: Mimi Hoffman (Springfield)-Kay Tyler (Springfield) – 72 (Even)
2nd Low Gross: Linda DiVall (Alexandria)-Joan Gardner (Alexandria) – 73 (+1)
3rd Low Gross: Sherry Bowman (Manassas) and Shelley Savage (Alexandria) – 73 (+1)

1st Low Net: Novice Nelson (Arlington)-Pat Ballard (Arlington) – 65 (-7)
2nd Low Net: Margaret Gilmer (Charlottesville)-Gail Hoerr (Charlottesville) – 66 (-6)
3rd Low Net: Vickie Oakes (Blairs)-Debbie Thompson (Ringgold) – 67 (-5)

DIVISION II
1st Low Gross: Pam Murray (Arlington)-Lynn Fuechsel (McLean) – 80 (+8)
2nd Low Gross: Trish Christian (Arlington)-Barbara Walton (Falls Church) – 84 (+12)
3rd Low Gross: Julie Light (Roanoke)-Kailynn Sprinkle (Salem) – 84 (+12)

1st Low Net: Catherine Miller (Fairfax Station)-Caryn Franca (Clifton) – 65 (-7)
2nd Low Net: Lori Farro (Springfield)-Donna Skrobala (Annandale) – 66 (-6)
3rd Low Net: Sarah Robertson (Wintergreen)-Barbara Poretz (Alexandria) – 67 (-5)