Ken Venturi, who overcame dehydration to win the 1964 U.S. Open and spent 35 years in the booth for CBS Sports, died Friday afternoon. He was 82.

His son, Matt Venturi, said he died in a hospital in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Venturi had been hospitalized the last two months for a spinal infection, pneumonia, and then an intestinal infection that he could no longer fight.

Venturi died 11 days after he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

He couldn’t make it to the induction. His sons, Matt and Tim, accepted on his behalf after an emotional tribute by Jim Nantz, who worked alongside Venturi at CBS.

“When dad did receive the election into the Hall of Fame, he had a twinkle in his eye, and that twinkle is there every day,” Tim Venturi said that night.

Venturi was all about overcoming the odds.

A prominent amateur who grew up in San Francisco, he captured his only major in the 1964 U.S. Open at Congressional, the last year the final round was 36 holes. In oppressive heat, Venturi showed signs of dehydration and a doctor recommended he stop playing because it could be fatal. Venturi pressed on to the finish, closed with a 70 and was heard to say, “My God, I’ve won the U.S. Open.”

He had a severe stuttering problem as a child, yet went on to become one of the familiar voices in golf broadcasting. He began working for CBS in 1968 and lasted 35 years.

“We all knew what a wonderful player Ken Venturi was, and how he fashioned a second successful career as an announcer,” Jack Nicklaus said. “But far more important than how good he was at playing the game or covering it, Ken was my friend. Ken was fortunate in that the game of golf gave him so much, but without question, Ken gave back far more to the game he loved than he ever gained from it. Over the years, Ken developed a circle of friends that is enormous and whose collective heart is heavy today.”

Venturi played on one Ryder Cup team and was U.S. captain in the 2000 Presidents Cup.

“His tremendous accomplishments on the golf course were certainly Hall of Fame worthy on their own, but in Ken one finds a rare example of a golfer whose second career, in television, rivaled the legendary status of his competitive achievements,” PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said. “His unique perspective and poetic delivery as an announcer enhanced countless memorable moments in golf, making his voice and presence as in indelible as the historic tournaments he covered. Ken will forever be remembered as a consummate gentleman, and he will be truly missed.”

Venturi was born May 15, 1931, in San Francisco, and he developed his game at Harding Park Golf Course. He won the California State Amateur at Pebble Beach in 1951 and 1956, while serving in the Army in Korea between those two amateur titles.

His stammering problem is what led him to golf.

“When I was 13 years old, the teacher told my mother, ‘I’m sorry, Mrs. Venturi, but your son will never be able to speak. He’s an incurable stammerer,’ ” Venturi said in 2011. “My mother asked me what I planned to do. I said, ‘I’m taking up the loneliest sport I know,’ and picked up a set of hickory shaft across the street from a man and went to Harding Park and played my first round of golf.”

As an amateur, he was the 54-hole leader in the 1956 Masters until closing with an 80, and he was runner-up at Augusta National in 1960 to Arnold Palmer, who birdied the last two holes.

He turned pro and won his first PGA Tour at the St. Paul Open Invitational. Venturi won eight times over the next three years, including the Los Angeles Open and the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, before injuries started to affect his game after nearly winning the 1960 Masters.

He hurt his back in 1961 and badly injured his wrist in a car accident the next year. He missed the U.S. Open three straight years until he narrowly qualified for Congressional. It turned out to be an epic final day for the Californian coping with broiling heat.

Venturi shot 66 in the third round, but was feeling weak during the break before the final round that afternoon. John Everett, a doctor and member at Congressional, checked on him and found a normal pulse but symptoms of dehydration.

“Dr. Everett told me … I was lying next to my locker and he says, ‘I suggest that you don’t go out. It could be fatal,’” Venturi said in 2011 when he returned to Congressional for the U.S. Open. “I looked up at him and I said, ‘Well, it’s better than the way I’ve been living.’ And I got off the floor, and I do not remember walking to the first tee. I don’t remember the front nine until I started coming into it.”

Venturi was so shaken, so weak, when it was over that his final act was to sign the scorecard. He couldn’t even read the numbers. Joe Dey, the executive director of the USGA, looked over his shoulder, checked the scores and told him to sign it.

Sports Illustrated honored him as its “Sportsman of the Year” in 1964.

Venturi won three more times, his last win coming in 1966 at the Lucky International at Harding Park, where it all started.

He eventually developed Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in his hands and was forced to retire. That’s when he moved into the booth as the lead analyst for CBS Sports, and his voice filled living rooms for the next 35 years until he retired in 2002.

“He was a deeply principled man with a dynamic presence. He just exuded class,” Nantz said. “Through his competitive days and unequalled broadcasting career, Kenny became a human bridge connecting everyone from Sarazen, Nelson and Hogan to the greatest players of today’s generation. Kenny faced many adversities in his life and always found a way to win.”

Venturi was elected to the Hall of Fame through the Lifetime Achievement category. Nantz gave an emotional tribute that night, and then called Venturi’s two sons to the stage to hold the trophy because “we need to put the crystal in the hands of the Venturi family.”

“If there is some sense of fairness, it is that Ken was inducted into a Hall of Fame that he very much deserved to be in and, in fact, should have been in for many years,” Nicklaus said. “While I know he was not able to be there in person for his induction, I am certain there was an overwhelming sense of pride and peace that embraced Ken. It was a dream of Ken Venturi’s that became a reality before he sadly left us.”

Venturi is survived his wife of 10 years, Kathleen, and his two sons. Matt Venturi said services were pending.

Copyright Associated Press, 2013. All rights reserved.

Ken Venturi left his mark as a golfer, broadcaster >>

Photo Gallery: Venturi Wins the 1964 U.S. Open >>

The group includes professional Jay Woodson of Powhatan, the reigning State Open of Virginia champion, as well as amateur Brinson Paolini of Virginia Beach. Woodson shared medalist honors at the Worthington Manor (Md.) Golf Club qualifier, carding 4-under 68, while Paolini posted 1-over 71 at Morris County (N.J.) Golf Club. Paolini is the only player to win three consecutive VSGA Amateur titles and he claimed each of the victories before he turned 20 years old. A senior at Duke University, Paolini, 22, was recently named the Byron Nelson Award recipient. The 31-year-old Woodson, who plays predominantly on developmental tours, is appearing on Golf Channel’s Big Break Mexico, which began airing this month.

Also qualifying at Worthington Manor was northern Virginian Josh Apple (Lansdowne); the 22-year-old had 2-under 70. Apple, a George Mason University graduate, was a quarterfinalist at last summer’s VSGA Amateur Championship at Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach.    

Things didn’t come quite so easy for mid-amateur Scott Shingler of Haymarket. The 2011 VSGA golfer of the year shot 1-over 73 and survived a six-for-four playoff at the Lake Presidential (Md.) Golf Club. At the same qualifier, 17-year-old Zachary Bauchou of Forest (Lynchburg area) shared medalist honors after shooting 71. A sophomore at Timberlake Christian School, Bauchou is ranked 22nd in the Golfweek/Titleist junior rankings.

Martinsville’s Jerel Whiting, 24, was also among the commonwealth-based qualifiers. The 24-year-old Martinsville resident returned 4-under 68 at the Forest Oaks (N.C.) Country Club qualifier.

Sectional qualifying, conducted over 36 holes, will be held on June 3 at 11 sites in the U.S. For the ninth consecutive year, Japan and England will host international qualifying, which is scheduled for May 27.

Owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, Laurel Hill will host the 2013 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. The dates of the championship are July 15-20.

In Laurel Hill, golf course designer Bill Love routed an exceptional layout over diverse topography. The land’s unique history includes remnants of two former Nike missile silos which lie just beyond the seventh and 18th fairways.

Located just off Interstate 95, Laurel Hill has quickly become one of the elite daily-fee tracks in Virginia. With generous fairways and five sets of tees that can stretch the par 71 course to more than 7,000 yards, the club offers a fair and challenging test for players of all skill levels. In featuring bentgrass fairways, Laurel Hill follows a growing trend of bringing this favored playing surface to the commonwealth. Historically, before science provided superior strains of bentgrass, hot summers required that southern courses feature primarily bermudagrass fairways. At its core, Laurel Hill is exceptional because of the variety and strategic interest provided throughout one’s round.

The course hosted a U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship sectional qualifier in 2009, a U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship sectional qualifier in 2010 and the Virginia State Golf Association Public Links Championship from 2008-10. In 2011 and 2012, Laurel Hill was the host site for sectional qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Public Links and the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links championships. This spring, the club will host sectional qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship on May 31.

A VSGA VIP participating course, Laurel Hill is offering one play Monday-Thursday after 1 p.m., excluding holidays through November, as well as one play anytime in December. As a special off to VIPs, cardholders receive $10 off the regular green fee rate Monday-Thursday through October, excluding holidays.

Laurel Hill will also welcome a VSGA One-Day event, open to golfers of all ages abilities, on Thursday, Aug. 8. Click here to register online or via paper entry.

CLICK HERE FOR GOLFWEEK’S BEST MUNICIPAL COURSES

It’s time to forget about college bills and enjoy something that’s free!

In this case, it’s complimentary green fees at great courses in Virginia and  West Virginia on the VSGA VIP Card.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

VSGA VIP Card rates for students, ages 22 and under, are $33 (cardholders ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult when using the card) and Supporter Level cards are $65.

Proceeds from a VSGA VIP Card purchase go toward a good cause. By purchasing a VSGA VIP Card, you help fund the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation. Since 1985, the VSGA has awarded more than $1.85 million in scholarship aid to more than 800 students attending college within the commonwealth. You play. They win.

Please contact the VSGA at (804) 378-2300 for further information or REGISTER HERE.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
FOR THE VSGA VIP CARD PROGRAM
______ 

For more information about any service
offered by the VSGA, please contact:

VSGA
600 Founders Bridge Blvd.
Midlothian, Va.  23113
Phone: (804) 378-2300
Faxes: (804) 378-2369/8216
E-mail: pointman@vsga.org

The central Virginian and reigning State Open of Virginia champion is one of the 12 professionals on the cast for the Golf Channel’s Big Break reality competition, the network has announced. On the program, players pursue their hopes of playing on either the PGA or LPGA Tour. 

“Big Break Mexico” premiered May 13 at 9 p.m. EDT. Filmed at Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf and Spa Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, “Big Break Mexico” will feature a cast of six men and six women competing in a mixed-team format. They will compete in various golf-related skills challenges, with an exemption to compete either on the LPGA at the 2013 Lorena Ochoa Invitational or on the PGA Tour at the 2013 OHL Classic at Mayakoba, cash and other prizes.

Woodson says he hopes the experience gained from playing in the ’Big Break’ offers another taste of competition as he pursues his lifelong dream of playing the PGA Tour.

“This is a great opportunity to show my skills and a springboard to something better––hopefully off the mini-tours,” Woodson said. “I love playing golf for a living, there’s no question about that. But your goal is to progress and play at the highest levels. This is a big opportunity to acheive that.”

A graduate of Powhatan High School and James Madison University, Woodson blew past the field for a four-stroke victory at last year’s State Open of Virginia to become the seventh player to triumph at the VSGA Amateur and the State Open. The victory at the State Open ended an eight-year drought between professional wins in full-field events Woodson won consecutive VSGA Amateurs in 2002-03 and is one of 12 players to have claimed back-to-back VSGA Amateur titles.

Since turning professional in 2004, Woodson owns six career victories on the NGA Tour (two full field and four smaller field events) and has recorded 25 top-10 finishes.

Both on the course and off, Woodson, 31, is excited about the future. Woodson is competing on the NGA Tour in 2013—and he and his wife, Erin, are expecting their first child on June 13.

“2013 is looking like a big year,” Jay Woodson said.

Cast revealed for mixed-team ‘Big Break Mexico’ >>

Jay Woodson bio >>

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (May 10, 2013) –– Charlottesville-area golfers Vincent Nadeau and Brad Ferguson matched a championship-best final round 8-under 62 to post a two-stroke victory at the 48th Virginia State Golf Association Four-Ball Championship, which concluded today at James River Country Club.

The Gordonsville residents played bogey-free in the final round, completed play at 14-under 126 and claimed their first victory in the event. Defending champions Keith Decker (Martinsville) and Scott Shingler (Haymarket) delivered a closing 63 to finish second (12-under 128). Area golfers Jason Robertson (Virginia Beach) and Adam Horton (Chesapeake) had 64 and finished four back at 10-under 130.

But the day belonged to Nadeau-Ferguson, who trailed overnight leaders Wes Smith and Matt Hopkins of Virginia Beach entering Saturday’s last day. In the final round, Nadeau-Ferguson shot three under on the outward half to take a one-stroke lead over two other teams heading to the second nine.

There, they hit the accelerator, playing a five-hole stretch from Nos. 11-15 in four under par to get to 13 under and hold the lead for good. Nadeau started the stretch by holing a 35-footer from short of the putting surface at the par-4 11th. Looking comfortable and confident on James River’s pure putting surfaces, Ferguson knocked in an 8-footer at No. 12 before snaking in a left-to-right breaker from 40 feet one hole later.

“I told Vincent that I thought I could make just about anything on these greens, they’re so good” Ferguson said. “The putt on 14 looked good the moment I hit it.”

They weren’t done. Nadeau stuffed his 9-iron to four inches at the par-3 15th to cap the decisive second-nine surge. Nadeau, using his length at the par-5 finishing hole, played 3-iron off the tee for position, played a 3-iron second shot and a soft pitching wedge third to just left of the putting surface before sinking the 15-footer for birdie from off the green.

Nadeau and Ferguson, VSGA members at Spring Creek Golf Club in Gordonsville, collected their first victory in a VSGA championship and took home the Wallace McDowell Trophy awarded to the champions.

“It’s nice. We’ve both always wanted to win a VSGA championship and it does a lot for our confidence,” said Nadeau, 25, a 2010 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Ferguson, 38, only began playing competitive golf about four years ago, but any lack of experience on the VSGA stage wasn’t evident as he seemingly handled greens that require precision with ease during the two-day, 36-hole event.

“To be able to compete against the best players in the commonwealth and win means a ton,” Ferguson said. “I’m not sure it has sunk in for either one of us—maybe it will tomorrow.”

Decker shot 6-under 64 on his own ball in the final round and posted 5-under 30 on the back nine to stoke him and his partner’s surge. It started at the par-5 10th where he hit the flagstick with his third shot before the ball came to rest 10 inches from the hole. Thereafter, Decker drained a 15-footer at the par-4 12th, nearly holed out his tee shot at the par-3 13th before making birdie putts of 12 and 20 feet at the next two holes.

Still, it wasn’t enough. The tandem watched putts slip by on the first day en route to a 65 and other opportunities went awry on the outward half in the final round.

“We played pretty well, but the better team won today,” Decker said. “We let some shots get away on the front. We played well on the back. We can’t complain. We just got beat.”

Nadeau-Ferguson were aware that two of the top players in the commonwealth in Decker and Shingler were chasing them on the second nine. The Nadeau-Ferguson tandem trailed heading into the second nine at last week’s Belle Haven Four-Ball before going on to claim the event.  Both knew they needed the same aggressive approach to pull away from a packed leaderboard this time around.

“We knew we had to get it going on the back,” Nadeau said. “Last week showed us we can do it, at least.”

Since round-by-round records started being kept for the championship in 1985, the three rounds of 62 at this year’s event matches the event’s single-round record set in 1987 and 1994. In addition to the Smith-Hopkins team firing 62 in the first round, the father-son tandem of Mark Lawrence and Mark Lawrence Jr. of Richmond also closed with 62 on Saturday. They concluded the championship at 9-under 131, along with fellow central Virginians Scott Bemberis and Scott Reisenweaver.

NEWPORT NEWS –– Results following the final round of the 48th VSGA Four-Ball Championship at James River Country Club (6,598 yards, par 35-35—70) on Saturday, May 11.

Vincent Nadeau (Gordonsville)-Brad Ferguson (Gordonsville), 64-62—126
Keith Decker (Martinsville)-Scott Shingler (Haymarket), 65-63—128
Jason Robertson (Virginia Beach)-Adam Horton (Chesapeake), 66-64—130
Scott Bemberis (Richmond)-Scott Reisenweaver, 66-65—131
Mark Lawrence Jr. (Richmond)-Mark Lawrence (Richmond), 69-62—131
Spence Andrews (Glen Allen)-Tom Vlahakis (Ashland), 66-66—132
Jimmy Delp (Arlington)-Ben Keefer (Glen Allen), 66-66—132
Joe Morton (Virginia Beach)-Richard Hanna (Stanardsville), 65-67—132
Brandon Cigna (Arlington)-James Chestnut (Arlington), 65-67—132
Larry Loving Jr. (Richmond)-Jerry Wood (Martinsville), 65-67—132
Robert Bradshaw (Virginia Beach)-Roger Newsom (Virginia Beach), 64-68—132
Brandon LaCroix (Roanoke)-Nick Biesecker (Staunton), 69-65—134
Tony Good (Glen Allen)-David Passerell (Scottsville), 69-65—134
Philip Mahone (Charlottesville)-Jerry Burton (Gordonsville), 67-67—134
Jason Copeland (Virginia Beach)-James Martin Jr. (Virginia Beach), 66-68—134
Bob Bailey (Yorktown)-Mike Ramsey (Newport News), 66-68—134
Wes Smith (Virginia Beach)-Matt Hopkins (Virginia Beach), 62-72—134
Buck Brittain (Tazewell)-Jon Hurst (Fredericksburg), 69-66—135
Ryan Taylor (Glen Allen)-Adam Houck (Richmond), 67-68—135
Col. James Gallagher (Ret.) (Yorktown)-Lee Fisher (Lynchburg), 66-69—135
Allen Barber (Yorktown)-Charles Green (Tazewell), 67-69—136
Jonathan Hand (Richmond)-Blake Beach (Glen Allen), 66-70—136
Steve Serrao (Midlothian)-Jay Serrao (Virginia Beach), 72-65—137
John Reynolds (Richmond)-Ben Beach (Glen Allen), 69-68—137
Chase Duffy (Virginia Beach)-Ryan Kilmon (Virginia Beach), 69-68—137
B.J. Maben (Hampton)-Chris Everett (Carrollton), 67-70—137
Brian Hood (Stafford)-Dave Walczak, 67-71—138
Thomas Garner (Richmond)-Charles Wentworth (Richmond), 72-67—139
Roy Phillips (Reston)-Tom Adrounie (Fairfax Station), 71-68—139
Randall Newsome (Haymarket)-Ken Wood (Haymarket), 71-68—139
Sam Sikes (Richmond)-Andrew Crowley (Richmond), 70-69—139
Ray Dingledine IV (Richmond)-Alex Sleeker (Richmond), 69-70—139
Hunter Russell (Lynchburg)-Eric Davenport (Forest), 69-71—140
John Bradberry (Vinton)-Ryan Crush (Roanoke), 69-71—140
Tom Batthany (Midlothian)-Jeff Spears (Richmond), 68-72—140
Chase Bailey (Roanoke)-Brandon Bailey (Vinton), 71-70—141
Greg Arbacas (Arlington)-Mike Bieler (Reston), 72-69—141
Joe Cavucci (Alexandria)-Ryan Stuart (Great Falls), 72-70—142
Tim Krouse (Dunn Loring)-Larry Spielberg (Gainesville), 72-70—142
Dan Hosek (Alexandria)-Jim Nirich (Catlett), 71-72—143
Danny Yates (Marshall)-Tom Grady (Marshall), 73-71—144
Luke Kinder (Tazewell)-Matthew Tiller (Bluefield), 72-72—144
Barry Valentine (Ashburn)-Chris Laughlin (Ashburn), 75-70—145
Daryl Byrd (Hardy)-Richie Jetter (Roanoke), 71-74—145
Judson Foster (Zion Crossroads)-Drew Bagby (Zion Crossroads), 72-74—146
Art Locke (Ashburn)-Jeff Hunter (Ashburn), 75-72—147
Marshall Fleming (Suffolk)-Scott Fleming (Suffolk), 75-73—148
Matt Bravo (Washington, D.C.)-Kenton Quick (Washington, D.C.), 77-76—153

• First round recap
• Championship preview

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (May 10, 2013) –– Virginia Beach residents Wes Smith and Matt Hopkins delivered a scintillating first round score of 8-under-par 62 to headline a packed leaderboard entering Saturday’s final day of the 48th Virginia State Golf Association Four-Ball Championship being conducted at James River Country Club.

Smith-Hopkins are two strokes ahead of the tandem of Vincent Nadeau and Brad Ferguson of Gordonsville (Charlottesville area) and 2008 champions Roger Newsom and Robert Bradshaw, who each opened with 6-under 64. A contingent of four teams at 5-under 65 includes defending champions Scott Shingler (Haymarket)-Keith Decker (Martinsville) and former winner Larry Loving Jr. (Richmond) teaming with former State Open winner Jerry Wood (Martinsville), as well as Arlington residents Brandon Cigna-James Chestnut and Joe Morton (Virginia Beach)-Richard Hanna (Stanardsville).

Altogether, 14 teams are within four shots of the lead entering the deciding day.       

The Smith-Hopkins tandem got off to a scorching start to their round, birdieing five of the first six and six of their first eight holes to shoot 5-under 30 on the outward half. Each tallied three birdies apiece in accounting for six early birdies with Hopkins draining the team’s longest putt during that stretch, a 20-footer at the par-3 third hole.

The second nine signaled a return back to planet earth, of sorts, but they played bogey-free with birdies at Nos. 10, 12 and 18—each birdie came inside 10 feet. The partners, who play regularly together at Sleepy Hole Golf Course in Suffolk, complemented each other well the whole way. They reached the championship through qualifying at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course.

“We definitely hammed-and-egged it,” Smith said. “I hit kind of a long ball and he is probably one of the best putters I’ve ever played with. When he has a 15-footer, you expect it to go in.”

Hopkins, 28, played college golf at Christopher Newport University, which is near James River Country Club, and has played the course more than a half-dozen times. That said, Hopkins attributed having the right mindset going into the round with their success.

“It’s all mental. Everyone out here is pretty much at the same level,” Hopkins said. “We go out and look at it as a game. There are going to be days when we light it up and other days when we can’t break 75. It’s fun to go out and play with someone who looks at it the same way you do—more of a game than a competition. Of course, a little local course knowledge never hurts.”

Nadeau-Ferguson also took apart Nos. 1-9 by shooting 5-under 30, but it would be on there inward nine as they started their round on No. 10. Ferguson’s putter caught fire on the first two holes of their back nine, knocking in birdie putts of 40 and 20 feet, respectively. Nadeau drained a 20-footer two holes later, Ferguson made eagle from 8 feet at their 15th hole of the day, the par-5 16th, before Nadeau closed the round with a short birdie putt. 

The two VSGA members play regularly at Spring Creek Golf Club in Gordonsville as a part of a Saturday morning group and know each other’s game. They survived a six-for-four playoff to get into the championship through qualifying at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course. These days it’s a safe bet they have good vibes entering the event—they won last week’s Belle Haven Four-Ball by two strokes.

“I’m steady and sneak in a few birdies here and there,” Nadeau said. “Brad is more aggressive and makes a lot of birdies, so it’s a good partnership for four-ball.”

Newsom-Bradshaw, regular partners at the VSGA Four-Ball, finished their round birdie-birdie to hover near the lead. Newsom’s birdie putts were from kick-in range at Nos. 17 and 18.     

“There are a lot of good teams out there,” Newsom said, “but I think we can hang with ’em.”

NEWPORT NEWS –– Results following the first round of the 48th VSGA Four-Ball Championship at James River Country Club (6,598 yards, par 35-35—70) on Friday, May 10.

Wes Smith (Virginia Beach)-Matt Hopkins (Virginia Beach), 30-32—62
Vincent Nadeau (Gordonsville)-Brad Ferguson (Gordonsville), 30-34—64
Robert Bradshaw (Virginia Beach)-Roger Newsom (Virginia Beach), 32-32—64
Keith Decker (Martinsville)-Scott Shingler (Haymarket), 33-32—65
Brandon Cigna (Arlington)-James Chestnut (Arlington), 34-31—65
Joe Morton (Virginia Beach)-Richard Hanna (Stanardsville), 32-33—65
Larry Loving Jr. (Richmond)-Jerry Wood (Martinsville), 33-32—65
Scott Bemberis (Richmond)-Scott Reisenweaver, 35-31—66
Jonathan Hand (Richmond)-Blake Beach (Glen Allen), 35-31—66
Jimmy Delp (Arlington)-Ben Keefer (Glen Allen), 31-35—66
Spence Andrews (Glen Allen)-Tom Vlahakis (Ashland), 32-34—66
Col. James Gallagher (Ret.) (Yorktown)-Lee Fisher (Lynchburg), 34-32—66
Bob Bailey (Yorktown)-Mike Ramsey (Newport News), 33-33—66
Jason Copeland (Virginia Beach)-James Martin Jr. (Virginia Beach), 34-32—66
Jason Robertson (Virginia Beach)-Adam Horton (Chesapeake), 32-34—66
Philip Mahone (Charlottesville)-Jerry Burton (Gordonsville), 32-35—67
Brian Hood (Stafford)-Dave Walczak, 33-34—67
Ryan Taylor (Glen Allen)-Adam Houck (Richmond), 33-34—67
B.J. Maben (Hampton)-Chris Everett (Carrollton), 33-34—67
Allen Barber (Yorktown)-Charles Green (Tazewell), 33-34—67
Tom Batthany (Midlothian)-Jeff Spears (Richmond), 34-34—68
Hunter Russell (Lynchburg)-Eric Davenport (Forest), 34-35—69
Chase Duffy (Virginia Beach)-Ryan Kilmon (Virginia Beach), 34-35—69
Tony Good (Glen Allen)-David Passerell (Scottsville), 35-34—69
Buck Brittain (Tazewell)-Jon Hurst (Fredericksburg), 35-34—69
Ray Dingledine IV (Richmond)-Alex Sleeker (Richmond), 34-35—69
Brandon LaCroix (Roanoke)-Nick Biesecker (Staunton), 35-34—69
Mark Lawrence Jr. (Richmond)-Mark Lawrence (Richmond), 35-34—69
John Reynolds (Richmond)-Ben Beach (Glen Allen), 33-36—69
John Bradberry (Vinton)-Ryan Crush (Roanoke), 35-34—69
Sam Sikes (Richmond)-Andrew Crowley (Richmond), 34-36—70
Daryl Byrd (Hardy)-Richie Jetter (Roanoke), 36-35—71
Chase Bailey (Roanoke)-Brandon Bailey (Vinton), 35-36—71
Dan Hosek (Alexandria)-Jim Nirich (Catlett), 38-33—71
Randall Newsome (Haymarket)-Ken Wood (Haymarket), 35-36—71
Roy Phillips (Reston)-Tom Adrounie (Fairfax Station), 35-36—71
Greg Arbacas (Arlington)-Mike Bieler (Reston), 36-36—72
Joe Cavucci (Alexandria)-Ryan Stuart (Great Falls), 36-36—72
Judson Foster (Zion Crossroads)-Drew Bagby (Zion Crossroads), 36-36—72
Thomas Garner (Richmond)-Charles Wentworth (Richmond), 35-37—72
Tim Krouse (Dunn Loring)-Larry Spielberg (Gainesville), 35-37—72
Steve Serrao (Midlothian)-Jay Serrao (Virginia Beach), 36-36—72
Luke Kinder (Tazewell)-Matthew Tiller (Bluefield), 35-37—72
Danny Yates (Marshall)-Tom Grady (Marshall), 37-36—73
Barry Valentine (Ashburn)-Chris Laughlin (Ashburn), 35-40—75
Art Locke (Ashburn)-Jeff Hunter (Ashburn), 37-38—75
Marshall Fleming (Suffolk)-Scott Fleming (Suffolk), 39-36—75
Matt Bravo (Washington, D.C.)-Kenton Quick (Washington, D.C.), 38-39—77

NEWPORT NEWS –– Groupings and starting times for the final round of the 48th VSGA Four-Ball Championship at James River Country Club (6,598 yards, par 35-35—70) on Saturday, May 11.

Saturday (May 11), hole No. 1

8 a.m. – Buck Brittain (Tazewell)-Jon Hurst (Fredericksburg); Tony Good (Glen Allen)-David Passerell (Scottsville)
8:10 a.m. – Tom Batthany (Midlothian)-Jeff Spears (Richmond); Mark Lawrence Jr. (Richmond)-Mark Lawrence (Richmond)
8:20 a.m. – B.J. Maben (Hampton)-Chris Everett (Carrollton); Brian Hood (Stafford)-Dave Walczak
8:30 a.m. – Philip Mahone (Charlottesville)-Jerry Burton (Gordonsville); Allen Barber (Yorktown)-Charles Green (Tazewell)
8:40 a.m. – Jonathan Hand (Richmond)-Blake Beach (Glen Allen); Ryan Taylor (Glen Allen)-Adam Houck (Richmond)
8:50 a.m. – James Gallagher (Yorktown)-Lee Fisher (Lynchburg); Spence Andrews (Glen Allen)-Tom Vlahakis (Ashland)
9 a.m. – Scott Bemberis (Richmond)-Scott Reisenweaver; Jimmy Delp (Arlington)-Ben Keefer (Glen Allen)
9:10 a.m. – Jason Robertson (Virginia Beach)-Adam Horton (Chesapeake); Bob Bailey (Yorktown)-Mike Ramsey (Newport News)
9:20 a.m. – Keith Decker (Martinsville)-Scott Shingler (Haymarket); Jason Copeland (Virginia Beach)-James Martin Jr (Virginia Beach)
9:30 a.m. – Larry Loving Jr. (Richmond)-Jerry Wood (Martinsville); Joe Morton (Virginia Beach)-Richard Hanna (Virginia Beach)
9:40 a.m. – Robert Bradshaw (Virginia Beach)-Roger Newsom (Virginia Beach); Brandon Cigna (Arlington)-James Chestnut (Arlington)
9:50 a.m. – Wes Smith (Virginia Beach)-Matt Hopkins (Virginia Beach); Vincent Nadeau (Gordonsville)-Brad Ferguson (Gordonsville)

Saturday (May 11), hole No. 10

8 a.m. – Chase Duffy (Virginia Beach)-Ryan Kilmon (Virginia Beach); John Reynolds (Richmond)-Ben Beach (Glen Allen)
8:10 a.m. – John Bradberry (Vinton)-Ryan Crush (Roanoke); Ray Dingledine IV (Richmond)-Alex Sleeker (Richmond)
8:20 a.m. – Hunter Russell (Lynchburg)-Eric Davenport (Forest); Brandon LaCroix (Roanoke)-Nick Biesecker (Staunton)
8:30 a.m. – Sam Sikes (Richmond)-Andrew Crowley (Richmond); Chase Bailey (Roanoke)-Brandon Bailey (Vinton)
8:40 a.m. – Dan Hosek (Alexandria)-Jim Nirich (Catlett); Randall Newsome (Haymarket)-Ken Wood (Haymarket)
8:50 a.m. – Roy Phillips (Reston)-Tom Adrounie (Fairfax Station); Daryl Byrd (Hardy)-Richie Jetter (Roanoke)
9 a.m. – Thomas Garner (Richmond)-Charles Wentworth (Richmond); Luke Kinder (Tazewell)-Matthew Tiller (Bluefield)
9:10 a.m. – Steve Serrao (Midlothian)-Jay Serrao (Virginia Beach); Judson Foster (Zion Crossroads)-Drew Bagby (Zion Crossroads)
9:20 a.m. – Joe Cavucci (Alexandria)-Ryan Stuart (Arlington); Greg Arbacas (Arlington)-Mike Bieler (Reston)
9:30 a.m. – Tim Krouse (Dunn Loring)-Larry Spielberg (Gainesville); Danny Yates (Marshall)-Tom Grady (Marshall)
9:40 a.m. – Marshall Fleming (Suffolk)-Scott Fleming (Suffolk); Art Locke (Ashburn)-Jeff Hunter (Ashburn)
9:50 a.m. – Barry Valentine (Ashburn)-Chris Laughlin (Ashburn); Matt Bravo (Washington, D.C.)-Kenton Quick (Washington, D.C.)

• Championship preview

Spencer was playing his usual Thursday morning golf round at The Hamptons Golf Course—and died the place he most loved to be, on a golf course. According to friends, he was four under par through seven holes before being taken to a local hospital shortly thereafter where he was unresponsive.

“He was a special friend,” said Wayne Jackson, Spencer’s friend of 62 years. “It’s a difficult day for us, but if you have to go, I guess you couldn’t pick a better way.

“He was a competitive individual, but a true sportsman. He once told me, ‘Wayne, it’s OK to laugh a little when you win and cry a little when you lose—just don’t overdo it either way.’ ”

Like many other players of his era, Spencer’s connection to golf came largely by watching others while caddieing at a young age. He learned the game by looping and playing when his route for the day was completed.

“After I had already been introduced to golf, I caddied for my daddy a few times,” Spencer once said. “He was a coal agent and was on call. I was born in Kentucky, but I was raised [in Newport News]—been here since I was seven years old.

“Anyway, they called him to come down to the piers one day when I was caddieing for him. He was playing a guy named Sunshine Hughes. They were playing for 10 cents a hole. When daddy had to go, he left the clubs with me. He said, ‘Son, you play him,’ and I beat Sunshine for my daddy. When I did, daddy said, ‘You’re the golfer in this family. You take those clubs.’ He said, ‘Can you wear these shoes?’ I said, ‘Sure, put cotton in the toes.’ So he put cotton in the toes and I had his golf shoes. He quit and gave them over to me.”

From modest beginnings, soon others were watching and admiring his mastery of golf. Spencer’s style of play was from an era gone by, but in many ways he remained at the head of his class as a shotmaker by today’s standards. Reflecting on his beginnings, Spencer called himself an overachiever. He weighed less than 90 pounds in high school. That said, Spencer made up for his small stature with an untiring dedication to the game.

Before leaving Newport News High School, Spencer led his golf team to two state championships. In 13 tries for the Peninsula Amateur title, Spencer won 11 and was the runner-up in the other two.

Spencer later won five VSGA Amateur Championships between 1939 and 1959 and could have easily won more. He fondly recalled the culmination of his title run in ’59.

“I was 4 down on the 11th hole to [his opponent] Jordan Ball. I had just missed a putt. It just went across the edge of the hole,” Spencer once said. “As I walked to the next tee with my caddie, a man was standing there talking with his daughter. I heard him tell his daughter, ‘That’s the end of this match.’ I looked at my caddie. I said, ‘He might think so, but if I can go 4-4-4-3-4, we’ll see what happens.’ That what I did, and I beat him 2 up.”

Spencer’s lengthy record includes two consecutive six-man championships and a victory in the state father-son tournament. Spencer won the Richmond Valentine Tournament and the prestigious Belle Haven Invitational and retired the Fairacre Cup in Hot Springs with three successive triumphs. He reached the round of 16 in the U.S. Amateur and, at one time, held seven course records. Spencer scored a remarkable 28 holes in one in his lifetime.

He once won a bet with friends in which he started at No. 1 at The Homestead’s Cascades Course and played continuously to No. 5 green at the course in 11 strokes.

“I went down one, over to two and came over to nine,” Spencer once said. “We bet $25 and I won it. I had figured out in advance how I was going to go down one fairway and cross over.

“I do remember that I went down the first fairway and you can’t get from the first fairway to the ninth – there were too many big trees. I had to go over a bunch of tall trees—or through ‘em—to hit over to two. So I went down the first, over to the second, then back to the ninth and then over to the fifth fairway and on down. I’m pretty sure it was one-two-nine-five. Down nine and over to five onto the fifth green. I don’t exactly remember the bet, but however many strokes they gave me, I think I beat it by two shots. We were just goofing off, but I wouldn’t have bet $25 if I didn’t think I could do it.”

Whether by circumstance or design, Spencer’s successes came via a circuitous path. After winning his first VSGA Amateur in 1939, he went on to claim four more titles following his service in World War II. Years later, undeniably tired, worn and burned out from years spent as a teaching professional, he left the game in the late ’60s to enter private business but resumed playing non-competitively in the early ’80s.

Even into his later years, the gleam of a past champion was ever-present and his passion for the game remained strong. His goals were seemingly consistent with that of the everyday player—and he died the place he most loved to be.

“I shot a million last Thursday,” he said when he spoke years ago with Virginia Golfer at the James River Country Club in Newport News. “But I am going to go out this Thursday and try to improve. Same as every golfer.”

Spencer was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Spencer, who maintained a residence adjacent to the 16th fairway at the James River Country Club, was preceded in death by his wife and is survived by his son Wayne, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The 100th VSGA Amateur Championship is scheduled for June 25-29 at The Homestead’s Cascades Course, while the State Open of Virginia is scheduled for July 18-21 at Independence Golf Club in Midlothian.

For non-exempt amateur players, qualifying will take place at 11 sites throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

–New this year–

• Each qualifier for both the VSGA Amateur and State Open of Virginia consists of 18 holes in one day, rather than having to endure the rigors of 36 holes in one day as was the case in years past.
   

• Also new for 2013, competitors may attempt to qualify for one or both events, but may only compete in one of the first 11 qualifiers. Any member, regardless of whether or not they have competed in one of the first 11 qualifiers, may compete in a ‘Last Chance Qualifier’ for the VSGA Amateur Championship only. The qualifier will be held June 17, 2013 at Independence Golf Club. Registration may be completed online only beginning on June 12, 2013. The percentage of players advancing to the championship proper from this qualifier will be approximately 10 percent less than the percentage of players advancing from each of the first 11 qualifiers.

Please click here for the VSGA Amateur Championship microsite >>

Please click here for the State Open of Virginia microsite >>

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

Competitors in the VSGA Amateur Championship and amateurs wishing to play in the 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.

Be a Part of History at the VSGA Amateur Championship
Take your best shot at being a part of Virginia golf history as the VSGA celebrates the 100th anniversary of the VSGA Amateur Championship. The event will be conducted at one of the best mountain layouts anywhere in The Homestead’s Cascades Course, host site of the VSGA Amateur on 42 previous occasions.

As a part of the championship’s centennial, you have a chance to be a part of a host of special events the week of the VSGA Amateur, including meeting and interacting with a
distinguished list of former winners who plan on attending.

For those golfers who successfully qualify, you are invited to a dinner that will pay tribute to all past victors, as well as recognizing participants competing in the 2013 championship.    

The starting field will consist of 132 competitors, including exempt players and other VSGA members who successfully qualify for the event. Qualifying to fill the non-exempt field will take place in late May and early June.

2013 State Open of Virginia
The State Open of Virginia is a 72-hole, stroke play event with the field consisting of 168 golfers (80 eligible professionals, 80 eligible amateurs, the defending champion, professional Jay Woodson 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.

The seven remaining spots will go to the low seven Open qualifiers for amateurs and professionals on Monday, July 15 at Providence Golf Club in Richmond.

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

Professionals: The State Open of Virginia 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. Please see the State Open of Virginia Information Page

For more information about any service
offered by the VSGA, please contact:

VSGA
600 Founders Bridge Blvd.
Midlothian, Va.  23113
Phone: (804) 378-2300
Faxes: (804) 378-2369/8216
E-mail: pointman@vsga.org

Featuring a 10 a.m. shotgun start with overall gross and net winners, 60 players and 30 teams participated in the event, which was flighted by course handicap.

Overall gross winners were northern Virginians Sherry Bowman (Manassas)and Shelley Savage (Alexandria), who posted 1-over-par 74 in the misty conditions.

Meanwhile, overall net winners were locals Pam Amoss and Ellen Vanover of Harrisonburg. The tandem posted a net score of 10-under 63.

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

–Division I–
In division one, Dot Bolling (Salem) and Peggy Woodard (Virginia Beach) shot 1-over 74 to take home first low gross honors. Cyndi Carlson (Chesapeake) and central Virginian Joanne Kitusky (Glen Allen) were second after returning 2-over 75.

First low net honors in division one went to Jan Carlson (Middleburg)and Cheryl Black (Leesburg), who compiled a net score of 5-under 68. Keswick residents Cindy Thompson and Chellie Mitchell had 3-under 70 to earn second low net accolades.

–Division II–
In division two action, Kathy Mills (Spencer) and Vickie Oakes (Blairs) shot 9-over 82 to take home first low gross. Richmond residents Kim Harrington and Pam Luse carded 85 for the second low gross score.

Also in division two, Jane Cook (Waynesboro) and Neysa Simmers (Fishersville) garnered first low net accolades, recording a net score of 5-under 68. Brandy Hales (Harrisonburg)and Lisa Jenkins (Mount Crawford) earned second low net honors after totaling a net aggregate of 4-under 69.

VSGA Women’s Division tournament action resumes on Tuesday-Thursday, June 18-20 with the 36th VSGA Virginias Women’s at Lexington Golf and Country Club. The event will be conducted concurrently at the club with the 16th VSGA Senior Women’s Stroke Play Championship (ages 50 and over) on June 19-20.

HARRISONBURG ––Results from the Virginia State Golf Association Women’s Division Four-Ball Stroke Play Tournament at Spotswood Country Club on Monday, May 6.

Overall Low Gross: Sherry Bowman (Manassas)-Shelley Savage (Alexandria) – 74 (+1)Overall Low Net: Pam Amoss (Harrisonburg) and Ellen Vanover (Harrisonburg) – 63
(-10)

DIVISION I
1st Low Gross: Dot Bolling(Salem)-Peggy Woodard(Virginia Beach) – 74 (+1)
2nd Low Gross: Cyndi Carlson (Chesapeake)-Joanne Kitusky(Glen Allen) – 75 (+2)

1st Low Net: Jan Carlson(Middleburg)-Cheryl Black(Leesburg) – 68 (-5)
2nd Low Net: Cindy Thompson (Keswick)-Chellie Mitchell(Keswick) – 70 (-3)

DIVISION II
1st Low Gross: Kathy Mills(Spencer)-Vickie Oakes (Blairs) – 82 (+9)
2nd Low Gross: Kim Harrington (Richmond)-Pam Luse (Richmond) – 85 (+12)

1st Low Net: Jane Cook (Waynesboro)-Neysa Simmers (Fishersville) – 68 (-5)
2nd Low Net: Brandy Hales (Harrisonburg)-Lisa Jenkins(Mount Crawford) – 69 (-4)