HOOVER, Ala. (June 3, 2020) – It was the perfect day for golf on Monday. With an almost fall-like morning and pleasant temperatures most of the day, the forty-eight-player field was tasked to navigate the already tricky layout Hoover Country Club presents. With its small greens, narrow fairways and swirling wind conditions, every golfer would face a challenge throughout the day – and the scores proved this to be true.
Eric Williamson of Shoal Creek, who had a run at the first Stroke Play event of the year down the road at Riverchase Country Club, got off to a fast start making birdie on two of his first three holes. He would finish this way after nine holes but falter some shooting one-over on his back nine. Chris Burley of FarmLinks Golf Club made one birdie on his front nine and would finish at the same score with a one-under 71.
Todd McCorkle of Old Overton Club was smooth and steady his entire front nine making all pars. He finally made his first birdie on the par-four fourteenth and was able to finish with a bang by adding another birdie on the par-five eighteenth. Todd Bailey from Rock Creek Golf Club made two birdies and two bogeys to finish at even as he made the turn. He was able to birdie the par-five eleventh hole and the tricky par-three seventeenth to match McCorkle and send the event to extra holes.
The playoff would begin and end on the par-four seventh hole. Both McCorkle and Bailey hit the fairway with McCorkle playing first into the kidney-shaped green with water short and left – the hole located in the very back-left corner of the green. McCorkle stepped up to his shot and flared it way left and short into the pond leaving the door wide open for Bailey. Bailey would send his second a little long leaving himself with a tricky down-hill chip shot for birdie. Bailey nearly holed his chip leaving himself an easy tap-in par to seal the victory.
Jammie Lett, Clay Brown and Neil Thompson capped off the top five with rounds of even par.
The Alabama–NW Florida PGA would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Jake Spott, PGA Head Golf Professional, and the rest of the Hoover Country Club staff for preparing an excellent venue.
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A Note From the Alabama–NW Florida PGA Staff –
We are excited to continue this transition in to a new normal in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In these uncertain times, golf gives us a place of rest and comfort – something we all need. We are committed to remaining transparent in our decisions regarding upcoming tournaments, and attentive to current events which seem to be happening in real time.
With all this said, we are encouraged by the commitment of our Members and Associates to their facilities, communities and the game of golf. We truly believe each PGA Member and Associate plays a valuable role in making a difference in the lives of people every day – we celebrate this with you. Let’s take on this new chapter together and help make the game we all love a little better each day by boldly sharing our accomplishments, our hopes and our dreams with others throughout the Section.
Thank you for your continued support.
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ABOUT THE ALABAMA–NW FLORIDA PGA
The Alabama – NW Florida PGA is one of 41 Sections that make up the PGA of America. Our Section is headquartered in the Birmingham suburb of Pelham, Alabama at Ballantrae Golf Club. Established in 1969, the Section consists of over 400 Members and Associates in the state of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. The Section exists to support its Members who are the driving force to growing the sport and business of golf.