2016-03-19_Independence

A testement to the growth of the RAGA tour, our first major of the 2016 season brings multiple groups vying for the conveted green jacket. The Masters Champion will be the title awarded to the top golfer among these challengers: Steve, Rick, Mike, Jon C., Jon N., and Todd as they take on Independence GC!

A cold, windy, drizzly day made it rough going for the 2 3-somes at Independence GC. But the competition of fierce as the 6 vied for the green jacket. Steve jump out of the gates early, establishing a comfortable lead thru 9. A group behind, Rick tried to keep pace but only managed to stay within 5 as the closest competetor. Jon N. couldn't get a feel for his game in the cold after a long layoff from the game but remained within striking distance.

Todd had the golfing gods against him today, a few bad bounces led to penalty strokes early. Finally getting his first par on 9, Todd closed with pars on the remaining par 3s. Mike found his swing and his long game looked in peak form, but his short game and putting struggled in the cooler weather and major pressure. Jon C. faultered out of the gates with a few snowmen early and finished with only 2 pars in the round.

Rick began to close the gap on the back 9 beginning with a birdie on 10, but a double par 8 on #16 stopped the momentum and Steve did enough to maintain his impessive lead he established on the front. After a full 18 was completed, Steve walked a way a two shot victor and defended his Masters title.