2017-10-01_Viniterra
The final major, the final chance at glory for the 2017 season. The 1st of October finds the new and old members aligning for a chance to take home the trophy of The VA Championship (PGA). See if the last Va. champion, Steve can hold off the most recent major champion, Mike or a newcomer like Patrick. Will long time members Rick or Jon N. return to past successes. Can Todd capture his second major after getting a taste at last year’s British? Viniterra hosts its 3rd major but 1st Va. Championship, who will take home the final major of the year?
Jon N. struggled from the beginning, putting him behind the eightball in his quest to win his first major in the last 7 attempts. Todd jumped out to a slim, early 1 up lead over Rick after 3, going bogey-bogey-par. The lead flip-flopped on number 4 as Rick found par on the par-5 as Todd double-bogeyed. Steve remained steady, only 1 back and tied with Todd. Mike limped out the gate but remained within shouting distance of the top 3. Rick’s triple on the 5 in combination with a par by Todd, flip-flopped the lead again, and again, Steve was 1 back. Three pars on the final 4 holes of the front brought Rick back to a share of the lead with Todd, as Steve found himself 2 back at the turn. This is your final group after the re-pairings at the turn. Mike, Jon N., and Patrick will have to come from behind to post a low number for the final group to chase.
The old front 9 is now the new back 9 at Viniterra, a 9 Rick has traditionally done well on in comparison. Things were tight as Steve drew even after 12 holes, this major would be decided in the final 6 holes between the final group. As Rick bogeyed the par-4 13th, Todd found a triple and Steve found a snowman, breaking the deadlock. On 14, Rick again found bogey, and Steve again found a snowman, while Todd found its relative, creating even greater separation with only 4 holes to go, but anything can happen on this tour, especially under major pressure. But Rick when par-bogey-par-par to finish the round in fashion, taking his first major title since 2009, and only his 3rd all-time, by 8 shots.
