2009 AAU VIRGINIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

July 25, 2009 at Independence Golf Club, Midlothian, VA

Par 72 7,127 Yards

Vivian Perez / Anthony Crump Leon Tre Craig Walter Smith

“Just Give’em A Chance”

by Anthony Crump

One of the best summer days, yet playing conditions perfect. Supportive parents as always are here cheer their juniors on. Just give’em a chance. The main core of the 2009 AAU season is here. We are completing the 2009 season at the Independence Golf Club marking our presence in the State of Virginia. The players unite from Glen Allen, Richmond, Petersburg and the Hampton Roads cities Chesapeake and Virginia Beach areas.

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) goal is providing an alternative sanction golf events for youth across the state, helping juniors find college placement and grants, it’s obviously a good fit for Virginia. I hope all Virginians will embrace the AAU Golf Division as they have baseball and basketball along with several other AAU amateur sports. Local juniors stand out–Vivian Perez is working the ball today – 1 under after 4 holes; Sydney Thompson is standing her ground on the eye shocking course.

Boy Divisions 1 and 2 are moving along with Tyler Putnam landing a munch need sandy putt on the fourth hole. There’s much more to come for this course demands. Hill upon hill we travel. To no avail I don’t think there is a piece of flat ground on the property. This is going to be tough on our new to the game, Eddie Clayton.

Let’s add some fun to this because I don’t think the course is going to allow much. Closest to the pin on hole 12 par 3 162 yards long drive hole 13 par 5 515 yards backed up by closest to the pin on hole 14 par 3 208 yards. For all you golf fans out there bring your A-game for the Independence Golf Club. Please don’t leave home without it. Closest to the pin hole 12 was Sydney Thomas 7 ft and Austin Morin 12 ft. Long drive was won by Chris Greenfield 300 yards and Vivian Perez 238. Up next hole #14 a must hit the green is very well guarded. You name it, it’s there. This hole was won by Tre Craig 6.5 ft. and Vivian Perez 12 ft. Now that the thrill is gone, on to some stiff back golf. Oops, ha, wow, I can’t believe I did that golf.

Hole #16 this looks good. Par 4 460 yards of shear wonderland. Heavy wooded on the right side, elevation at least 100 ft., with ungelating fairway to the max, left and right side finger bunches 60 yard big at 250 yards. 140 yards out wasteland if you go in, you stay in. Next elevation 50 ft., with an elevated approach shot of 25 ft. a cut hole 5 ft. in the front that makes you wanna scream. Name that par 4. I called it the majesty of Midlothian. Whole outcome you don’t want to know. This hole requires you full attention. The eighteenth is no time for a break. Use your imagination all of the above.

As the players climb the hill to the eighteen, surprisingly enough they all have some spring in their steps. That’s dedication, courage and much needed adrenalin running through their veins. I must say they finished in style, defeating this best of a course. The Midlothian Crossfire. The juniors pay their respects on the green tipping hap and handshakes as they have completed the round. Let’s see the out coming scores to access the damage. Division 1 Girls: Vivian Perez of Petersburg – First Place 34-37-71. I assure you, you haven’t heard the last of her. This young lady is a fantastic golfer. Putting in birdies from all angles handling her business. Second Place 47-47-94 was Sydney Thompson of Chesapeake. A bit of a struggle but managed to put it together with some par saves. It’s a game that can be only played. Division 2 Boys: Walter Smith of Virginia Beach First Place. The sky is the limit for Walter. He has thrived in today’s event posting a 38-41-79. Poetry in motion. A swing you can rely on. Walter also volunteers to help young and inexperienced juniors to develop their game with the AAU Golf League. He also recently won the Prestigious Paton Memorial at the Cavalier Country Club in Virginia Beach this year first in his division. Just give em a chance.

Tyler Putnam of Chesapeake placed second in the Division 2 posting a 41-42-88. This young man has worked hard developing his game practice at ever chance. To be able to compete in such events as these. He has come a long way at age 13. There’s room for growth that’s for sure and I’m sure you will see more of him. Improving a whopping 10 strokes in three months a sure to be scratch golfer next season. Division 1 Boys are you ready for this? Familiar name Leon Tre Craig from Glen Allen 40-39-79. A push to the finish braving the Midlothian Crossfire. Great job Leon. Chris Greenfield of Virginia Beach 40-39-79. Can you believe there’s another tie between these two talented young men for first place? Austin Morin of Virginia Beach third place 40-41-81. Austin has rounded off his game over the years being a contender in several events in the Hampton Roads area, making clutch shots and sinking putts when needed. OK, let’s have ourselves a playoff. We’ll head to the number 2 handicap hole, hole #17 par 5 592 yards.

First on the tee Greenfield lets a 300 yard drive out of the bag and Craig Davis left side rough at 280 yards. Craig takes his medicine and putts ball the back in play leaving a 80 yard approach shot. Greenfield nukes his center cut fairway shot pin high green side rough with a chip for eagle. Craig looks over the approach shot he has left. He takes the shot. It looks good. Wow! 2 ft. from the cup. Greenfield chips within 1 ft. of the cup. Both would birdie the hole. On to the 18^th par 4 421 yards. Greenfield drives lands left side bunker. Craig drives center fairway, Greenfield approach shot from the bunker. Boy this looks like a jumper ball above his feet 140 yards out. He takes the shot it’s high flyer coming in over the green it goes. Back side of these green is a no-no. They are severely sloped from back to front. You must stay below the hole with green likes glass, it will be a tricky shot coming out of 2-1/2” to 3”. Rough, the ball just will not stop rolling. Tre’s approach shot hits the green 12 ft for birdie. He would two put for par. Greenfield would boggie the hole. Leon Craig wins the match in the playoff. Stay tuned for some more AAU Golf Events for Virginians.