FRINGE: Golf 'fore' food

This week, 64 of the area's top over-55 golfers gathered to show their support for one of the area's most vital services, the Community Food Bank.

The Green Valley Seniors Golf Classic raised more than $1,800 in cash, along with 300 pounds of food for the Food Bank, eclipsing last year's total.

Of course, there was also a competitive event happening this past week, and Green Valley's Bill Gundersen stood head and shoulders above his competition.

Gundersen, who holds the Country Club of Green Valley's amateur record, fired a 54-hole total of 207 to win the Palmer Division (ages 68-74), as well as the overall scoring title. Gundersen shot 70 on Monday at CCGV, followed by a 69 at Haven on Wednesday. He finished with a blistering 68 at Torres Blancas on Friday to take home the championship.

Erin McGinnis won the event's first female title (the Lopez Division) with an overall gross score of 276. Lynne Hawbecker won the net title (217), followed by Pam Chamberlain (220).

The Palmer Division's net champ was Charlie Hookway (197), with Doug Crawford (200) edging Dick Pearl (201) for second.

Bob Turner was the overall champ in the Nicklaus Division (ages 55-67) with a 218. Joe Einweck (185) won the net crown, followed by Bob Weatherwax (191), Doug Alley (193), Roger Nay (200) and Ken Ingham (202).

Long-time GV golf standout Joe Kreitzman (222) won the overall title for the Hogan Division (ages 75-and-over). John Bridgewater (198) was the net champ, with Jack Egnor (199), Bob Hughett (203) and Tom Rogers (206) nipping at his heels.

Each of the players listed won from $50 to $125 for their fine play.

"We've already started talk about how to make next years event bigger and better. We will try to get many more women to play, and may set up a true Championship Division," said Mike Morley, tourney chair. "A big thanks goes to Eddie [Bittle] at Country Club of Green Valley, Greg [Chesney] at Haven, Rich [Elias] at Torres Blancas, and Lynn at the Grill at Torres Blancas for their big help in making our work for the Food Bank successful."

Wow, you won't believe what Bobby Wyatt pulled off this week.

The high school golf prodigy (who just turned 18 this weekend) tore through the Alabama Boys State Junior Championship on Friday, firing 12 birdies and an eagle for -- get this -- a 57!

Wyatt, who'll attend the University of Alabama this fall, has won this event for the past three years, but never with a score this outrageous.

Have you ever heard of such a thing? I didn't even know a 57 was within the realm of possibility. I'm lucky if I make the turn at under a 57.

What's even crazier is that his birdie putt on the 18th hole came within millimeters of dropping in the cup, which would've given Wyatt a 56.

After firing a 26 on the front nine, a large and enthusiastic gallery started to gather behind Wyatt. It's something he'll need to get used to. Keep an eye on this kid.

At San Ignacio: Instead of his regularly scheduled golf tip, San Ignacio's Herb Grant would like to address what's happening at his home course. "My club, San Ignacio, has not had the proper amount of financial investment in general upkeep and maintenance by ownership. As a result, several areas of the course, such as the traps, greens, and the range have been largely ignored. Members, and outside players, are very disappointed in the poor condition of the club, and talk has focused on either finding a new owner, or even forming a group themselves to take it over. Readers who are concerned about San Ignacio's current situation, please send in your comments, including ideas regarding possible ownership changes."

nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747