CBUSMGA - Strickland spanks monkey, wins first major at Bratish

After finishing 2nd in both majors this season, Jason Strickland gets the monkey off his back and breaks through to win his first major, and second tournament of the year, at the 2012 Bratish Open held at Phoenix Golf Links, a course that resides on top of a landfill. Jason's score of 92 was good enough to derail Todd Koch's quest to win the Mrand Slam as Todd finished in 2nd place, 12 shots back, with a 104. At the turn, Jason led Todd by only 1 net stroke, but apparently the heather got the best of Todd on the back 9. Jason also took the Closest to the Pin award as he was the only player to hit the narrow 17th green. And in true medio fashion, Jason proceeded to 3-putt the green to mar the hole. Todd earned his first Meltdown award after dropping 11 strokes on the back. Also giving back 11 strokes, and winning the Meltdown award in back-to-back tournaments, was Kim Niswander.

The Bratish Open saw another newcomer to the MGA family as Brian Ballentine participated in the event. Welcome to the MGA Brian!  Unfortunately, Phoenix wasn't very welcoming to Brian as he set CBUSMGA records with a 102 on the front 9, and 192 overall total. Brian's 17 on hole 8 also set a CBUSMGA record.

Coming in 3rd with a very strong showing, and Longest Drive, was Giang Nguyen with a score of 106. Christopher Wiford and David Safier tied for the 4th spot shooting 111. The Most Mediocre award goes to our 6th place participant Derrick Hitchens after posting a 121. Mr 7-Iron himself, Tony Zimmerman, recorded a respectable 122 to finish in 7th, but word is he lost nearly a dozen balls... on the front 9. Doug Wiford's 126 captured 8th place while John LaRue's 132 gave him 9th place. Kim Niswander was right on John's heels, posting a 133 for 10th place. 11th place goes to Jeff Gilligan with a 135. And rounding out the field was Brian Ballentine's 192.

Our next event, and final major of the year, will be held at Raccoon International in Granville OH. This course's signature hole is the 17th hole, which is an insane and devilish 666 yards from the tips. Good news, we aren't playing tips... bad news, I'm pretty sure the white tees are still over 600 yards. Mar on this whole will be a phenominal score! I hope to see a record turnout to this event!