​The Professional Golfers Association Hackers Tour (PGAHT)

FINAL STANDINGS

Champion:   

John Nunes -8

Runner-up:

Wendell Jones -4

Gerald Cabrera -4

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4. Jason Kremin -3

5. Mike Hubner -1

5. Steve Hom -1

7. Gino Susim E

7. James Lopez E

9. Cisco Bellez +2

10. Ralph Holmes +5

11. Rob Pierce +8

Nunes Finally Gets His Green Jacket

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Twelve esteemed PGAHT professionals gathered at the esteemed Paradise Valley golf course to compete for the tour's most prestigious title. Emerging victorious from the competition was John Nunes, who displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the event. Despite an initial setback with a double-bogey, Nunes quickly regained his composure and went on to record five pars, ultimately securing the coveted title of The Masters of Hack. "I've always aspired to win The Masters of Hack, and winning here at Paradise Valley is a dream come true," remarked Nunes, moments after receiving the esteemed Hackers Glass and Green Hat from last year's champion, Gerald Cabrera. This marks Nunes' eighth tour title, a remarkable achievement that undoubtedly pleased his sponsors at Ping and Hawaiian Sun. Rumors abound that Nunes may be considering a change in his equipment, as Nike has yet to comment on his potential switch from his current Sasquach driver.

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Meanwhile, the 2006 Champion Wendell Jones continued his stellar performance at Paradise Valley, recording birdies on holes 1 and 10, ultimately finishing with an impressive round of 96 and a score of (-4). Jones has a history of success at The Masters of Hack, having previously claimed the title in 2006 and securing second place in 2007 and 2008. He now looks forward to competing at Las Positas next month, with hopes of adding a second title to his illustrious resume.

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Gerald Cabrera, who tied for second place with a score of (-4) and 92, showcased his exceptional skills on the course, recording 6 pars and a remarkable 27 that earned him the second turn. Cabrera will carry this momentum into The Memorial next month, where he will also defend his title as the reigning champion. His sponsors at Cobra and Bridgestone have full confidence in his abilities to successfully defend his title.

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Jason Kremin, who secured third place with a score of 3-under par 99, returned to his winning form with a strong finish. Kremin made a strategic adjustment by opting not to use his driver, and this decision seemed to have paid off. While he didn't claim the title, he finished strong with a score of 29, earning him the third turn. Kremin now plans to fine-tune his game as he seeks to secure his second title next month, supported by his sponsors at Heavy-Putter, Prilosec, Nike, and Cleveland Golf, who have high expectations for his future success.

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Making a successful return to the tour after an extended lay-off, Mike Hubner demonstrated remarkable skill by finishing with a score of 1-under par 107, an impressive feat on the grand stage of PGAHT. With some additional practice and fine-tuning, Hubner is poised to contend for a title in the future, and the tour eagerly anticipates his further participation in the remaining events of the season.

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Steve Hom, who tied for fifth place with a score of 1-under par 95, experienced his first non-cash finish since joining the tour. However, Hom is widely regarded as one of the favorites to perform well at The Memorial next month, given his consistent play and impressive track record as the U.S. Hackers Open champion. Hom's formidable skills make him a formidable competitor who is always ready to take advantage of any slip-ups by his opponents.

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Newcomers Gino Susim and James Lopez, who each shot even par with scores of 96 and 102 respectively, were warmly welcomed to the tour. The tour eagerly looks forward to seeing them participate in future events, including The Memorial next month, as their presence will undoubtedly add to the competitive atmosphere. Both Susim and Lopez may have their sights set on claiming the title from Gerald Cabrera, the reigning champion.

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Cisco Bellez recorded a 2-over par round of 100 in the recent tournament. Despite his ongoing pursuit for his first title, Bellez remains determined to bounce back next month. Currently holding the title of "best player yet to win a title," Bellez faces increasing competition with four more events scheduled for this year, potentially resulting in a transfer of this title to another player.

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Players Champion Ralph Holmes finished in 7th place with a 5-over par score of 107. Holmes, who recently utilized his new Mizzuno MX-23 irons, expressed enthusiasm and confidence in their performance. He believes that these irons will contribute to his success in securing a second title in the near future, a sentiment echoed by his sponsors at Mizzuno and Roland J. Maples Esq. Golf. Holmes is now preparing for the traditional "Champions pairing" at The Memorial, where he is scheduled to join Cabrera, Nunes, and Hom in a group that is anticipated to attract significant attention.

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Rob Pierce's performance fell short of expectations as he finished with an 8-over par score of 117, particularly disappointing considering his past success at Paradise Valley with a score of 104 last year. Pierce's participation at the Memorial next month is tentative due to a busy schedule, as confirmed by his sponsors at Sky Caddie. However, whether it's at the Memorial or the Delta Classic in August, Pierce's sponsors have affirmed his readiness to compete.

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Robert Holmes also experienced a disappointing performance with a score of 122. While his sponsors at Callaway Golf, Srixon, and Roland J. Maples Esq. Golf have maintained their support, reports from Holmes' camp indicate a positive outlook with expectations of practice and potential practice rounds prior to the Memorial, which could significantly improve his performance by reducing his score by 18-20 strokes.

 

The Masters of Hack proved to be yet another exceptional event, and the organizers extend their gratitude to all participants for their continued support in making this tour a success. The Masters of Hack is a special tournament that continues to improve with each passing year. The organizers also express appreciation for the punctual attendance of most participants, although efforts to improve email responses are still ongoing.

 

The organizers extend a warm welcome to new participants Gino and James, and eagerly anticipate their future rounds, assuming they will shoot sub-par scores next month. Gino also mentioned the potential interest of additional players in joining the tour, and the organizers encourage further communication through email.

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Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the upcoming event at Las Positas, the Memorial, which holds its own tradition of the "Champions Pairing." This year's group will include GBC Champion Gerald Cabrera, Players Champion Ralph Holmes, U.S. Hackers Open Champion Steve Hom, and Masters of Hack Champion John Nunes, who also shares the title of U.S. Hackers Open Champion.