​The Professional Golfers Association Hackers Tour (PGAHT)

Holmes Runs Away With The Players Championship

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On a blustery day at PGAHT, Ralph Holmes made a noteworthy appearance and outperformed the competition. Despite the excitement of showcasing his new Cleveland HiBore driver, courtesy of sponsor Roland J Maples Jr. Golf, it was Holmes' exceptional iron play and consistent putting that secured his victory. Holmes capitalized on his brilliant approach shots, recording 4 pars and 9 bogeys for an impressive 10 under par 94, ultimately winning the PGAHT Players championship. This title marks Holmes' first, serving as a strong indication to the rest of the tour of his formidable skills.

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Cisco Bellez displayed consistent golf throughout the tournament, recording 9 bogeys and 3 pars to finish with a commendable 4 under par 93. Bellez's strong performance on the first and third turns earned him a share of the first turn envelope and sole possession of the third turn envelope. Despite still seeking his first title, Bellez's consistent play consistently places him at the top of the leaderboards, making him a formidable contender at next month's event at Boundary Oak, a course he is familiar with.

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Jason Kremin secured a third-place finish with 3 pars and 7 bogeys, posting a respectable 3 under par 94, including a first turn 30 for a share of the first turn envelope. Kremin had expressed concerns about his performance on par-3s leading up to the tournament, but even he must have been pleased with his performance on Saturday, with two pars and two bogeys on the challenging par-3s. Kremin was the only player in the field to conquer the difficult par-5 7th hole, recording the only par, showcasing his improving game as he heads into next month's event in search of his second title. His sponsors at Heavy Putter, Prilosec, and Cleveland Putter are likely impressed with his performance.

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Gerald Cabrera and Steve Hom both posted matching 2 under par 95s, tying for 4th place. Cabrera had a strong start with a 35 on the first turn and picked up momentum on the second turn, making pars on 8, 9, and 11 for a field-best 29. Although he didn't win the title, Cabrera left with the second turn envelope and the PGAHT trophy glass he won at last month's GBC, a noteworthy accomplishment recognized by his sponsors at Cobra and Bridgestone.

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Hom got off to a fast start with a 30 and a share of the first turn envelope. His pars on 6, 8, 9, and 14 were highlights of his round. Hom has had a successful start to the season, winning a turn last month at the GBC and now sharing the first turn envelope at PGAHT. He will be seeking his first title at Boundary Oak next month.

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Rob Pierce delivered a strong performance, finishing in red numbers with a 1 under par 103. Pierce made pars on 1 and 12, but faced challenges on holes 3, 8, and 10, which impacted his overall score. Nevertheless, his sponsors at Odyssey Putter and SkyCaddie believe Pierce is playing exceptionally well at the moment and have confidence in his ability to contend at Boundary Oak next month.

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John Nunes posted a 2 over par 99, tying with Wayne Validum (101) for 7th place. Both players performed well but were unable to break into the red numbers. With a few adjustments, Nunes and Validum are expected to climb the leaderboard next month, with Nunes seeking his 7th title and Validum aiming to build on his success at the GBC where he won a turn envelope.

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Josh Westby had an impressive performance, posting a score of 112, surpassing even his own expectations. We will closely monitor his progress throughout the year as he aims to break the century mark, and we believe that with hard work, he will achieve his goal.

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Robert Holmes, unfortunately, had a disappointing day on the course, shooting a 10 over par 114. He struggled with his driving and iron play, finding himself in the rough and bunkers frequently. However, his short game skills were evident, as he displayed excellent chipping, pitching, and putting. Despite rumors of potential sponsorship withdrawals, Callaway Golf and Srixon continue to support Robert, and he will be playing with his trusted HX-Hots and AD333's at Boundary Oak next month.

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Bobby Brooks made a welcomed return to the tour, posting a score of 115. We are glad to have him back and hope to see him participate in more events this year.

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In the end, it was a memorable PGAHT event, with a new champion crowned (Congratulations Ralph!!). We extend our gratitude to all the participants for making it a fun and competitive day on the course. Despite challenging windy conditions once again, we look forward to better luck with the weather at Boundary Oak next month.