Graybeal Conquers Tough U.S. Open Field and Courses
16 May 2016 at 22:24 | Published by: PatPenguin | Views: 13005 | News search
Joey Graybeal - 2016 Winner (Photo by Pat Sheridan)
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On May 14 and 15, the U.S. Open was played at Putt U in Center Valley, PA. Records were set all weekend, beginning with over 70 people participating in the open field, which was the largest in U.S. Open history. It was also the toughest courses the U.S. Open has ever been played on which resulted in the highest winning scores of any U.S. Open. In the middle of these high scores, course records were also set, with 39s being shot on both the red and blue courses at Putt U.
The tournament started with wonderful weather on Saturday but some of the scores weren't as great, as the middle of the pack saw some big time names lower than where they were used to. After 4 rounds (2 on the blue course and 2 on the red course - both of which have a local "par" of 57), Danny McCaslin held a one shot lead over Joey Graybeal. After rain on Saturday afternoon during a very exciting "hole-in-one" contest round, the cold front brought weather to Sunday's rounds that was reminiscent of St. Andrews, with cloudy and windy conditions..
Joey, of Tennessee, caught up to Danny on the 3rd round on the blue course, setting up a one round showdown on the red course. With the final round close, Joey turned the tide of the tournament by acing the 14th hole, which is known as the "hardest hole in Pennsylvania." It's an 88 foot uphill shot, dodging rocks, sand traps, rough and the threat of water. After putting him in the lead, Joey just had to stay with Danny for the last 4 holes to secure the victory and $4,000 with a 250 for the 6 rounds.
Olivia Prokopova won the Women's division, coming in T-6th overall and Rick Culverhouse won the Senior's division, coming in 3rd overall. Olivia and Joey also combined to win the Team competition.
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