VALDOSTA — Fifty-two Nationwide Tour professionals took to the golf course at Kinderlou Forest Wednesday, each with four other players in tow.
Wednesday marked the second Pro-Am day of the South Georgia Classic, which grew from one last year to two this year, due to the amount of teams.
Each pro walked through the par-72 course, as his four teammates sped through on carts shooting rounds ranging from 48 and up.
The Langboard team of Craig Young, Mike Gilbert, Mark Robinson, Scott Lebman and professional Bret Guetz tied with the Langdale Industries team of Greg Miller, Tim Dame, Bruce Fortner, James Bumgarner and professional Jason Allred for the winner on the scorecard. But every team came off the course with smiles on their faces.
“It was a wonderful venue,” said Dave Durland, President and CEO of First State Bank. “The club and the tournament must have been really proud of the turnout, and the numbers of teams we had out there.”
Durland teamed with Fred Jefferson, Brad Folsom and Scott Petermann, along with pro John Kimbell. Kimbell won last year’s South Georgia Classic, and was walking the course Wednesday with thoughts of a repeat.
“It was good course,” Kimbell said. “It was in great shape, and the guys were great.”
Kimbell left a good impression on his teammates as well, especially on hole No. 11.
“John’s eagle on No. 11, that was an absolutely wonderful shot,” Durland said.
Kimbell’s 265-yard shot with a 3-wood wasn’t enough to propel his team into contention for the top, though, as they finished with a score of 54.
Finishing closer to the top was the team of Jared McGahee, Charlie Price, Jim Hickman and Steve Reeder, partnered with professional Casey Wittenberg. The team shot a 50, good enough for fourth place.
“We were having good drives in play, and we’re getting hot with the putter,” Price said.
Price said the team enjoyed playing with Wittenberg, who offered advice on putts and setting up shots.
“He was a real jewel,” Price said. “I really enjoyed playing with him, and I played in six or seven Senior PGA Pro-Ams, and he was very enjoyable.”
Price’s thought resonated through the rest of the competitors, as all of the professionals were both helpful and social with their teams.
“He was very friendly. He made the round enjoyable,” Price said. “These guys are there because it’s their business, and it’s very understandable if they weren’t quite that friendly, but he was very friendly.”
With players and their fans getting more acquainted in a light-hearted round Wednesday, the real competition starts today with a 7:15 a.m. tee time.
“(Wednesday) was a testament of the support that the community has given to this tournament, and how excited they are to have the PGA in town.”
Local News
Related Photos
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Mike Garrett, president and CEO of Georgia Power, putts on the fifth hole as Wesley Langdale, Chris Womack, pro golfer Paul Claxton, caddy Hank Smith, and Brad Lofton give words of encouragement during the Pro-Am Wednesday at Kinderlou Forest.
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President of First State Bank David Durland grimaces as he misses a short putt on the 9th hole.
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Mike Garrett of Georgia Power makes a putt on the fifth hole.
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David Durland makes a long drive off the 10th tee.
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Pro golfer John Kimbell tees off Wednesday at Kinderlou Forest.
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David Durland, president of First State Bank, looks pleased after making a long drive.
Discussion
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