Tom Hayes repeats at ’09 Harvest Classic

Another 5:45 wake up call for a 6:30 departure has become commonplace for Fridays and Saturdays at the Harvest Classic. The groups were all well rested and ready to attack the South course which was the site of round one. The competition was fierce but mostly amongst the leaders in the final group. Jim Hayes shot a 75 scoring 7 points landing him in a two way tie for third with Kevin Hayes who shot a 76, scoring him 3 points for the round. Bob Hayes also shot a 75 scoring 9 points and catapulting him into solo ownership of second place. The story of the morning belonged to Tom Hayes who proved to the group why his is a past champion. Tom shot a 68 knocking down five birdies and scoring 10 points for Saturday’s round. Tom ended up with 16 points for the tournament 5 points ahead of second place finisher Bob Hayes. Great round and tournament Tom!

After competition ended it was time for the players to gear up for the annual 18 hole scramble tournament. The weather was once again perfect for competition, 82 degrees and moderate wind. The teams were selected the previous evening which were as follows:

Team One: Tom Hayes, Jim Hayes, and Vern Shukoski
Team Two: Don Hayes, Bob Hayes, Jeff Riester, and Kent Dickson
Team Three: Tom Duffy, Kevin Hayes, Terry Haack and Patrick Hayes

Because Collin Hayes was unable to attend the tournament, team one was allowed to rotate the fourth shot between them throughout the round. The groups battled throughout the afternoon with the lead changing hands a number of times. Each group ended the 18 hole scramble competition at 8 under par in a three way tie. As in previous years this meant a sudden death playoff between the three teams. After the first hold team one failed to make birdie which left only team two and three. The teams traded pars through hole #4 where the teams decided to have a putt off to determine the winning team. In the putt off Patrick Hayes stuck the 80 foot putt to about 8 feet solidifying the win the scramble for team three.

The highlight of the scramble happened on hole #8 where a roar was heard from team three. When the group caught up Vern Shukoski was grinning from ear to ear. It turns out Vern pured his seven wood and knocked it in the hole for a hole-in-one. When ask for his thoughts Vern said “Since I don’t owe this one to my long putter I guess I just owe this one to the Miller Brewing Company!” Congratulations Vern, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.

Another Harvest Classic is in the books. Thank you goes out to the Hayes brothers and the Harvest Group for putting on the tournament. It was a perfect weekend and a great opportunity to catch up with to boys. Patrick Toney and Collin Hayes were remembered in spirit but were sorely missed from the field. We look forward to seeing them both again at the ’10 Harvest Classic. Till next year.

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