Texas Putt-Putt

The Texas Tour traveled to Round Rock on Saturday for 54 holes of medal play on an unconventional course. Traditional orange metal rails were replaced by brick railing, making the tournament a new playing experience for the players. Despite hours of practice, players had difficulty getting used to hitting the bricks, and scores were higher than normal.

Only Steve Tanton was able to break 30 in the first round. Despite a four on the first hole, he was able to post a 9 under 27 which was good enough for a three lead over Wade Sahmel and James Taylor. Sahmel took over the tournament in the second round with a 10 under 26, the best round on the day, to give himself a five stroke lead over Tanton.

Lee Messinger started the last round six strokes behind, but with both Sahmel and Tanton struggling on the front his four under 14 was good enough to pull to within two strokes of Sahmel going into the last nine holes. Messinger started the back nine making holes 10 and 11 to push into a tie when Sahmel was unable to match. When they reached the 15th hole Sahmel had retaken a one stroke lead. Messinger would make the 15th to apply pressure. Sahmel missed and then would get a fortunate break on his second putt on the hole lipping out but catching a nearby brick and kicking back into the hole for his deuce to remain in a tie. When Messinger missed both 16 and 17, Sahmel took advantage by acing both holes to secure the win. He finished with a final total of 20 under 88 and a one stroke win over Messinger. Tanton would finish in third three strokes back. State spots went to Tanton, James Taylor, and Joel Baker.

Lewin wins in a playoff in Round Rock

Adam Sahmel and Doug Austin struggled to the first round lead at 2 under par, followed by Stanfill and Mike Huckaby at 35. One more stroke back was Alan Sahmel at even par for the round.

Lewin, coming off a streak of top five finishes recently, found success on the course in the second round, shooting 6 under par for the round and taking over the lead at 67. Alan Sahmel was a stroke back at 68, with Adam Sahmel still in pursuit at 69.

Third round action heated up with Lewin, Stanfill and Adam Sahmel tied at the end of 16 holes. The three shot par on Hole 17, taking the tournament to the last hole. Shooting in front of Lewin and Stanfill, Sahmel bogied the final hole and would settle for a third place finish at 100. Lewin and Stanfill both aced the final hole to finish tied at 98.

Stanfill started the playoff round strong, and by the end of nine holes was leading Lewin by a stroke. Lewin stormed back with four aces on the back nine to beat Stanfill by a stroke for his second win of the season.

The event was a medal play only event, so all State Championship spots were determined without match play. Texas State Qualification spots were awarded to Lewin, Adam Sahmel and Alan Sahmel.

-courtesy of Mike Huckaby

May 20, 2006 - Round Rock, Tx - Course SA
Pro Average:			91.86
Amateur Average:			102.43
							Wade Sahmel
	Pro	Money	Rd1	Rd2	Rd3	Total
1	Wade Sahmel	$120.00	30	26	32	88
2	Lee Messinger	$60.00	31	31	27	89
3	Steve Tanton	$30.00	27	34	30	91
4	James Taylor		30	34	28	92
	Joel Baker		35	30	27	92
6	Mike Baldoza		32	32	29	93
7	Steve Armstrong		33	32	33	98





							Trevor Lewin
	Amateur		Rd1	Rd2	Rd3	Total
1	Trevor Lewin^*	$20.00	37	30	31	98
2	Ken Stanfill	$10.00	35	35	28	98
3	Adam Sahmel*	$10.00	34	35	31	100
4	Alan Sahmel*		36	32	35	103
5	Mike Huckaby		35	37	33	105
6	Doug Austin		34	36	36	106
7	Todd Cabe		37	37	33	107

^Won 18 Hole Playoff: 30-31
*Earned a spot in Texas State Championship in Tyler, Tx