Gidney Overcomes Torrential Rains to Win Spring Qualifier
Saturday May 3, 2008 - In conditions Tour chairman Bernie Bodogh called "the worst the Tour has ever played in", Lookout Point's Ryan Gidney shot an incredible 73 (+1) to win the Nevada Bob's Men's Tour Spring Qualifier by five shots at Peninsula Lakes Golf Club.
Finishing in second place with a 78 was Corey Fiwchuk, who plays out of the Legends on the Niagara. Rob Reimer from Niagara-on-the-Lake GC was third with a 79 while LochNess Links' Stew McEachern and St. Catharines G&CC's Harris Nepon tied for fourth with 81. Andy Ragats, a GAO member, finished sixth alone with an 82 while Taylor Boyd (Grand Niagara), Adam Elliott (Sparrow Lakes), Josh Groom (Links of Niagara) and Steve Tyminski (GAO) all shot 83 to tie for seventh.
The players were forced to contend with torrential rains and bitter cold temperatures in their bid to qualify for the tour.
The original plan was to take the top 15 players from the qualifier but the Tour Committee decided that all of the players who participated deserved membership for the 2008 season after braving the horrid weather.
There is no time to rest for the new members, as the first event on the main schedule takes place tomorrow at Peninsula Lakes.