Randy Reeves Wins 2009 PPA Western Open Title in Tyler, TX3 May 2009 - Tyler, TX - The PPA National Tour ventured to course # 1 at the beautiful Tyler, TX Putt-Putt Fun Center to contest the first event on the 2009 PPA National Tour schedule, the two-day, 144-hole PPA Western Open. Host professional Tom Adair and his wife Kat graciously welcomed the tour to the old-style course layout which boasted numerous unique and challenging hole designs, many of which required varying amounts of spin in order to be aced. The result was a significant separation of field scoring in both the professional and amateur divisions. 
Randy Reeves
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Already having captured the Southern Putting Tour Match Play Championship and the Southern Putting Tour Carolinas' Open in the young 2009 season, 1997 PPA National Champion Randy Reeves continued his inspired 2009 play en route to an impressive, wire-to-wire victory in the PPA Western Open. Reeves posted rounds of 24, 26, 24, 27, 24, 26, 28, and 30 for a 144-hole total of 209 and a two-stroke win. Reeves withstood a valiant final-round charge by 1993 PPA National Champion Andy Coradini, who earned runner-up honors at 211. Two-time PPA National Champion Cliff Matthews and PPA Hall of Fame member Greg Ward shared third position at 215. At 216, PPA Hall of Fame member Mike Baldoza and reigning NC State Champion Ricky Schults tied for fifth place. The cash line for the thirteen money spots awarded in the tournament fell at a score of 221. Qualification spots into the 2009 PPA Tournament Players Championship were accepted by Reeves, Coradini, Matthews, Ward, Schults, Jeffrey Smith, Byron Kirby, Rainey Statum, Charlie Greenwalt, Joel Baker, Greg Newport, and Jeff Carr. 
Mickey DeLucca
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In the amateur division, gallery favorite Mickey Delucca earned his first career individual PPA National Tour amateur title by recording rounds of 30, 26, 27, 28, 28, 30, 29, and 32 for a 144-hole total of 230. Delucca used a stellar second-round 26, which tied the tournament's low round in the amateur division, to pole-vault into a share of the lead, a lead he would not relinquish. Reigning NC APA State Champion Todd Trent fired a seventh-round 26 to creep within two strokes of Delucca's lead with one round remaining, but only could equal Delucca's final-round 32 and settled for a second-place finish at 232. With an eighth-round 27, Tyler, TX local amateur standout Gary Plain swashbuckled his way to a third-place finish at 234. At 236, 2007 Texas Open APA Champion Trevor Lewin completed the event in fourth position. After holding second place following the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds, 2005 Texas Tour Tournament Players Champion Steve Tanton struggled in the final two rounds of the event but held on to notch a fifth-place finish at 238. The final of the nine amateur division expense reimbursement spots allocated in the tournament fell at a score of 241. The six qualification spots awarded in the amateur division for the 2009 PPA Tournament Players Championship went to Delucca, Trent, Lewin, Terry Smith, Chris Alley, and Michael Foster.
The PPA National Tour membership extends its thanks and expresses its great appreciation to course owners Kat and Tom Adair and their staff for their warm hospitality and extensive efforts in hosting a very successful tournament weekend. The PPA National Tour returns to action on the weekend of June 20-21, 2009 with the contesting of the two-day, 144-hole PPA Eastern Open on historic course # 3 at the Richmond, VA Putt-Putt Fun Center. Action commences at noon on Saturday, June 20 and at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 21. 2009 Professional Putters Association
National Tour Schedule 
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11 February 2009 - The Professional Putters Association proudly announces its 2009 PPA National Tour schedule. The tournament itinerary includes four regional PPA National Opens as well as the events of the PPA National Championship week.
The 2009 PPA National Tour schedule will commence in Tyler, TX on May 2-3 with the contesting of the PPA Western Open, hosted by the PPA Western Putting Tour. On June 20-21, the Virginia PPA Tour will host the PPA Eastern Open at the Richmond, VA Putt-Putt Fun Center. The PPA Southern Putting Tour will hold the PPA Southern Open on July 18-19 in Martinez, GA. The PPA National Tour will travel to Columbus, IN on August 15-16 for the PPA Northern Open, which will be hosted by the PPA Northern Putting Tour.
The Putt-Putt facility in the West Village complex of the beautiful Orange Lake Resort and Country Club in Kissimmee, FL will serve as the host site for the 2009 PPA National Championship week on September 14-19. Tournaments to be contested will include the PPA ProPutters.com Classic, PPA Tournament Players Championship, PPA National Seniors Championship, and PPA National Doubles Championship. The featured events of the historic week will be the APA National Championship on September 17-18 and the landmark 50th annual PPA National Championship on September 17-19.
Corporate sponsorship of the events as well as sponsorships of individual professional putters still are available. For more information on sponsoring an event or a player, please contact PPA Commissioner Joe Aboid by e-mail at commissioner@proputters.com. Click here for information on the 2009 PPA National Tour
Orange Lake Country Club and Resort to Host the 50th Annual Professional Putters Association's National Championship14 October 2008 - Orange Lake Resort and Country Club in Orlando, Florida has been selected to host the 50th annual PPA National Championship Tournament September 14-19, 2009. "We are excited to be hosting the 2009 PPA Championship at our Putt-Putt Course located in our West Village complex." said Rick Galipault, vice-president of Resort Recreation in Orange Lake. "Whether you have been with us in previous years, or will be a newcomer to Orange Lake, you'll find lots of great changes."
Orange Lake last hosted the championships in September 1999.
"Orange Lake is one the country's most prestigious resorts in one of the great cities in the world", said Joe Aboid, Professional Putters Association Commissioner. "What a great venue for our tournament players and their families." (click here for a letter from Rick Galipault, Vice-President of Resort Recreation for Orange Lake Country Club and Resort Orlando) This will be the 50th Annual National Championship for the Professional Putters Association, which began its national tournament program in 1959. Since then, over $8,000,000 in prize money has been awarded. The annual event brings the finest professional and amateur putters from around the world together to crown the Association's National Champions. Kevin Lacey of Cincinnati, OH is the defending PPA National Champion and James Walker of Richmond, VA is the defending APA National Champion. A complete schedule of events is available here. | 2009 PPA National Tournaments | 
Official Insurance Agency of the Professional Putters Association
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May 2-3, 2009 - 2009 PPA Western Open (Tyler, TX) June 20-21, 2009 - 2009 PPA Eastern Open (Richmond, VA) July 18-19, 2009 - 2009 PPA Southern Open (Martinez, GA) August 15-16, 2009 - 2009 PPA Northern Open (Columbus, IN) September 14-19, 2009 - 2009 PPA Week of the Nationals
(Orange Lake Resort and Country Club, Orlando, FL) Click here for Complete details on the 2009 PPA National Tournament Program Click here for National Tour Statistics through the 2009 Western Open | PPA Regional, State, and Local Tournaments | July 4 - Gastonia, NC - Southern Putting Tour - Course # 3 - Noon
July 5 - Gastonia, NC - Southern Putting Tour - Course # 3 - 10 a.m. July 11 - Lake Charles, LA - Western Putting Tour (Louisiana Open) - Course # 3 - Noon
July 12 - Lake Charles, LA - Western Putting Tour - Course # 3 - 10 a.m.
July 12 - Lake Charles, LA - Western Putting Tour (Western TPC) - Course # 3 - 1 p.m. July 18 - Martinez, GA - PPA Southern Open - Blue Course - Noon
July 19 - Martinez, GA - PPA Southern Open - Blue Course - 9 a.m. July 25 - Richmond, VA - Virginia State Tour - Course # 3 - Noon
July 26 - Richmond, VA - Virginia State Tour (Virginia Open) - Course # 3 - 9:30 a.m. August 1 - Warren, OH - Great Lakes Putting Tour - Course # 3 - 10 a.m.
August 1 - Warren, OH - Great Lakes Putting Tour - Course # 3 - ~2:30 p.m.
August 1 - Winston-Salem, NC - Southern Putting Tour - Nature Course - Noon
August 1 - Waco, TX - Western Putting Tour (Medal & Teams) - Course # 3 - 10 a.m.
August 1 - Waco, TX - Western Putting Tour (Pro AM) - Course # 3 - 2 p.m.
August 1 - Columbus, IN - Indiana Putting Tour (Legends Classic - Day 1) - Course # 2 - 12:30 p.m.
August 2 - Warren, OH - Great Lakes Putting Tour - Course # 3 - 10 a.m.
August 2 - Winston-Salem, NC - Southern Putting Tour - Nature Course - 10 a.m.
August 2 - Waco, TX - Western Putting Tour (Tour Championship) - Course # 3 - 9 a.m.
August 2 - Columbus, IN - Indiana Putting Tour (Legends Classic - Day 2) - Course # 2 - 9 a.m.
Important Notice for PPA State Tour Schedules
Locations for PPA State Tour events are subject to change. Players are encouraged to verify sites by visiting ProPutters.com. All PPA State Tour events sites and dates posted 2 weeks prior to the scheduled playing dates are to be considered final site locations.
| PPA State Tour News and Results | Jimmy Clark (PPA Pro) and Carey Bailey (APA) Win in Lubbock, TX
Jimmy Clark
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24 May 2009 - Lubbock, TX - Jimmy Clark of Calhoun, Louisiana, won the Professional Division of the Western Putting Tour Qualifying tournament this afternoon in Lubbock, Texas, by one stroke over Gary Reed of Lubbock, Texas, and a total field of 8 professionals after he shot a 32 under par, 76, after 54 holes of medal play. Kelly Mize of Lubbock, Texas, and Joel Woodall of Lubbock, Texas, shared the first round lead after they both shot a 12 under par 24 for the first round. Mize shot a second round score of 10 under par, 26, to claim the second round lead at 22 under par, 50, by one stroke over both Clark and Lee Messinger of Dallas, Texas, who shot a 12 under par 24. Clark shot an 11 under par 25 for the final 18 holes to slip by Reed by one stroke and claim his first victory of the season. Western Putting Tour State Championship qualifying spots were won by Clark, Mize and Woodall. 
Carey Bailey
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Carey Bailey of Lubbock, Texas, won the Amateur Division of the Western Putting Tour Qualifying tournament this morning in Lubbock, Texas, after beating Danny Tatum of DeRidder, Louisiana, and Ken Stanfill of Waco, Texas, and a total field of 9 amateurs after he shot a 27 under par, 81, after 54 holes of medal play. After the first round of play, there was a three way tie for first place among Bailey, Tatum and Trevor Lewin of Dallas, Texas at 10 under par 26. Bailey and Tatum were tied at 19 under par, 53, after 36 holes of play. Bailey shot an 11 under par, 25, for the final round to beat Stanfill and Tatum by one stroke to claim his first tour victory this season. Western Putting Tour State Championship Qualifying spots were won by Adam Sahmel of Huffman, Texas, Danny Halpain of Lubbock, Texas, and Todd Cabe of Lubbock, Texas. click here for the complete article and scores
Donnie Halpain (PPA Pro) and Danny Tatum (APA) Win in Lubbock, TX 
Donnie Halpain
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23 May 2009 - Lubbock, TX - Donnie Halpain of Lubbock, Texas, won the Professional Division of the Western Putting Tour Qualifying tournament this afternoon in Lubbock, Texas, by one stroke over Lee Messinger of Dallas, Texas, and a total field of 8 professionals after he shot a 29 under par, 79, after 54 holes of medal play. Halpain shot an 11 under par 25 for the first round, and held a one stroke lead over a trio of players, including Messinger, Joel Woodall and Kelly Mize of Lubbock, Texas. Woodall then shot another 10 under par 26, for a 20 under par 52 after 36 holes of play and held a one stroke lead over Halpain. Halpain shot a 10 under par 26 for the final 18 holes to slip by Messinger by one stroke and claim his first victory of the season. Western Putting Tour State Championship qualifying spots were won by Halpain and Tom Adair of Tyler, Texas during medal play and Woodall and Mize during match play. 
Danny Tatum
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Danny Tatum of DeRidder, Louisiana, won the Amateur Division of the Western Putting Tour Qualifying tournament this afternoon in Lubbock, Texas, after beating Danny Halpain of Lubbock, Texas, and a total field of 10 amateurs after he shot a 23 under par, 85, after 54 holes of medal play. After the first round of play, Adam Sahmel of Huffman, Texas, shot an 11 under par 25, to lead Ken Stanfill of Waco, Texas, by one stroke. Danny Halpain shot a 9 under par, 27, to hold a one stroke lead over Tatum after thirty-six holes at 17 under par, 55. Tatum shot a final round score of 7 under par, 29, to beat Halpain for first place after 54 holes of medal play to claim his third tour victory this season. Western Putting Tour State Championship Qualifying spots were won by Tatum and Halpain during medal play and Sahmel and Chris Franks of Dallas, Texas during match play. click here for the complete article and scores
James Taylor (PPA Pro) and Mickey Delucca (APA) Win in Lubbock, TX 
James Taylor
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23 May 2009 - Lubbock, TX - James Taylor of Lubbock, Texas, won the Professional Division of the Western Putting Tour Qualifying tournament this morning in Lubbock, Texas, by one stroke over Joel Woodall of Lubbock, Texas, and a total field of 8 professionals after he shot a 29 under par, 79, after 54 holes of medal play. Woodall shot an outstanding 14 under par 22 for the first round, and held a 4 stroke lead over Lee Messinger of Dallas, Texas. Woodall then shot a 7 under par 29, for a 21 under par 51 after 36 holes of play and held a two stroke lead over Messinger. Taylor fired an 11 under par 25 over the final 18 holes to slip by Woodall by one stroke and claim his first victory of the season. Western Putting Tour State Championship qualifying spots were won by Taylor, Woodall and Gary Reed of Lubbock, Texas.
Mickey DeLucca
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Mickey DeLucca of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, won the Amateur Division of the Western Putting Tour Qualifying tournament this morning in Lubbock, Texas, after beating Carey Bailey of Lubbock, Texas, and a total field of 9 amateurs after he shot a 22 under par, 86, after 54 holes of medal play. After the first round of play, there was a four way tie for first at 7 under par, 29, among DeLucca, Bailey, Danny Tatum of DeRidder, Louisiana, and Danny Halpain of Lubbock, Texas. Tatum shot an 8 under par, 26, to hold a one stroke lead over Halpain after thirty-six holes at 15 under par, 57. DeLucca shot a final round score of 10 under par, 26, to beat Bailey for first place after 54 holes of medal play to claim his second tour victory in a row. Western Putting Tour State Championship Qualifying spots were won by Bailey, Tatum and Halpain.click here for the complete article and scores
Randy Reeves Brings Home the Bacon with a Seven Stroke Victory in Louisville, KY17 May 2009 - Louisville, KY - The Indiana Putting Tour contested its first six-round major of the season on Course 3 in Louisville, Ky., the site of the 2008 PPA Northern Open.
Randy Reeves
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The tourney ended with arguably the nation's hottest player bringing home all the bacon as Randy Reeves completed a weekend sweep of the IPT events with a seven-shot victory. Reeves, who travelled nearly 500 miles from Montgomery, Alabama to compete in the IPT opening weekend, won his fourth tournament of the season. Reeves shot a 154, 62 under par, to win by seven shots over a trio of players: 1984 National Match Play Champion Charlie Greenwalt, 2008 PPA National Champion Kevin Lacey and 2008 Northern Putting Tour Medal Play Champion Nate Nichols. Defending PPA Northern Open champion Jerry Pinotti grabbed the last cash spot, finishing fifth with a 162. After three rounds, Reeves had a 78 and a three-stroke lead over Lacey and Pinotti. After a lunch break and a re-pairing of the field, Reeves posted a 26 in the fourth round to gain a stroke on his closest competitors including playing partner Pinotti. Then he turned on the heat with a 22 in the fifth round, the best round in the field. That gave him an eight-stroke lead and he finished with a solid 28 to clinch it. In the amateur division, Cincinnati's Brandon Davis, the 2007 APA Tournament Players Championship winner, rolled to a 12-stroke win to claim his first win of the season. Davis shot a 159, 57 under par to beat Steve Ventura, who had a 171. Tom Russell finished third with 172. Davis, trying to make up for a sub-par tourney the day before to open the season, was tied for the lead after two rounds before exploding for an impressive 100 the final four rounds. Leading playing partner Tom Russell by a stroke entering the fourth round, Davis gained two strokes in the fourth and five in the fifth to take control. Ventura, son of PPA pro and 1987 TV match-play contestant John Ventura, was playing his first weekend ever on a state tour. He beat his father by two strokes in the tourney. click here for the complete article and scores
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17 May 2009 - Richmond, VA - On a rainy and windy morning, the Virginia Tour gathered to contest the final of three 54-hole weekend events on course # 3 at the Richmond, VA Putt-Putt Fun Center. Designated by the tour as an annual Memorial Tournament, the event served to recognize the lives and playing careers of Virginia Tour competitors who have passed away. This season's emphasis was placed on honoring the memory of former Richmond, VA amateur standout Barry Moore, who played his final season as a professional before suddenly and tragically passing away in August 2008. A U.S. Navy veteran and owner of a successful computer software consulting company, Moore was a dedicated and popular tour stalwart whose career highlights included amateur division titles in the 2007 Elton Davis Memorial, 2006 Virginia Open, and 2006 Palmetto Classic. As well, Moore established and operated a thorough internet website for several seasons which was dedicated solely to reporting on nationwide amateur division tournament results and related amateur division topics.
Tony Jackson
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An old adage states that great things often come in small packages. That certainly has been the case regarding the 2009 PPA season results of reigning VA Putting Classic Champion Tony Jackson, arguably the sport's hottest player residing outside the borders of Alabama. After posting pedestrian opening rounds of 27 and 26 in the challenging playing conditions, Jackson staged an inspired final-round clubhouse charge. A spectacular third-round 22 propelled Jackson to a 54-hole total of 75 and a one-stroke victory, his second of the 2009 PPA season. Two-time PPA ProPutters.com Classic Champion Greg Newport polished off a brilliant weekend performance to share second place at 76 with 2006 PPA National Champion Brad Lebo, who carded roller coaster rounds of 23, 30, and 23 to complete the dubious trifecta of missing a playoff by one stroke in each of the weekend's three tournaments. Second-round leader Rick Rybaczek recorded a third-round 27 to precipitate into a four-way fourth-place tie at 77 with two-time Virginia Open Champion Manfred Stewart, reigning NC State Champion Ricky Schults, and 1991 VA State Champion Ed Grajewski. The cash line for the twelve money spots awarded in the event fell at 81.
Malcolm Shumaker
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In the amateur division, 1999 VA APA State Champion Malcolm Shumaker followed up a sizzling, tournament-low first-round 21 with rounds of 30 and 25 to post a 54-hole score of 76 and tie 1983 VA APA State Champion Mike Matthews at the end of regulation play. The two grizzled amateur veterans would meet in an 18-hole playoff to determine a winner. At 79, 2003 APA National Champion Bonnie White notched third-place honors. Two-time APA National Champion Clayton Craft, Esq., who in the previous day's two events won and lost in a playoff, and Bill Petrie matched final-round 23's to join defending champion Marty Handschuh in a tie for fourth position at 80. That trio captured the tournament's final amateur division expense reimbursement spots.
In the ensuing 18-hole amateur division playoff, Shumaker established a one-stroke lead at the turn with an outward nine score of 12. Shumaker increased his advantage to three strokes after acing the 14th hole and coasted to the finish line to defeat Matthews, 26-28. The triumph was Shumaker's second of the 2009 season. click here for the complete article and scores
Dennis Biesma Earns Playoff Win Over Greg Newport in Richmond, VA
Dennis Biesma
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16 May 2009 - Richmond, VA - On a windy spring afternoon, the Virginia Tour contested the second of three weekend 54-hole tournaments on historic course # 3 at the picturesque Richmond, VA Putt-Putt Fun Center. Despite the oft-perplexing winds, sophomore pro Dennis Biesma posted consistently superb rounds of 23, 24, and 24 for a 54-hole total of 71 to match defending champion Greg Newport for the lead at the end of regulation play. An 18-hole playoff would determine a champion. After equaling the professional division tournament-low round of 22 in the middle round, 2006 PPA National Champion Brad Lebo seized the 36-hole lead at 46. But for the second consecutive tournament, Lebo missed joining the playoff by one stroke after suffering a third-round bogey on the nearly-automatic hole 2. That exhibition of ineptitude dropped Lebo into a third-place tie at 72 with two-time Virginia Open Champion Manfred Stewart, who charged into the clubhouse with a stellar final-round 23. 2006 GA State Champion Michael Hitt peeked out from underneath the Brobdingnagian 2009 putting shadow being cast by his travelling compatriot Tony Jackson to complete the event in fifth position at 75. The final of the thirteen money spots allocated for the tournament fell at a score of 78.
In the ensuing 18-hole playoff, Newport leaped out to a two-stroke advantage at the halfway mark with 12 on the outward nine. But as Newport deuced holes 10-12, an inspired Biesma took command of the playoff. Biesma fired a brilliant 10 on the inward nine, failing to ace only hole 13, en route to a playoff rout of Newport, 24-27. The victory was Biesma's first of the 2009 PPA season.
Clayton Craft
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Playoffs clearly were pandemic in the weekend action. In the amateur division, 2005 Virginia Putting Classic APA Champion Marty Handschuh followed up lackluster opening rounds of 26 and 28 with a spectacular final-round 23 to break out of the amateur pack and join defending champion Clayton Craft, Esq. atop the final leaderboard at 77, resulting in the third playoff of the weekend between the professional and amateur divisions. 1999 VA State APA Champion Malcolm Shumaker and second-round leader Art Koerber shared third place at 79. Reigning Southern Putting Tour APA Champion Ben Blake used a weekend-low second-round 21 to finish in fifth position at 81. At 82, 2004 JPA National Champion John Petrie garnered a sixth-place finish and received the final amateur division expense reimbursement allotment.
In a tight amateur division playoff battle, Craft grabbed a two-stroke lead after recording a front-nine 13. Handschuh aced hole 11 to cut the deficit to one stroke. After the duo matched cards on holes 12-17, Handschuh stepped to the 18th tee with honors and with a perfectly-struck ace putt maneuvered into a tie with Craft. Craft followed with a deuce. With the pair deadlocked at 29, a winner would be determined in sudden death. With an ace on the first hole of sudden death, Handschuh earned a hard-fought victory. The triumph was the affable accountant's first of the 2009 season.click here for the complete article and scores
Randy Reeves Claims Indiana Putting Tour Opener in Louisville, KY16 May 2009 - Louisville, KY - The Indiana Putting Tour celebrated its revival after three seasons with its opening tournament on the beautiful but challenging Course 1 layout in Louisville, KY.
Randy Reeves
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The Indiana and Great Lakes tours have separated into their original forms after three years together as the Northern Putting Tour. Not separating from his continued strong putting form was Randy Reeves, who drove nearly 500 miles from Montgomery, Ala. to play in the opening weekend. Already the winner of three major tournaments this year including the 2009 Western Open in Tyler, TX, Reeves claimed the opening event of the new Indiana Tour. Reeves shot 104, 23-24-29-28, to win by two strokes over Louisville course owner Tim Greenert. The tourney was Reeves' to lose after taking a three-stroke lead after one round with a 23. He kept his foot on the gas, adding a 24 to go up by seven strokes, then held that lead with a steady finish of 29 and 28. It was enough to hold off Greenert's late charge as he finished with a 25. 2008 Northern Putting Tour Medal Play Champion Nate Nichols was in third place with 111. Three tour veterans, 2008 Northern Open Champion Jerry Pinotti, 1968 National Champion Bob Marcellino and Indianapolis pro Shawn Gilliland tied for fourth and split the last two cash spots. In the amateur division, it was Louisville's own Tom Russell posting the win with a 116 (28-28-30-30), 28 under par. He broke a final-round tie with fellow local Ryan Murphy, who finished with a 36. 2008 Northern Putting Tour Medal Play champion Rick Ossenfort was second with 121. Murphy and Karen Raizor tied for third place with 122. click here for the complete article and scores
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Greg Newport Defeats Rick Rybaczek in Playoff to Win Battle of Doubles Partners In Richmond, VA
16 May 2009 - Richmond, VA - Host professional and course manager Gary Hinshaw and his staff welcomed the Virginia Tour to the first of three weekend 54-hole events on the immaculately-maintained course # 3 at the Richmond, VA Putt-Putt Fun Center. The day's tricky, swirling winds led to much higher general field scoring than had been anticipated.
Greg Newport
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Two-time PPA ProPutters.com Classic Champion Greg Newport fired steady rounds of 25, 25, and 25 for a 54-hole total of 75 to tie his perennial doubles partner, 2008 Southern Putting Tour Match Play Champion Rick Rybaczek, atop the leaderboard at the end of regulation play. A victor would be determined in an 18-hole playoff. After acing a stretch of 22 out of 27 holes early in the tournament, 2006 PPA National Champion Brad Lebo endured a ten-hole stretch of even-par play that would have made the Keystone Cops appear competent by comparison. Lebo subsequently scrambled to join PPA Hall of Fame legend Daryl Freeman and reigning GA State Champion Jeff Carr in a three-way, third-place logjam at 76. Second-round leader and defending champion John Bambling struggled to a final-round 30 and tumbled into a tie for eighth position at 78. The cash line for the thirteen money spots awarded in the tightly-contested event fell at 79.
Clayton Craft
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In the ensuing 18-hole playoff, Newport built a one-stroke advantage on the outward nine with an opening-nine 12. Newport extended his lead to two strokes after an ace on the 11th hole. Rybaczek fought back valiantly, however, acing the 12th and 16th holes to grab a share of the playoff lead. After the contestants matched deuces on the fickle 17th hole, Rybaczek, with honors, opened the door for Newport by lagging his ace effort on the final hole. Seizing the opportunity, Newport struck a perfect tee shot. As his ball found the bottom of the cup, Newport defeated Rybaczek in the playoff, 26-27, and earned his second win of the 2009 PPA season.
In the amateur division, two-time APA National Champion Clayton Craft, Esq. crafted rounds of 26, 28, and 25 for a 54-hole total of 79 and a two-stroke triumph, his second of the year. Defending champion Mike Matthews captured runner-up honors at 81. Richmond, VA local standout Malcolm Shumaker completed the event in third position at 82. At 83, the father-and-son tandem of Bill Petrie and second-round leader John Petrie, who suffered a third-round 30, shared fourth place. The final of the six amateur expense reimbursement spots allocated in the tournament came at a score of 85.click here for the complete article and scores
Randy Reeves Captures 25th Annual Carolinas' Open Title
Randy Reeves
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26 April 2009 - White Lake, NC - On a sunny, pleasant spring morning, the Southern Putting Tour contested its first major medal play tournament of the season, the 72-hole Carolinas' Open, on course # 1 at the White Lake, NC Putt-Putt facility. 1997 PPA National Champion Randy Reeves took full advantage of the favorable playing conditions, firing progressively-improving rounds of 26, 25, 24, and 23 for a 72-hole total of 98 and a one-shot win, his second of the 2009 PPA season. With his second career Carolinas' Open title, Reeves became the fifth player in the 25-year history of the tournament to notch multiple victories in the event. Tony Jackson, who had won the Virginia Putting Classic just a week earlier, made a valiant attempt at capturing his second major state tour title in eight days. Sharing the third-round lead with Reeves at 75, Jackson posted a stellar final-round 24 ahead of Reeves. At 99, however, Jackson's efforts fell a stroke short of success and the diminutive putting dynamo settled for runner-up honors. 2006 GA State Champion Michael Hitt provided yet another impressive 2009 season performance, finishing in third position at 104. A fourth-place tie at 105 included two-time PPA ProPutters.com Classic Champion Greg Newport and PPA Hall of Fame member Greg Ward. The cash line for the sixteen money spots awarded in the event fell at 110. 
Vanette Block
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The amateur division of the tournament could have doubled as the women's division, as two female players dominated the amateur action. 2006 PPA Women's National Champion Vanette Block carded steady rounds of 26, 27, 26, and 27 for a 72-hole total of 106 and a two-stroke triumph, her fourth in eight amateur contests in 2009. 2003 APA National Champion Bonnie White orchestrated a spirited charge at Block's lead early in the final round. Entering the fourth round at 81 and two strokes behind Block's lead, White recorded a front-nine 11 to maneuver well within striking distance. After an ace at the 16th hole, White needed to ace the final two holes to force a playoff with Block. White's ace effort narrowly missed on the 17th hole, however, and she completed the event in second place at 108. 2001 PPA National Championship runner-up Ray Guthrie finished in third position at 113. After seizing a three-stroke 36-hole lead at 50, 2007 NC APA State Champion Chris Alley struggled in the event's final two rounds and at 115 fell into a tie for fourth place with 2004 Carolinas' Open APA Champion Steve Helton. The final of the fourteen amateur expense reimbursement spots distributed in the tournament came at a score of 121. Jay Klapper Fires Final-Round 23 to Defeat Michael Hitt by One Stroke in White Lake, NC 
Jay Klapper
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25 April 2009 - White Lake, NC - On course # 1 at the beautiful White Lake, NC Putt-Putt facility, the Southern Putting Tour held the second of two Saturday 54-hole tournaments. With significant late-afternoon heat and bright sunshine, judging proper speed on the thick, newly-laid carpets became quite difficult. The challenging conditions proved no match for the putting wizardry of 2005 PPA National Champion Jay Klapper, however, as he followed opening rounds of 27 and 25 with a tournament-low final-round 23 to record a 54-hole total of 75 and earn a one-stroke victory, his first of the 2009 PPA season. 2006 GA State Champion Michael Hitt continued his recent stellar play, completing the event in second place at 76. At 78, 2008 Southern Putting Tour Match Play Champion Rick Rybaczek finished third. A three-way, fourth-place logjam at 79 included 2006 PPA National Champion Brad Lebo, two-time PPA ProPutters.com Classic Champion Greg Newport, and reigning NC State Champion Ricky Schults. Second-round leader Manfred Stewart suffered a final-round 31 to tumble into a three-way tie for seventh position at 80. The last of the eighteen money spots allocated in the professional division for the tournament came at 84. 
Todd Trent
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In the amateur division, reigning NC APA State Champion Todd Trent easily could have been preoccupied with preparing for the lavish cookout which he hosts each season at the conclusion of the Saturday events in White Lake. Instead, Trent turned the post-tournament soiree into a victory party, as he carded rounds of 28, 24, and 30 for a 54-hole total of 82 and a one-shot triumph, his first in 2009. Wilson, NC's Johnny Brown captured runner-up honors at 83. At 84, 1999 VA APA State Champion Malcolm Shumaker finished in third position. A three-way tie for fourth place included 2003 APA National Champion Bonnie White, Mark Lawson, and David Gregor. The final of the fourteen amateur division expense reimbursement spots awarded in the event fell at 90.
Epic Clubhouse Charge Earns Greg Ward a One-Stroke Victory in White Lake, NC 25 April 2009 - White Lake, NC - The Southern Putting Tour gathered on a sunny spring morning at the festive setting of the White Lake, NC Putt-Putt facility to contest the first of three weekend tour events. The players unexpectedly were greeted by pristine new carpets which recently had been placed throughout the course. Predictably, the week-old carpets required aggressive play and much adaptation and resulted in minimal separation of the bulk of field scoring. 
Greg Ward
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In his inaugural 2009 tour appearance, 2001 PPA Hall of Fame inductee Greg Ward took a scenic route to an eventual one-stroke victory. Ward opened his 2009 campaign with a brilliant 23 to assume the first-round lead. A pedestrian middle-round 29, however, dropped Ward into fifth place at 52 after 36 holes, four strokes off of the blistering pace being set by two-time South Carolina State Match Play Champion Darrell Britt. Ward continued his sluggish mid-tournament effort on the outward nine of the final round, posting a lackluster front-nine 15. But with grit and fortitude befitting the sport's all-time victories leader, Ward refocused to ace eight of his final nine holes, including the last six, to record a 54-hole total of 77 and notch a hard-fought one-stroke triumph. Britt and the recently-resurgent Manfred Stewart shared runner-up honors at 78. Beating only six players in the field entering the final round, 2006 GA State Champion Michael Hitt fired an inspired, tournament-low closing-round 22 to pole-vault into a fourth place tie with 2005 PPA National Champion Jay Klapper at 81. The cash line for the seventeen money spots awarded in the tournament fell at 85.
Vanette Block
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In the amateur division, 2006 PPA Women's National Champion Vanette Block appeared in command of the tournament after 36 holes. At 55, she enjoyed a three-stroke lead over a quartet of amateurs. With a third-round 32, however, Block gave new life to the amateur field and allowed four other players to join her atop the leaderboard at the end of regulation play. The cast of five former PPA professionals bunched at 87 and destined for an 18-hole playoff included Block, 1998 North Carolina APA State Champion Billy Caudle, two-time Ray Browning Memorial APA Champion Barb Mingo, reigning Southern Putting Tour APA Match Play Champion Chuck Nance, and two-time North Carolina APA State Champion Jimmy Comer. The last of the fourteen amateur division expense reimbursement spots allocated in the event fell at 92. In the ensuing 18-hole amateur playoff, Nance carded a front-nine 13 to seize a one-stroke lead over all four of his opponents. Disaster struck for Nance at the 10th hole, however, as he recorded a double bogey. Block took advantage of the opportunity, magically acing the enigmatic 10th and 11th holes to move into the lead by one stroke. Comer aced the 12th hole to grab a share of the lead with Block at six-under par. Block rebounded with consecutive aces on holes 13-15 to increase her lead to three strokes over Caudle, Nance, and Comer. Upon deucing the final three holes, Block posted a playoff score of 27 to capture her third amateur title in six events in 2009. Caudle and Nance each carded a playoff score of 28. Comer and Mingo shot 29 and 31, respectively. | PPA Membership Application
and Rule Book | T he membership fees for the 2009 season remain the same as they were for the 2008 season. The membership fee for the PPA Pro division remains at $75 and the fee for APA membership remains at $25. Membership will make a player eligible for national, state and local tournament competitions. Applications will be mailed to all current members of the PPA and APA. A downloadable version of the 2009 PPA Application is also available for download in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.
2009 PPA Application in Adobe Acrobat Format
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PPA Pro Membership ($75)
A PPA Pro is eligible to play in national, state and local tournament competitions. PPA Pros are eligible to earn berths in the 2009 PPA Tournament Players Championship. Amateur Putters Association Membership ($25)
Amateur Putters Association members are eligible to play in PPA national, state and all local tournament competitions. Any member of a JPA Team (with a letter from the course owner, manager or JPA team coach) may join the Amateur Putters Association without charge for the 2009 season. Please send your completed application to the following address:
The Professional Putters Association
5225 28th Street
Lubbock, TX 79407 Please do not send your application with a return signature receipt required as this will significantly delay the delivery of your application. New PPA Pro Members (through July 2, 2009): New APA Members (through July 2, 2009): Click here for a complete list of 2009 PPA and APA Members 2009 PPA Rule Book 
2009 PPA Rule Book in Adobe Acrobat Format
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The 2009 PPA Rule Book (available for download) is unchanged from 2008. For any questions please contact Joe Aboid or a member of the Player advisory board (names are listed in this years book) for explanation. Proper Playing Attire Section G of Rule 3 on Page 6 has been amended to the following: G) General Appearance - Under no circumstances will the display of any alcohol, tobacco or related items or names be worn or displayed by any PPA member during practice or tournament events. Players are to dress in a professional manner. Playing attire including shirts, trousers, rain gear, head coverings or any other apparel that promote, advertise or have any mention of other tours or competitive businesses to Putt-Putt or the PPA will not be permitted. Official PPA Golf Ball for 2009 The PPA golf ball rule will remain unchanged for the 2009 season. For the 2009 PPA tournament season, any golf ball that appears on the USGA conforming golf ball list published on January 6th, 2009 or on a subsequent listing during 2009 (list is updated on the first Wednesday of each month) will be legal for PPA practice and tournament play. The 2004 PPA golf balls (Top Flite Strata Tour Soft) will continue to be legal for tournament play in 2009. PPA golf balls from 2003 and prior years are not legal for the 2006 PPA tournament season. In addition, only white golf balls will be allowed and the only logo (besides the manufacturer's) that may appear on the golf ball is the PPA mark on the 2004 PPA golf balls. |  Recent Additions to the
ProPutters.com Web Site
| 2 July 200929 June 200928 June 200927 June 2009- Posted the All-Time WPT Statistics through Lubbock, TX (24 May 2009)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Texas Open held in Killeen, TX on June 13th-14th won by Brice Bergesen (PPA Pro) and Mickey DeLucca (APA)
- Posted the 2009 APA Great Lakes Tour Statistics through Warren, OH (31 May 2009)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Great Lakes Tour event held in Warren, OH on May 31st won by John Bambling (PPA Pro) and Gerald Vick (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Great Lakes Tour event held in Warren, OH on May 30th won by Scott Buddie (PPA Pro) and Jeff Brown (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Great Lakes Tour event held in Warren, OH on May 30th won by Craig Williams (PPA Pro) and Bill Combs (APA)
- Posted the 2009 Indiana Putting Tour Statistics through Richmond, IN (7 June 2009)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Indiana Putting Tour event held in Richmond, IN on June 7th won by Shawn Gilliland (PPA Pro) and Josh Garrison (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Indiana Putting Tour event held in Richmond, IN on June 6th won by Kevin Lacey (PPA Pro) and Brandon Davis (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Indiana Putting Tour event held in Richmond, IN on June 6th won by Kevin Lacey (PPA Pro) and Brandon Davis (APA)
- Posted the 2009 PPA National Tour Statistics through the PPA Western Open (21 June 2009)Posted the scores for the 2009 PPA Eastern Open held in Richmond, VA on June 20th-21st won by Greg Newport (PPA Pro) and Larry Smith (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Virginia Putting Tour event held in Richmond, VA on June 18th won by Jeff Carr (PPA Pro) and Malcolm Shumaker (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Virginia Dogwood Festival Open held in Charlottesville, VA on June 6th won by Dennis Biesma (PPA Pro) and Bill Petrie (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Virginia Putting Tour event held in Charlottesville, VA on June 6th won by Stan Seethoff (PPA Pro) and Conway Coffey (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Southern Putting Tour event held in Martinez, GA on June 13th won by Greg Ward (PPA Pro) and Johnny Brown (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Southern Putting Tour event held in Martinez, GA on June 13th won by Andy Coradini (PPA Pro) and Ben Blake (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Southern Putting Tour event held in Martinez, GA on June 13th won by Frank Warren (PPA Pro) and Chris Alley (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Southern Putting Tour event held in High Point, NC on May 31st won by Greg Newport (PPA Pro) and Keith Waters (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Southern Putting Tour event held in High Point, NC on May 30th won by Brad Lebo (PPA Pro) and Vanette Block (APA)
- Posted the scores for the 2009 Southern Putting Tour event held in High Point, NC on May 30th won by Vince Batten (PPA Pro) and Jimmy Comer (APA)
22 June 2009- Posted a change to the Proper Playing Attire rule as directed by Joe Aboid - Commissioner to add the following text: "Playing attire including shirts, trousers, rain gear, head coverings or any other apparel that promote, advertise or have any mention of other tours or competitive businesses to Putt-Putt or the PPA will not be permitted.".
20 June 2009- Posted schedule change requested by course ownership in Monroeville
19 June 2009Click here for a complete list of updates since July 8th, 2006 | Putt-Putt, PPA, APA and JPA are all Copyrighted by Putt-Putt Golf Courses of America.
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