2007 Golden Ears Men’s Invitational

The Vancouver Golf Tour could not have asked for two days of better weather at this year’s Golden Ears Men’s Invitational contested at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club. This year’s event was particularly special in that the Golden Ears became a regular event on the 2007 Vancouver Golf Tour schedule. With the rough up to 3 inches on average and the greens playing firmer than average on day one, it was no surprise that only a few golfers in the field surged well below par. At the end of Day one there were three Professionals (Phil Jonas of McCleery and Hazelmere, Kendal Yonemoto of Quilchena, Canadian Tour Pro John Shin) and one local amateur (Goodman Lindbjerg) leading the charge with the score of 68, which was three strokes clear of the pack. The 2007 event was the first year to initiate Juniors into its field and the low junior score of 75 was shot by Stefano Sidonio of Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club.

Day two proved to be an equally exciting day for all spectators, as the majority were rooting for Lindbjerg, one of the most proven amateur members from Pitt Meadows Golf Club. An very quick start to the day from Yonemoto got him to -8 for the tournament after just five holes and a three shot lead on the final group. However after a couple of bogeys on the ensuing holes, it looked like Yonemoto’s momentum was slipping. Just when it looked like the pursuers were going to catch the leader, the ‘VGT Turning Point’ proved to be Yonemoto’s good fortune on hole #9 as his half shanked 9 iron took a friendly bounce off the out of bounds hedge and back into play.

With Yonemoto’s bogey on 9, it was a close battle between all as Amateur Lindbjerg was tied at 5 under with Yonemoto for the lead, only one stroke ahead of Jonas and Shin.

Meanwhile, six groups ahead of leaders an early surge was being posed by Professional Kyle German of Point Roberts Golf Club, firing off a very impressive front nine score of -5 (31) and then birdying #11 to make it 6 under for the day, only one stroke off the leaders. Two near misses from 10 feet on holes #13 & 14 seemed to burst German’s momentum and two bogeys from the side of the green on #15 & 17 left German with a very good score of 68 for the day, but four shots out of the winner’s circle!

It seemed like the fortune Yonemoto was given on #9 lifted his spirits on the back nine which had seemed to be dropping on the last few holes on the front coming in.

The tournament concluded in a dramatic fashion as Yonemoto maintained a two stroke lead over both Jonas and Lindbjerg heading into the 18th hole. With Lindberg chipping into a foot for birdie and Jonas leaving himself a twenty foot putt for eagle, Yonemoto’s third shot from the fringe of the green proved critical. With all eyes on him, Yonemoto made a decisive chip to two feet, leaving himself a birdie opportunity for the Championship and $2200. Jonas’ eagle putt from the fringe went diving into the cup and now Yonemoto’s two-footer meant something. Without hesitation, Yonemoto calmly poured his put into the hole to cap off a great tournament and capture the Trophy for Golden Ear’s Invitational ‘Open Champion’.

To recap the tournament, Yonemoto shot 68,70, Jonas shot 68, 71, Lindbjerg shot 68,72, for two day totals of 138, 139, and 140 respectively. Phil Jonas’ second place finish for $1,500 this weekend solidifies his position as leader of VGT’s Order of Merit with $8,130.00. Trailing Jonas is Redwoods Professional Andrew Smeeth with his total of $5,620.00. Yonemoto moved well up the standings from 17th into 7th place and a total of $3,123.00 with his $2,200 earnings.

This year’s Low individual Junior went to Henry Griffin of Seymour Creek Golf Center, shooting a two day total of 76,77 (153).

At this time, VGT would like to thank the following ‘players’ which without their support the 2007 Golden Ear’s Invitational would not have been such a huge success:

Major Sponsors for 2007
• Mail-O-Matic
• Reliable Parts
• Eastgate Autobody
• Mardon & Garrison Insurance Brokers Ltd.
• Andrews, Brown, Maroney Chartered Accountants
• All the many hole sponsors for 2007!!!

Neil Roberts – CPGA Head Professional & his staff. Your efforts are always noticed year-in-year out.
Frank Hoadley – Tournament Chairman and all your helpers. Great job again Frank! Talk about organized!
Food and Beverage – Great meals and service every year!
All Volunteers – Thanks to all scorers, ball spotters, starters!
Dave Zeiler – Head Superintendent and his staff. Thanks for getting the golf course in wonderful shape this year, especially the weather you had to battle this year!!

The Vancouver Golf Tour was very proud to have the Golden Ears Invitational on their 2007 schedule this year and will compile the money won by our VGT Professionals as well as the points earned by our amateurs to help determine our most consistent professional and amateur players on the tour this year.

Final Standings - Pros and Amateurs

The 2007 VGT Professional Order of Merit Winner will be given a paid entry down to the PGA Tour Qualifying School! This player will join Jay Balloch, who won the 2006 Summer Pro-am Championship and will be attending this year’s PGA Tour Qualifying School in September.

At the end of this year’s Golden Ear’s Event, the top 10 VGT Professional Order of Merit Standings are below:
1. Phil Jonas $8,130.00
2. Andrew Smeeth $5,620.00
3. Matt Palsenbarg $4,145.00
4. Dan Swanson $3,436.00
5. James Harper $3,130.00
6. Kendal Yonemoto $3,123.33
7. Jeff Hallborg $3,050.00
8. Jay Balloch $2,003.33
9. Ryan Williams $1,820.00
10. Oliver Tubb $1,645.00

Notes:
The top five VGT amateurs in our 0-5 hdcp. Order of Merit Standings (prior to Golden Ears) are as follows:
1. Stephen Jenkins – 300 points
2. Stefano Sidonio – 200 points
3. Joel Geschke – 125 points
4. Barry Dick – 100 points
5. Daniel Webbe – 60 points

Top five VGT amateurs in our 6-10 hdcp. Division are as follows:
1. Randy Chieng – 300 points
2. Graham Twiss – 150 points
3. Brian Melnyk – 100 points
T4th Tom Cattermole – 50 points
T4th Anna Kim – 50 points