(Bath, MI)?Golfers all over the state flocked to Bath, MI today for the GAM Chrysler Club Championship. Players competing in the tournament were only those who had won their respective club championships. More than 1,200 golf clubs around the country were involved, and each club donated a participant to one of the eight regional tournaments. Representing the Midwest, Hawk Hollow Golf Properties hosted the event with the men playing Eagle Eye Golf Club and the women playing Hawks Hollow Golf Course.
Sponsored by Chrysler, Callaway, and Golf Digest Publications, the regional championship received an incredible turnout with many satisfied golfers. Participants will be awarded various incentives and discounts. The happiest golfers, however, were obviously the winners. The top four men and the top four women move on to the Chrysler Club Championship National Finals. This morning that did not look to be an easy task. The tournament started with a three-hour long rain delay, to the dismay of many participants. However, once golfers could finally tee off, the clouds disappeared for the remainder of the event and participants were able to play without further interruption.
The men?s GAM Chrysler Club Champion was Chris Vozza (Oakland Hills) with 36-36-72. When asked to comment on his round he said, ?I was very, very happy. The course played difficult, so I just tried to hang in there. I had three bogies and three birdies. I just relaxed, warmed up as usual, and then went out there.? Vozza also participated in the event eight years ago at Red Run where he took second place. He was excited about the prospect of continuing the tournament in Florida, saying, ?It?s really great. It makes it all worthwhile.?
Also qualifying to move on to the national stage was Mike Brown (Egypt Valley) with 36-37-73, Dale Black (Flushing Valley) with 37-36-73, and Chuck Christie (Red Run) with 35-39-74.
The women?s GAM Chrysler Club Champion was Stacy Slobodnik Stoll (Walnut Hills) with 36-33-69. She was very happy with her round, as she was the only golfer to finish the day under par. ?Anytime you can shoot under par, it?s a great day,? she said. ?I was a little unsure of what was going to happen with the weather, but the course actually wasn?t all that wet. It was in very nice shape.? Despite her medalist honors, however, she chose to turn down her spot in the National Chrysler Club Championship. ?I?m the coach at Michigan State and I have a four year old. I do enough traveling with the team and I?m away from my family enough.? Florida will miss her talents, but Slobodnik Stoll will no doubt have a busy fall nonetheless.
Qualifying to move on to the national stage for the women was Terry Delcamp (MWGA) with 36-38-74, Kim Kester (The Highlands) with 36-38-74, Julie Massa (Forest Akers) with 37-40-77, and Claudia Cenko (Oakland Hills) with 38-39-77.
The eight qualifying golfers will travel to Naples, Florida for the next stage in their journey. The tournament will be Held at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort & Tibur?n Resort, 32 men and 32 women from across the country will attempt to win the title of the National Chrysler Club Champion. The grand prize for winning in Naples is an entry into the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. Playing in this legitimate PGA Tour golf tournament will give the national champion the opportunity to be treated like a PGA Tour Professional. In addition to this possibility, these eight Michigan qualifiers will enjoy practice rounds at Tibur?n Golf Club, hospitality at the Merrill Lynch Shootout hosted by Greg Norman, and an invitation to the reception and awards parties.
Given the nature of the national tournament?s benefits, Michigan?s representatives are no doubt excited about their accomplishments today. With a PGA Tournament entry in the realm of possibilities, it will be fun to see if any of our locals are up to their future challenge.
