BUCKINGHAM >> Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course superintendent Billy Witt ran away from the rest of the field to win the 23rd annual Lake County Tournament of Champions on Saturday at Buckingham Golf and Country Club. It was Witt’s third TOC victory overall and first since 2008. He also won in 2001.
The TOC contestants were greeted with difficult playing conditions as it rained throughout the day with gusty winds at times. Nonetheless, Witt had no issues with weather and course conditions as he carved out a 4-under-par 68 to win by a very impressive 10 strokes.
Witt started strong on the front nine, almost acing the 200-yard par-3 sixth hole. He tapped in the 2-inch birdie putt and then made birdies on the seventh and ninth holes to card a 3-under-par 33 and jump out to a six-stroke lead over the field. Witt shot a 1-under-par 35 on the back nine. He attributed his victory to outstanding middle iron play and mentioned he is a “mudder” and especially enjoys playing in the rain and the wind.
Juan Lopez of Finley finished second following a round of 6-over-par 78. Brad Pendleton of Lakeport, playing in his final tournament as an amateur before turning professional, struggled with his driver and carded an 82. Lake County Junior champion Matt Wotherspoon ended up shooting 87.
Senior flight
In the senior flight for golfers age 50 and older, Jerry Pangle of Lakeport recorded three birdies and shot a solid 6-over-par 78 to win his division. Pangle was locked into a battle with Rick Easter of Lower Lake atop the senior leader board for 15 holes, but then pulled away with a birdie on the par-5 16th hole. Two solid pars on the final two holes extended Pangle’s lead to five strokes. Easter finished with an 83.
Net division
In the net division for golfers with handicaps of 10 and higher, Dr. Bob Jolin of Lakeport also ran away from the pack to record a 66 and an 11-shot victory. Jesse Santana of Kelseyville carded a 77 to finish second. Todd Colbrandt of Middletown came in third with 70 and Scot Lamanuzzi of Buckingham was fourth with 81.
Golfers of the year
The Tournament of Champions marked the conclusion of the 23rd year of operation for the 12-tournament Lake County Amateur Golf Circuit. Juan Lopez prevailed in the race for On the Links Golfer of the Year honors, the eighth time he has finished atop the standings. His previous titles came in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2013.
Jerry Pangle was the Senior Golfer of the Year and it marks the second time he has won that honor. He also won in 2014.
Rick Easter finished atop the Net Golfer of the Year standings, the fourth time he has won the net title following earlier wins in 2005, 2013 and 2015.
Todd Colbrandt finished atop the senior net standings. It was his first win among the senior set although he did win net honors in 2008.
Next season
The Lake County Amateur Golf Circuit begins its 24th season next February and plans to once again host 12 tournaments for local amateurs on the scratch, net, senior, senior net and junior levels. The 2017 Lake County Circuit calendar will be available to local golfers in late November.
