Eldridge defends 2X2 Pro-Am Championship at Traditions

HEBRON, KY (May 30, 2022) – A hot and sunny day greeted competitors at Traditions Golf Club for the 2X2 Pro-Am Championship supported by Ahead. The team format for the day features teams composed of two KPGA Professionals and two amateurs. A better ball is taken from the professionals scores on each hole as well as the better ball of the amateurs on each hole. There are sperate gross and net divisions with scores from each hole being able to count toward each division.

The team of Aaron Eldridge, Derrick DeHart, Jim Sweeney, and Rob Petrey used their local course knowledge to capture the gross division title in the event by firing a team total of 136 (-8). Eldridge was able defend his victory last season by navigating the firm conditions and thick rough in route to a solid 73 (+1) round, which included three birdies for the team. However, the cornerstone on the team was Rob Petrey, who fired the round of the day on the course with an impressive 69 (-3), which included four birdies and only one bogey.

The net division featured a runaway victory by Tom Walters, Dan Utley, Chris Dayton, and Bill Holocher. The dynamic group used a steady stream of birdies to fire a stunning 133 (-11) round. Walters and Utley played consistent golf, which featured a slew pars and birdies that helped the team shoot 8 under on the front side alone. Bill Holocher came in clutch for the team recording a gross 73 (+1), which included 3 birdie net eagles.

The low KPGA Professional score from the day came from Tom Walters, PGA with a 71 (-1). In addition to defending his low professional title from this event last year, this marks the first individual low KPGA Professional win for the pro at Summit Hills Country Club as he makes a steady charge up the Larry Gilbert Player of Year points race. Dan Utley, PGA captured the low KPGA Senior Professional honors for the day shooting a 73 (+1) to edge T. Bruce Oldendick, PGA by two shots.

NOTES & STATS

Closest-to-the-hole prizes were awarded on Hole #5 for Professionals and Hole #17 for Amateurs. Congratulations to Vince Prather, PGA for capturing hole #17 and Mike Batten for capturing hole #5.

Host Professional Derrick DeHart, PGA had the shot of the day when his eagle chip on the 6th hole found the bottom of the cup. This was the only eagle of the day on the par 5 which earned him a skin.

The par 5 16th hole was the easiest hole of day playing at only +0.11 strokes over par.

The par-four 3rd hole was not as kind to players and was the hardest hole of the day at +0.76 strokes over par.

The total scoring average was 80.39 (+8.39) with the front nine playing as the easier of the two sides by a 2/3 of a stroke.

Click here to view the final results

The Kentucky PGA extends its thanks to Derrick Dehart, PGA Head Golf Professional and the rest of the staff at Traditions Golf Club for their assistance in conducting today’s event. Additionally, the KPGA lends its appreciation to Robb Spencer of Ahead for his support of the event and all Section activities throughout the year.

Next week on the Section Tournament calendar will feature two events. First, on Monday June 5, 2023, The Pro-Pro Challenge Supported by Inward Half and Evolve Golf will be in action at the Big Blue Course at The University Club of Kentucky. To round out the week, the Section will visit Oldham County Country Club for the KPGA Pro-Junior Championship supported by Titleist. Registration is still open for this event. Please CLICK HERE to register for one of the most fun and rewarding events on the KPGA Tournament Calendar.

About the Kentucky PGA:
The Kentucky PGA Section (KPGA) is one of forty-one Sections across the country representing the PGA of America and its Members. It is also one of three organizations encompassed within Golf House Kentucky, which also includes the Kentucky Golf Association (KGA) and Kentucky Golf Foundation (KGF). The KPGA contains more than 275 Members and more than 30 Associates working in various roles across Kentucky; all of whom share the goal of bettering the game and its players. The KPGA and its Members assist with the organization of many chief growth-of-the-game initiatives including PGA HOPE and PGA Jr. League among others. The Section also operates more than thirty tournaments throughout the golf season, including the three State Open championships and qualifiers for the Barbasol Championship.