IGA Four-Ball: New Trophies, New Champions
There was a clear and common refrain from Four-Ball Championship players at RedHawk Golf Course — these greens are as good as it gets. And with the no blade out of place, putters got hot, and the most talented teams went low.
Stand out performances from the likes of Alec Huskinson and Cali Hipp earned the winning sides in the men’s and women’s divisions a particularly special title this year: the inaugural winners of the newly-named Stanwood and Gasser Cups.
For years, the Stanwood and Gasser Cups were awarded to the IGA Member Club with the lowest team score at the Men's and Women's Amateurs. But as the game evolves, so have our relationships to our home clubs and, in turn, the significance of the award. The IGA chose to move the titles of those trophies — named for Keith Stanwood and Jackie Gasser — to the Men's and Women's IGA Four-Ball Championship. It's an event that represents teamwork and camaraderie, values that both Stanwood and Gasser adored about the game.
The Champions:
Bobby Kincaid & Alec Huskinson (-20)
Bobby Kincaid’s name makes a string of appearances on the Club Championship winner’s board in RedHawk’s clubhouse. RedHawk, and head professional Ben Bryson, have nurtured his talent for many years. He and fellow RedHawk regular Alec Huskinson opened their tournament with a 10-under 61, thanks to a front-nine-back-nine ham & egg that left them tied for the lead. But it was Huskinson who led the duo home for a two-stroke victory with a birdie at the last for 64 on his own ball, and a second consecutive 61 to finish at 20-under par.
Cali Hipp & Sheryl Scott (-7)
Cali Hipp, like many mid-amateurs, doesn’t play as much tournament golf as she used to. But when she does, she makes the best of it. Teaming up with Sheryl Scott, Hipp found her way back into the IGA winner’s circle with very little trouble. An opening round of 2-under (69) sent the duo into the final round with a one-stroke lead. That’s when Hipp turned on the gas, firing her own 67, a team 66 and a six-stroke victory.
Jay Sutton & Dan Pickens
Starting the second round from behind, Jay Sutton and Dan Pickens had made little progress in their attempt to chase down the leaders by the time they arrived on the 15th tee. But when Jay Sutton pulled out driver with his eye on the flagstick, he drove one up to 15 feet and holed the putt for an eagle. Then on 16, a long and difficult par-3, Pickens holed his chip from the back of the green for birdie. The duo dodged a playoff when Ken Spraker missed a birdie look on the final green.