Martin big winner at Oaks Classic

By Todd Lancaster, Sports Editor

June 28, 2009 09:38 pm

— MONTGOMERY — The 2009 edition of the Country Oaks Classic featured beautiful conditions for everyone — except the golfers.
The mild, sunny conditions, couple with a steady wind was great for spectators, but played havoc on the already difficult 7,000 yard course and fast greens.
However, in the pro flight, those who were able to score were able to quickly distance themselves from the rest of the field.
“It was great weekend of golf,” said tournament director Trey Miller. “The conditions were tough and the scores reflected that. There was not much movement on the board and you really had to grind it out.”
Ryan Martin, of Kentucky, posted rounds of 69-68 to shoot 137 and edge out Eric Frishette with a 139 (70-69) and Kyle Reddington with a 142.
Although Martin had a lead, he made the biggest statement of the day at the signature 12th hole. Martin challenged the par five with a 243-yard three wood and made the eight-foot eagle putt on the slippery two-tiered green. However, Frishette stayed close with a birdie of his own at the 12th and drove the 18th giving him a chance to tie with an eagle. But Frishette was unable to convert the putt and Martin left with a two-stroke win and the $7,500 first place check.
“I guess I just felt it on 12,” said Martin. “But that was probably the biggest shot of the day, especially because I made bogey the hole right before it.”
Martin said this was a big win for him.
“I won the NCI Classic in Myrtle Beach and a few invitationals, but this is really big,” added Martin.
Washington’s Drew Hatton won the championship flight with a 148, to edge out former Hatchet teammate Mike Clements with a 149. Former champion Tim Fish and Mitch Blackburn tied for third with a pair of 150s.
“When I saw how windy it was, I knew if I could shoot right around par then I would have a pretty good chance,” said Hatton, who shot 73 in the second round. “It was windy and the greens were slick, so it was a long day, but the temperatures were a nice break from last week.
“There are a lot of good players in this tourney. It is a really nice event.”
Fish, of Franklin, has now come to play the tourney five times.
“I really enjoy the course and the people are great,” said Fish.
“I have known Trey (Miller, tournament director) since junior golf, so it’s fun to come down and play. I always try to look for this tourney and do what I can to put it on my schedule.”
The A-flight was even closer than the championship flight, as Doug Brown of Lawrenceville, Ill. birdied the first hole of a sudden death playoff over Country Oaks Club Champion Don Grannan, as both shot 150. Marv Graber was third with a 151, going 75-76.
The B-flight was won by Rick Wininger with a 149, going 72-77. Mike McKittrick posted a 151, while Chris Loheider and Scott Klein tied for third with 152s.
In the C-flight, Nick Wininger posted a blistering 77 on day one and followed it with an 81 for the win with a 158. Billy Truelove was close with an 80-79 for 159 and second, and Ervin Graber shot 76-84 for 160.
In the final flight, Mike Guinn shot 85-79 for 164, while Jay Burton and Wayne Durnell shot 168s.
Miller was very pleased with the entire weekend, from the pro-sponser and shootout on Friday, through Sundays final round.
“We couldn’t do it without the support of the staff and volunteers,” added Miller. “It was great weekend for the whole community and we thank them for their support.”

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