Before we do, we must first congratulate Houston’s Mark Stenmark on his tournament win. The dude’s a beast, simple as that, and he’s become a dominant force in Golden Tee this past year.

Now, however, it’s time for the top 32 players to play it out. Those that accumulated the most PEGT Points over the past 6 tournaments will now duke it out for Player of the Year honors.

It’s double-elimination, and should be a whole lot of fun. We’re cracking open another live blog (and another drink, or two, or three) to celebrate.

We hammered through some early matchplay games on Saturday knowing that there were two tournaments to be finished today. Once the Dallas Holiday Classic finishes (hopefully) sometime late this afternoon, the 32-man Player of the Year tournament will begin shortly after.

Another excellent day is in store and we’re firing up the live blog once again. Feel free to jump in or just stay tuned to find out the latest updates.

Cheers,
-ak

And we’re back at Volcanos.

The 2011 Dallas Holiday Classic begins today, and we plan to live blog the all the festivities from start to finish. We’ll begin with the 5-course qualifier starting early this afternoon and then get a few matches in this evening once we’ve got our 32-man field filled.

It’s going to be an outstanding (but very long) day, and we’ll be trying out our new live blog widget below. Feel free to comment and jump in if you please, and we’ll keep you tuned in to what’s going on. Comments have to be approved (on the first post) so if your comment doesn’t show up for a little while (or it’s just an insane, curse-loaded rant), it may not show up for a short while.

Grab a cold one and tune in…

Cheers,

-ak

In the year 2000, Granville, Vermont had a population of 303 people. Eleven years later it has certainly increased in size and is now the proud owner of its very own virtual golf course.

You know that exclusive country club that your dad talks about at dinner? The one that he says sucks, the membership’s WAY too expensive, and that only rich, d-bag doctors play there? Then finally, one of those rich, d-bag doctors invites him to play and he does a celebratory kitchen dance because he’s been DYING to play it all these years.

Auburn Glen is that country club, although no d-bags are allowed. Take note, folks.

And so we continue on our whirlwind adventure, which is suddenly nearing a halt. Here are some items of note when it comes to Auburn Glen as the 2012 ship date fast approaches.

Hooray.

A Taste of Traditional Golf

The majority of the courses featured in Golden Tee 2012 are extravagant in setting to say the least, and while Auburn Glen no doubt has characteristics that make it unique from any GT gem ever created, it’s also closer to a “traditional” golf course than any of the five new creations.

Translation: this is not the course to wear your favorite pair of jorts or an ol’ school football jersey. This is a virtual club and they won’t tolerate that kind of dress code destruction. No D-Bags, remember?

The Glen has almost a fall-like feel to it. The trees are all colors, the setting is warm, but somehow a pullover seems like the proper wardrobe choice here. You’ll get your fill of green – whether it’s the trees avoiding the fall season switch, the rough situated all over the course, or the fairways that you’ll want to stay on – green is everywhere, and make sure you take note of that last part. Trust me on that.

On the surface, this course reminds me a bit of the 2010 monster that was Southern Oaks. Not necessarily in the way the course sets up but in look and feel.  Don’t let that comment scare you if you weren’t a fan of SA. While Auburn has it’s fair share of challenges, I don’t believe it’s quite on that difficulty level.

It’s a Trap(s)!

Now would be a good time to update your buddy-hitting-out-of-the-sand joke arsenal.

Auburn Glen is absolutely jam-packed with sand traps, most of which can come into play if you’re not careful. While many of the greens are surrounded with ‘em, it’s the fairway bunkers that can pack a punch, especially on par-5s and long par-4s. In these instances, missing the fairway means your giving up at least one stroke and potentially depending on your recovery.

While there’s no doubt a great deal amount of traps on the course, the depth of some of these bad boys is also impressive. The back nine in particular features a couple of deep, deep, deep bunkers – not quite pot bunkers we’ve seen in the past – but some intimidating possibilities if you happen to find them.

These greenside bunkers come equipped with elevation, and to stay out of them I must pass along some advice. Tackle this course with a full arsenal with fairway woods. The 7-wood in particular on this course will be your best tool to avoid these bunkers and you’ll likely want it for tougher winds and pin placements.

The Barns and the Bridges

Although you wouldn’t consider hole 7 or hole 14 the typical spot for trademark holes on a golf course, Auburn Glen isn’t just any other golf course. Holes 7 and 14 are similar because a) they are both drivable par-4s and b) each features a barn like obstacle in the center of the hole that will make getting eagle a challenge from round to round.

This obstacle that is featured on both holes is a covered bridge that resembles a barn. On hole 7, this barn is situated horizontally guarding the green, and  on hole 14 it’s situated on the left side with its opening facing towards you.

There will be a variety of different ways to tackle these holes depending on the winds, tee boxes and pin placements, but these holes also come with plenty of risk. There is water that is VERY much in play, as well as trees that can send your ball into the hazard. And then there’s the bridges themselves that serve as the true cog in the entire design.

My suggestion: Experiment with fairway woods and tee it up high if you’re at all concerned about getting there. Don’t be afraid to try some “unique” strategies on this one. I’ve already said too much…

One more course to go! Check back here next week as we climb the final mountain. Literally.

-ak

Jerry is a Golden Tee player who just hit a handful of impressive Golden Tee shots and putts while playing and has decided to celebrate this joyous occasion.

The following ensued.

While his moves are surprisingly impressive and fluid (beer does wonders, y’all), it makes us wonder about other Golden Tee celebrations out there. Oh, do tell.

Consider this your open thread to share your Golden Tee celebrations. What do you to do when you hit that 80-foot plus against your buddy? What’s your absurd, over-the-top reaction to a hole out?

Tiger Woods has his fist pumps, sure, but he doesn’t have moves like many of you out there. I’m curious to see where this one might take us and what your emotion responses are made of.

And go…

After dealing with wordpress issues for the past few hours, we are back online. Although we will fill you in on all the details once we get home, Minnesota native Marc “The Mouth” Muklewicz is your 2011 Wisconsin Open champion.

It’s the first win for Mouth, who has been a factor in these tournaments for quite sometime. Ed Godfrey took second, and Graig Kinzler finished 3rd.

Full recap tomorrow on GT.com..

It’s Andy Haas and Jimmy Parker in the TOC Finals. To win, Parker will have to take down Haas twice. Not an easy task… On Laurel.

-Haas holes out one on Laurel and goes up a quick stroke.

-Parker found the trees on four, Haas gets another stroke. Now up to (-6 to -4)

-Haas gets another stroke on hole 5, now up 3.

-Haas finds the water on the par-3 8th, Parker birdies. Now down only a stroke.

-At the turn, Haas leads -11 to -9.

-Jimmy Parker gets a double eagle on 10 to cut the lead to 1.

-Haas almost aces the par-4 13th, but Parker eagles as well. Damn good match going on, Haas still up 1.

-Parker gets wet on the par-5 14th, Haas eagles, Parker pars. Now up 3.

-Haas misses putt on 16th, now up only 2 on Parker.

-Parker gets wet on 17 and Haas sticks the green. Haas goes up four going into 18 and all but seals it.

-Haas

GT Loser’s Bracket Finals

-Jimmy Parker and James Schaffhausen now playing for a spot in the finals on Laruel Park…

-James gets wet on 9, Jimmy goes up 1 at turn.

-Jimmy up 2 through 13…

-Jimmy still up two through 15…

-James finds the water on 16, Jimmy hits a fantastic shot to stick the par-3 green.

Jimmy goes up four going into 18 and seals the deal… Jimmy fires a -26 to move into the finals. James takes home 3rd and a cool $5,000.

-Haas fires a -24 and wins the TOC!

SSB Finals – Brian Erhardt Wins the TOC

Erhardt takes down Cornwell is 4 straight games to overcome the King of teh Hill and take the TOC title. Wow, what a run for the Florida bowler…

GT – 12:18 PM – James Schaffhausen Takes Out Kinz

Down 1 going into 18, Kinzler finds the water on the Grizzly Flats 18 and Schaffhausen continues his fantastic run with a birdie. Taking out Thor and Kinz back-to-back is no easy task…

 Next up, Jimmy Parker in the loser’s bracket finals.

SSB Finals: Cornwell vs. Erhardt

-Erhardt starts off, striking on 11 balls in the first game of first series. Beats Cornwell 290 to 237!!! Woah.

-Erhardt takes 2nd game 237 to 200, forcing a 2nd 3-game series… Final game for it all comin’.

-Game one of the 2nd series goes Erhardt’s way once again. The man is on fire…

SSB 11:46 AM – FINALS SET

It’s Mike Cornwell and Brian Erhardt in your SSB TOC finals. Erhardt will have to beat him twice to win…

GT 11:44 AM – Kinz/Gibby OT…

Kinzler chipped in on hole 7 for eagle to take a 1-stroke lead on Gibby who missed a lengthy putt. Kinzler bests him extra holes to move into the loser’s bracket semis.

GT 11:31 AM – Kinz/Gibby in OT

Graig Kinzler and Dave Gibson in extra holes on Falcon after firing -24s through 18.

GT – 11:25 AM – James Schaffhausen On a Run

James takes out tourney monster Chris Thorbrogger in the loser’s bracket to keep his deep, deep run alive…

SSB – 11:15 AM – Brian Erhardt vs. Jared Romanoski

After firing his 300-game, Erhardt moves on. Sets up a good one between him and Jared…

GT – 11:09 AM – Kinzler takes down Roberts

Graig Kinzler fired a -27 on Laurel Park to take down Rodney Roberts and move on in the loser’s side of the bracket…

SSB 11:06 AM – Another 300

Brian Erhardt throws a 300-game in game one of the loser’s bracket final…. woah.

SSB 10:53 AM – Bowling Loser’s Bracket

Paul DeJohn and Jared Romanoski playing in the loser’s bracket right now, Nicole Hosey (the female to make it the furthest) has been bounced from the TOC after a nice showing.

GT 10:39 AM – Loser’s bracket matches

-Rodney Roberts and Mark Stenmark is an epic duel, tied -26 after 18, -14 through 9. Now in sudden death…

-Rodney beats Stenmark in sudden death. Great, great match.

(SSB) 10:28 AM – Mike Cornwell is the King of the Hill

Mike Cornwell is your 2010 TOC King of the Hill…

(SSB) 10:21 AM – Mike Cornwell vs. Jared Romanoski

-Cornwell takes game-one of the 3-game series.

(GT) 10:17 AM – Andy Haas is king of the hill

Andy Haas takes down Jimmy Parker on Timber Bay, firing an impressive -26 to take KOH honors. Jimmy Parker still alive on the otherside…

(GT) 10:10 AM – Andy Haas vs. Jimmy Parker

-Haas jumps out to an early 3-stroke lead, which turns into to a 5-stroke lead after the Timber bay 7th.

-After 9, Haas -14, Parker -9.

-Parker gets wet on the 11th, Haas lead now 6.

10:00 AM – King of the Hill Matches

Your king of the hill matches are

GT – Andy Haas vs. Jimmy Parker

SSB – Mike Cornwell vs. Jared Romanoski

Good mornin’, y’all.

After a lengthy day, we are back live at the TOC to wrap up what has been an unbelievable tournament. Both golf and bowling have some vital matches left to be played, but we should have our champion in each not too long from now.

We’re getting underway shortly, tune in!

What a day, what a day. And to end the evening, Jimmy Parker bested Chris Thorbrogger to set up the King-of-the-Hill match between Andy Haas and himself tomorrow. Best of all, he did so by hitting a hole-in-one in sudden death…

Well done, Jimmy!

SSB – 1:21 AM – Dan Bailey/Telly Rogers Bounced

Two of the tournament favorites are out of the TOC after suffering their 2nd loss… Surprising turn, here.

SSB – 12:50 AM – Watch out for Jared Romanoski

As some of the top bowlers suffer their first loss, (Telly, Flecker, Bailey), Jared is still rollin’ through the winner’s side. Look for this unknown but very talented bowler to make some noise…

GT – 12:44 – Jimmy Parker vs. Kinz

After his marathon match, Graig Kinzler finally suffered his first loss to Jimmy Parker in a BATTLE on Laurel Park. Parker edged Kinz -27 t0 -26 in just an outstanding match.

GT – 12:18 – Thor Takes Out Stenmark

Chris Thorbrogger continues his fantastic TOC play (on a yearly basis), and is now moving through the winner’s bracket after taking out Mark Stenmark.

GT – 12:06 – Match of the Night (Thus Far)

Graig Kinzler took out John Vatterott in the 2nd hole of sudden death on Falcon Sands in an absolutely unreal match. Both were just about perfect for close to 30 holes… Kinz moves on, John heads to the losers’ bracket.

What a show as the room erupts in applause.

 GT: 11:56 PM – Andy Haas Rollin’

The favorite to win any tournament he enters, Andy Haas is still unbeaten after taking out Will Sanstad. Haas will take on Dave Gibson in his next match, who’s also on a very nice run.

SSB: 11: 30 PM – Top Qualifier Keepin’ it Up

Top qualifier Mike Cornwell has maneuvered his way through his first few matches, while Deadeye Del Flecker is also alive. Telly Rogers has a loss to his name but is very much alive.

GT: 11: 23 PM – Match mania

And we are back and there are games being played everywhere! Early results of note: Andy Haas took out Marc Muklewicz in a very tough part of the bracket. Jeff Vordahl took out top qualifier Jeff Harlow, and Chris Thorbrogger took out Evan Gossett.

It’s double-elimination, however, so none of these guys are out yet.

Jeff Harlow was your top overall qualifier, shooting a -118 and besting 2^nd place qualifier Graig Kinzler with Great Shot Points.

Rounding out the top 5 were: Mark Stenmark, Andy Haas, and Todd Penticoff.

Silver Strike

Mike Cornwell, who rolled a 300-game during qualifying, was your top overall qualifier.

Jared Romanoski came in second. Rounding out the top 5 were: Dan Bailey, Del Flecker, and Paul DeJohn.

Matches start up at 9 o’clock!

Mike Cornwell nails a 300-game during qualifying!!!! As you might imagine, he’s right near the top. Still playing 3rd Series…

(GT) – 5:02 PM – Final Qualifying Rounds Underway

Our 5th course, Grizzly Flats, is being played and we should finish up within the hour. Graig Kinzler and Jeff Harlow are tops with -118.

(SSB) – 3:55 PM – Top Players Playing as Such

Mike Cornwell, Dan Bailey, and Del Flecker tops in qualifying through their first two 3-game sets.

Third one about to get underway…

(GT) – 3: 48 PM – Kinzler/Mouth Best of Timber Bay

Graig Kinzler and Marc “The Mouth” Muklewicz each fired -24s to lock up the top spot on Timber Bay. With the game, Kinzler takes over the top spot for the qualifier through 3.

(GT) – 1:41 PM – Jeff Harlow on fire

After firing a qualifying best -26 in round 1, Harlow followed it up w/ another room best. Jeff shot -25 on a tough Alpine Run setup to take the honors… again.

Well done, sir.

(SSB) 1:02 – Mike Cornwell

Cedar Rapids bowler Mike Cornwell nearly bowls an 800 series in his first of 3 series to take an early lead. This man can play, folks…

12:42 PM – Alpine Run

Tough setup on our second course, including a brutal 18th look. Qualifying in full swing, updates comin’.

11:50 AM – Laurel Park Qualifying

We’re almost done playing the fist course, and Jeff Harlow (showing his Halloween spirit in his pumpkin gear), is tops with a -26.

Saturday – 9:13 AM

Good morning, everyone and welcome to qualifying day. The players are warming up on both the Golden Tee and Silver Strike games and the real action will get underway starting at 10 o’clock.

The golfers will each get a round in on each of the five 2011 courses, while bowlers will play three, 3-game cycles to determine who qualifies for bracket play.

Time for coffee. WE NEED IT. Stay tuned…