As anyone who has ever played the Winthrop Gold Course during the USDGC will attest, the course's design makes one have to think and usually pucker on just about every shot. Yes, natural purists may condemn the course's reliance on rope, mandos, bamboo fences, and so forth, but the result is a ever-challenging course that tests much more than a golfer's ability to throw far. Every weakness--be it mental, physical, or emotional, will be exposed at the USDGC.
I couldn'tbe happier for Arturo or more impressed. To make his first appearance ever at a major and finish in the top 20 puts him in very rare company. Though I aware of that old saying about there being, "lies, damn lies, and statistics," take a look at this stat. After shooting a first round of +3 71, Arturo finished the tournament with rounds of 64, 62, and 58 for a total of 20 under 184. There were only 8 players who shot better than that during the final three rounds:
Avery Jenkins 173
Nathan Doss 175
Dean Tannock 179
David Feldberg 180
Josh Anthon 180
Ken Climo 182
Steven Rico 182
JohnE McCray 183
Again, a very impressive performance.
Also congrats to Dave Hemmeline for his 59 during the last round which moved him from tied for 67th to 45th place cash. Speaking of cash, I don't really like the way the USDGC top loads the winner's portion. I'd prefer a much flatter curve. Not that Arturo's 1250 for T17 is bad, but it could have been better.
Congrats to Pete Cashen also—he not only made the cut, but he shot better each round, shooting par the last time out.
One last stat—out of nearly 700 rounds, there were only 18 in the 50s...Arturo and Dave among them.
Rick
Arturo shoots a -10 58 for his final round. What a tournament for him!
Big money Arturo!
Most of the guys in the top 20 have played this course a few times. Not bad for a Withrop Gold Rookie 
. Guess he won't have to worry about qualifying for '09.
Congrats to all local players who made it out. You've made KC proud!
