Robert Evans shot 73-76=149 to win the Austin Amateur Golf Championship at Ram Rock Golf Course in Marble Falls. Jay Reynolds finished second, two shots behind Evans with 77-74= 151 total. Jay’s father, Peach Reynolds, shot 79-76=155 to finish third.
The tournament had a small field of players that were trying to secure a place on the Rudy’s I-35 Cup Austin Team. This was the final event in a season long schedule of events in which players could earn points toward making the team.
Peach Reynolds made the biggest move in the points list with his third place finish. It moved him into third place on the senior points and ninth on the mid-am list, thus securing a place on the team. Congratulations to Peach (shown smiling below).
Ram Rock Is Difficult
Evans was the only player to average less than 75 over two days at the difficult par 71 Ram Rock Course. Shifting and sometimes gusty winds added to the challenge. Several players were heard to comment that the course was just too difficult for most amateur players.
So, how much harder is the course than the average course? Looking at some of the top finishers at Ram Rock and comparing their season long scoring average with what they shot at Ram Rock, you have the following:
Player Scoring Average Ram Rock Scoring Average
Evans 72.41 74.5
Jay Reynolds 71.9 75.5
Peach Reynolds 74.5 77
Steve Paterson 72.47 78
Keep in mind that these comparisons are for the players that played well at Ram Rock. It does not reflect the tale of woe encountered by those players that teed it up at Ram Rock without their best game. A look at the leader board on the AAG website, will reflect some scores that are uncharacteristic of what you normally see from the participants in this tournament.
These comparisons can be interpreted in different ways. But without a doubt, Ram Rock favors players that can drive it straight and that have good short games. Errant tee shots are punished severely and poor putters have long days on the contoured surfaces of Ram Rock.
Rudy’s Cup Selections
The season long race for points to make the Rudy’s I-35 cup team is complete. The point totals have been updated and are available on the AAG website. The criteria for the team selection listed on the website is as follows:
- The top 8 Mid-Ams from the Mid-Am points list
- The top 3 Seniors from the Senior points list
- 3 Captain’s picks
Captain Dean Lundquist and Assistant Captain Brian Noonan are no doubt pondering their three captains picks and the final team will be announced in the near future.
Randy Reynolds is working all the logistics of the fund raising portion of the event and the competition itself. Randy can use all the help he can get with respect to finding teams to represent Austin in the “Rivalary Before The Matches”. These three person teams play a scramble competition against San Antonio Teams. The funds from this event are contributed to charities and to date, this event has raised approximately $200,000. Click here for information about the competition and how to get involved.
The Rivalary before the matches is November 7th and the Rudy’s Cup Matches are Nov. 8-9.
