Player Information/Pairings/Results
June 6, 2023
Atascadero resident Jeremy Gearhart may want to play at Poppy Hills a little more often.
On Tuesday, Gearhart, who plays out of Chalk Mountain GC, captured the NCGA Public Links Championship after defeating runner-up Jason Herrera on the first hole (No.1) of a sudden-death playoff.
The event marked the first time that Gearhart, a 39-year-old project manager for MGE Underground, had played Poppy Hills since the course was re-modeled in 2014.
"It feels awesome, I was super stoked to play in my first Public Links," said Gearhart, who placed second back at the 2007 NCGA Amateur. "Today everything was firing on all cylinders and I was able to putt well, which is what you need to play well here."
Gearhart's final round was one for the books. He posted a tourney-low 4-under 67 despite rain and at times strong winds to finish regulation at 1-over 143. Herrera, a 34-year-old accountant from Sacramento, was the first-round leader following a 70.
In the playoff, Herrera's drive faded a bit too far, nearly entering the penalty area. He was able to hit but had a horrible lie. His second shot would fly right deeper into the woods. leading to a double bogey. Gearhart, meanwhile, got on in two, eventually two-putting for a par and the win.
"I hit a bad drive. At least he (the tournament official) was able to find it," Herrera said. "Jeremy's 67 in that weather though...that was pretty good."
The tall, 6-foot-5 Gearhart was a machine in the finale, hitting 17 of 18 greens in regulation while missing only one fairway.
His big push came with a string of three straight birdies from holes No.9 through No.11.
"These are the events you want to win as an NCGA player," Gearhart said. "I have to say a big thank you to the Chalk Mountain men's club for all of their support over the years."
Third place went to Jordan Hashimoto at 145 after a 69.
Big Sur
David Prato of Danville won the title, posting a final round 3-under 68 to come in at 7-under 135.
Second place went to Nick Ronchetto at 143 after a final round 71.
Hassan Firzok and Kurtis Bettencourt finished tied for third at 149 after final rounds of 74 and 78, respectively. Firzok was awarded third place in a card-off.
Golden Gate
Joe Chen of Moraga won the title in dramatic fashion, defeating Richard Hicks on the first hole (No.10) of a sudden-death playoff.
Chen and Hicks both finished at even-par 142 after final rounds of 77 and 68, respectively.
Xiahong Lin was third at 143 after a final-round 68.
Yosemite
Tony Allen of Brentwood took the title, carding a final round 72 to finish with a total of 3-under 139.
Steven Nelsen was second at 141. Kevin Bender finished third at 146.
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June 5, 2023
Orangeville resident Jason Herrera is the player to chase after opening day of the annual NCGA Public Links Championship at Poppy Hills.
Herrera, winner of the 2021 Davis City, posted a 1-under 70 in Monday's first round, carding five birdies and four bogeys. He had a chance to go lower but had a bogey on the par-5 18th.
Both Garett Wagner and Damon Bartells are tied for second, just a shot back at 71. Wagner is the defending NCGA Player of the Year.
Ryan Sloane and Taylor Bromley are currently T-4 at 72. Defending champion Matt Cohn opened with a 75 and sits alone in 10th place.
Big Sur Flight
David Prato of Danville took the first round lead, posting a 4-under 67 with six birdies and two bogeys.
In second place at 70 is Jason Holstein of San Francisco. Kurtis 'KB' Bettencourt, an NCGA staffer, is third at 71.
Golden Gate Flight
Joe Chen of Moraga took the early lead, carding a 6-under 65 that featured six birdies and an eagle on the par-5 18th. On the front-nine, Chen posted a bogey-free 31.
Three players--Bryan Vevera, David Walter and Erik Davenport--are tied for second at 73.
Yosemite Flight
Steven Nelsen is the first round leader after posting a 5-under 66 that included six birdies, an eagle and three bogeys.
Tony Allen is alone in second place at 67. Kevin Bender and Daniel Hazelton are T-3 at 71.