LOGIN  |  JOIN  |  INFO  |  BENEFITS
Jeffrey Hamm wins Christmas Classic
08 Dec 2011
by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com

see also: View results for AGC Christmas Classic, Del Monte Golf Course, Jeffrey Hamm Profile

SHARE:   
- amateurgolf.com photo
- amateurgolf.com photo

MONTEREY, Calif. (December 4, 2011) -- For the second-straight year, a Cal Bear golfer has won the Christmas Classic. But it took a three- way playoff to determine the outcome.

Jeffrey Hamm of Danville posted rounds of 3- under 67 (Pacific Grove) and 2-under 70 (Del Monte) to catch first-round leader Nick Sako (65-72) who was playing with him in the final pairing Sunday.

Sako fired straight for the pin at No. 18, and, despite losing out on the chance for a regulation victory, gutted out a bogey by getting up-and-down from behind the green after his first pitch shot came up short of the "extreme" pin placement.

The scoreboard showed one other 5-under total, the result of Grant Rappleye's Sunday-low round of 5-under 67 at Del Monte on top of an even par round at Pacific Grove.

The playoff started on the par-5 17th, where Rappleye looked to be in control after playing his second shot to the front fringe. After running his eagle try by the cup, he missed a slick down-hill putt and the come-backer for par, opening the door for Sako and Hamm, who both had putts in the 15-foot range.



Jim Knoll
Senior Div. Champ


Vincent Steele
Net Division Champ
Both players left three-foot putts for par -- Hamm converted his while Sako's slid by.

In the Senior Division, first-round leader Jim Knoll (65 at Pacific Grove) came in with a 73 to post 4-under for a two-stroke victory over tournament founder Casey Boyns and Mark Miller. Knoll, the 2011 NCGA Senior Player-of- the-Year, was just one stroke from posting the same score as the winner of the Championship flight and played the same tees.

Knoll praised the Del Monte greens as being "the best at any public facility in Northern California" and many players agree. If you haven't played this historic gem, it's time to call 831-373-2700 and make a tee time.

Vincent Steele of Concord "hung on with both hands" to claim the Net Division title by one stroke to edge Todd Knapp of Salinas. Steele had what he called an, "interesting round," on Sunday. His only par of the day came on the last hole, the 218-yard par-3 14th. It was the par he needed, to post Net rounds of 65-76, 1- under-par.

The final event of the 2011 season is the amateurgolf.com Tour Championship at Stevinson Ranch. If you haven't registered yet, please think about joining us at "the home course of amateurgolf.com." We'll award trophies to winners of the Tour Championship, and award special trophies to the players of the year in Championship, Senior, and Net Divisions.

Results: AGC Christmas Classic
1CAJeff HammWalnut Creek, CA10067-70=137
T2CAGrant RappleyeElk Grove, CA6570-67=137
T2CANick SakoMenlo Park, CA6565-72=137
T4CACameron RappleyeElk Grove, CA3067-71=138
T4CAMichael WeaverFresno, CA3068-70=138

View full results for AGC Christmas Classic

ABOUT THE AGC Christmas Classic

>> 2023 TOUR PORTAL | PHOTO GALLERY

The Christmas Classic was founded by 2-time California State Amateur Champion Casey Boyns over 20 years ago and it always attracts a great field. This is our most popular event, and year in and year out it sells out. Field limited to 104 players; Championship, Senior, and Net divisions.

Your entry fee includes two rounds of golf (cart at players expense), $4500 in Callaway Golf certificate prizes, $20 lunch certificate, and a great weekend at one of the Monterey Peninsula's wonderful classic courses, "Old" Del Monte.

DIVISIONS

CHAMPIONSHIP
For players aged 16 and over who have a USGA or equivalent index of less than 5.5

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
For players age 50 and over (as of the tournament date) with a handicap index of less than 8.0. Note: Must be 55 and over for NCGA Senior Points.

NET
For players 16 and over with handicap between 5.5 and 18.0.

MID-AM (subdivision of Championship)
For players age 25-49. Compete alongside the younger players in the Championship Division, (same tees, same prize opportunities) and if there are at least six Mid-Ams, a separate prize and trophy will be awarded.

SUPER SENIORS (subdivision of Senior)
For players age 65+. Compete alongside the younger senior players in the Senior Division, (same tees, same prize opportunities) and if there are at least six players 65 or over, a separate prize and trophy will be awarded for low super senior.

WOMEN (subdivision of Championship)
Will play in the Championship Division but from a shorter tee; if there are at least six women in the field, a separate prize and trophy will be awarded. Net players will play in the Net Division but from a shorter tee.

View Complete Tournament Information

Latest in 

Amateurgolf.com, Inc.
6965 El Camino Real 105-631
Carlsbad, CA 92009

Instagram X Facebook YouTube