Edwards on a Roll

Gregg Edwards continued his recent hot streak by winning the Sarasota Open in dramatic fashion yesterday. It was particularly sweet considering he got the W on his mother's birthday, making for a fine birthday gift. The following is the Sarasota Herald Tribune's article about the event:

SARASOTA COUNTY OPEN
Edwards wins on 5th extra hole
River Club teaching pro bests host pro Cummings at the Golf Club at Capri Isles.

By MARK CARDON
mark.cardon@heraldtribune.com

VENICE -- Host pro Mike Cummings invited 122 other players for the first Sarasota County Open and then almost won his own tournament.

In a thrilling five-hole playoff late Sunday afternoon, teaching pro Greg Edwards bested Cummings on the 550-yard fifth hole at the Golf Club at Capri Isles.

Cummings, who was staring at a bogey, conceded a short birdie putt by Edwards for the victory.

"It's the most fun I've ever had playing golf," said Cummings. "That's what it is all about."Paired together on Sunday after shooting 72s in Saturday's first round, Cummings and Edwards, a teaching pro at the River Club in Bradenton, posted 2-under-par 70s to force a playoff.

Both pros parred the first hole and birdied the second, followed by pars and bogeys.

On the par 5, fifth hole, Edwards hit a driver and 3-wood onto the green. His first putt was short by 2 feet. Meanwhile, Cummings' third shot found the greenside fringe and his chip and putt were short. He conceded Edwards' birdie putt.

Sarasota's Joey Lamielle and North Port's Dave Hronek tied for third at even-par 144. Lamielle shot 73 on Sunday, and Hronek posted a 69, the day's best score.

First-round leader Robert Jacks of St. Petersburg soared to a 76 and finished sixth.In recent outings, Edwards, who has been at the River Club for seven years, shot a 65 on his home course, tying the course record. He also had a 66 in winning a mini-tour event in Lakeland.

"It was a strong field with a lot of good players," said Edwards. "He (Cummings) hung in their. It was good to see him playing so well. He ran a nice tournament."

Charlie Hodges won the first flight with a 145 total, and Richard Brown fired a 70 to capture the second flight at 153. Jack Harding and Lee Kowalski shared the third flight at 174.

Ironically, it was Cummings' idea to start the Sarasota County Open. His goal was to get a competitive field of pros and amateurs in the area together on his home course.