Event No. 24: The Gambler Gets Paid at Palmira

[Nate]

Most difficult golf courses are designed to force a player into a risk/reward choice. Take the risk, execute the shot, get the reward. Combine a gentleman’s wager on a risk/reward golf course and you ratchet up the pressure to perform.

Golfers Gone Wild took on Palmira Golf Course in St. John, Indiana on Saturday, September 19. A field of 8 players chanced what is always a tough place to play for those who bomb and gouge. Add to this mix, fast greens, plentiful sand traps and water hazards, creates a risky challenge for the GGW.

The Gambler avoided the risks and was rewarded with his first victory on Tour. Using his familiar 5 wood on almost every hole, The Gambler shot an 84 (net 64), including a blistering 39 on the front side while taking home first place money. Two shots behind was the TaylorMade Kid, who hit the ball as well as he has all season. Country Strong (net 76) and Silent Assassin (net 77) finished in third and fourth places.

The rest of the field was rewarded with nothing but trouble. Big triple digit scores were carded by Kappatain Styles, Lucky Lefty, Quick Draw and Double D. WTF, did none of these players have any trumps to play? At least this group was well dressed. However, as golfers, all were proven to just be bluffing from the first tee.

The first three were also the only golfers getting paid for skins wins. Country Strong won 5 skins and The Gambler won 6. But TaylorMade Kid won 7 skins to take over the tour lead with 67.

Palmira plays to the strengths of those who know the course and can manage the risks of a tough track. It’s a course where you can’t go “all in”. With his superior short game and the win, The Gambler Got Paid at Palmira. The GGW Tour resumes this Saturday at Silver Lakes in Orland Park. Are you willing to manage the risks and claim the winner’s reward; or will you cut your losses, fold your hand and lie on the couch?