FBGC Championship - Summer 2025 Recap

Brendan led most of the day, reaching -3 (net) after a great drive, pitch, and putt on the phenomenal long-drive 14th hole. He was 3 strokes ahead of Troy at that point, and seemingly in command of his entire game.

 

BD received an excellent read on a 20-foot downhill putt for birdie on 15... only to hit it a few feet by the hole and then push the comeback for a bogey (net par). Troy makes par to cut the lead to 2 strokes.

 

Brendan made bogey on 16 — which only Dave and Dan parred — to regain a 3-stroke advantage after Troy topped his tee shot into the water.

 

Assuming Troy pars the final two holes (which, of course, he did)... the birthday boy would need to finish +3 (gross) on that stretch to share a victory.

 

The 17th is pretty short with water down the right... and Brendan pull-hooked a 3-iron into the left woods to make a 7 (with another short missed putt, I believe). Then on 18 he pulls driver into the left bushes, and tries to muscle an iron for his next shot... but it pull/tops back into the shit.. and ends up with another triple bogey.

 

Absolutely gutting to watch, as he played stellar golf most of the day.

 

So congrats to Troy who won his 7th Major, and jumps to 2nd place on the standings... a mere 65 points behind Melberg! 

 

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Celebration was decent. A few bare spots in fairways but nothing our generous lift-clean-place fairway rule couldn't overcome. The greens were... also decent? Dave is correct that they've been much better out there in previous years.

 

But for $70 and a free lunch and range balls... it's one of the best deals around. Thanks again to Gorecki for calling them to enhance our deal. We should go back at some point.

 

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I'll post about the upcoming golf at Scepter later. 

 

Our season party is this Saturday night at the Friendly Tarpon (3120 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611) in "Interbay." I've never been, but John says it's good. He's also probably saying that because he can allegedly walk there... but he's not in the field Sunday so don't expect to see him.

 

They have limited food, and only beer/wine. So eat beforehand and bring a flask? 

 

Anyway, it can't be worse than Wild Rover Brewing. Come out after 8pm if you want to hang out. 

 

I reckon I'll see about 7 of you then!