LEWISTON — This Porter Cup playoff stuff is nothing new to Tournament Director Steve Denn. A decade ago, Denn was on the bag of current PGA Tour player Jonathan Byrd during a three-hole aggregate playoff against Hunter Haas.
Byrd — who has since racked up more than $10 million in tour winnings — missed a putt on the final hole and made bogey, allowing Haas to earn the title at Niagara Falls Country Club.
“I gave him a great line,” Denn joked of Byrd’s miss.
While extra holes are old hat to Porter Cup organizers, the recent batch of bad weather the tournament has suffered through is something novel. This year’s 54-hole tournament marked just the second time since the event expanded to four rounds that an entire round had to be scratched.
And that comes on the heels of a nasty spell of rain last year that forced players to play 36 holes one day.
When the clouds finally cleared on Saturday, though, fans and organizers were treated to an incredible finish as Brendan Gielow, Andrew Yun and Cody Gribble went to a three-way playoff and Gielow captured the crown by sinking a chip from off the green on the third extra hole.
“It’s nice because the tournament will now be remembered for something other than the weather,” Denn said. “Instead of a feeling of relief, it’s a feeling of happiness. I’m proud of the job that the entire committee did. It was truly a team effort, maybe more than last year when we had all the weather problems. We had to dig down deep to get it done.”
The weather was a constant theme throughout the week, but most of the players seemed unfazed by the delays. Even the final round got disrupted as thunder in the area forced the final two groups to come off for more than 30 minutes with the tournament on the line.
“This is my sixth and I know last year we also had trouble with the weather, but before that I don’t ever remember a rain delay. Hopefully, it’s just something short term and as golfers, we know this is part of the deal,” said Tim Mickelson, the brother of PGA Tour star Phil, who finished in a tie for eighth after leading the event through two rounds. “But the hospitality at this event is so good, it doesn’t make a big difference that it was only 54 holes. This is a great place to play.”
Denn said the event’s success, especially in the face of difficult weather, proved the Porter Cup can overcome numerous obstacles.
“We don’t want to take anything for granted in terms of our ability to conduct a golf tournament. You’re only as good as your last tournament if you screw something up, word’s going to travel. We certainly don’t want that,” he said.
“The Porter Cup over the years has built up such a reputation for excellence that you want to make sure you protect that.”
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
Porter Cup 2009
Related Photos
July 26, 2009
PORTER CUP: Rain couldn't compromise event
- Porter Cup 2009
-
-
PORTER CUP: Rain couldn't compromise event
When the clouds finally cleared on Saturday, though, fans and organizers were treated to an incredible finish as Brendan Gielow, Andrew Yun and Cody Gribble went to a three-way playoff and Gielow captured the crown by sinking a chip from off the green on the third extra hole.
-
PORTER CUP: Gielow takes title in spectacular fashion
For all the talk of Doppler images, weather cells and emergency evacuations, the 51st Annual Porter Cup will rightfully be remembered for something more significant — the most scintillating finish in the tournament’s proud history.
- PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Wind is Mickelson downfall on final day Tim Mickelson had a feeling that a recent respite from golf might catch up to him at the 51st Annual Porter Cup.
-
PORTER CUP: Weather is the story after second round
The unfortunate story after Friday’s second round of the storied Porter Cup wasn’t who might emerge in Saturday’s final round, but if the round will be played at all. Tim Mickelson and Mike Van Sickle share the lead.
-
TIM'S TAKE: Reigning champ Mitchell tempers expectations
Adam Mitchell returned to NFCC to defend his crown, although he clearly understood that following last year’s performance would be no small feat.
-
PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Fresh from Open, Weaver keeps his focus
Drew Weaver was considered one of the favorites to win the 51st Annual Porter Cup at Niagara Falls Country Club.
That’s a little different than his recent appearance in the U.S. Open, where Weaver came in with little fanfare. -
PORTER CUP: Mother Nature claims second round
Porter Cup organizers had Thursday night marked for an annual trip that takes golfers and their families to the Maid of the Mist.
Turned out they got a preview of the world-famous thrill ride standing outside Niagara Falls Country Club. -
PORTER CUP: Mickelson among leaders after opening round
For one sizzling back nine, Niagara Falls Country Club played the role of safe haven for Tim Mickelson on Wednesday.
The wife of his well-known brother has been fighting through a publicized battle with breast cancer. His mother underwent surgery in a Houston hospital just a week ago for the same ailment. -
TIM'S TAKE: Captain Marucci still rolling along
As the captain of the 2009 Walker Cup team — the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup — it’s Marucci’s job to figure out who has the intestinal fortitude to represent the good ol’ U.S. of A. in the upcoming event, which will take place in September. The Americans have a two-match, four-year winning streak in hand and Marucci wants to build on his perfect 1-0 mark as team captain.
-
PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Rough forecast for upcoming rounds
After wreaking havoc on last year’s Porter Cup schedule, Mother Nature followed suit by handing the players a 50-minute fog delay before the opening round of the 2009 event on Wednesday.
- More Porter Cup 2009 Headlines
-
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
