2008 Rookies of the Year Jeff Lim-Sharpe and Lee Flemister won the Maryland Section of the first 2009 Potomac Cup qualifying tournament with a sparkling best ball score of 5-under 67 at Westfields Golf Club. Lim-Sharpe and Flemister were joined on the Maryland squad by newcomers Greg Roberts and Brent Martin, (who shot 68), and Ken Lampard and Greg Rowse (69).
“I can’t wait to see what Jeff wears to his media center interview,” quipped Flemister, referring to his long-haired partner’s penchant for emulating Camilo Villegas with electric pants. Opening lines from Vegas installed “fire-engine red” as the early favorite, but if Lim-Sharpe has been talking to anyone at Loudmouth Golf – makers of John Daly’s new “outfits” – watch out, he could wear anything.
Lim-Sharpe and Flemister went 2-2 in doubles in last year’s cup, but their record was deceiving as – while rookies – they gladly took on the burden of battling Virginian doubles stars Dae Chung and Don Phattiyakul, who never lost as a tandem in two years of Potomac Cup play. Their holding firm against “Skinny and Phatty,” allowed their partners to exploit Virginia’s soft underbelly and lack of depth as Maryland claimed their first Cup in four years. Chung moved to San Diego last year, making him ineligible for this year’s Cup. Phattiyakul has not resurfaced with a replacement partner to date, but we hope to see him in time for the Renditions qualifier in one week,
Virginia’s team returns two of its rookie stars, brings back two of its wiliest veterans, and introduces two newcomers. The Virginia half of the Westfields bracket was won by cup newcomers Chris Robb and Tom Lantz with a 69. They will be joined by two of Virginia’s rookie stars from last year, Chris Waslo and Steve “The Thing” Nolin, who with his burly wrestler physique and chiseled features, resembles the Fantastic Four character of the same name. “We lost this year,” an energetic Nolin said after the Cup ended at Blue Rudge Shadows, “but next year, IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” he shouted, using the character’s trademark rallying cry.
Mark Vandegrift and Frank Romano finished third with a 71. Romano, best known for taking on the toughest player on the opposing squad, will return for his seventh Potomac Cup. Tournament Host Steve Czaban, “Flemister and Sharpe are great partners and play well together, but when you return experience that’s a plus. Four returning player from last year at tough, character-filled Blue Ridge Shadows will give VA an edge.” Blue Ridge Shadows in Front Royal, VA hosts its second cup finals this year.
In perhaps the biggest surprise, life-long Potomac Cup star Vance Welch failed to qualify in the first phase. Playing with multi-cup veteran Dr. Don Meyer, their 71 left them in 5th. They will have another chance to qualify for Maryland on July 21 at Renditions.
