Posted
online: July 18, 2005 11:37 PM
Print publication date: July 19, 2005
QC Open
first-class tourney
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Congratulations to John Valliere and his staff at Glynns Creek Golf Course for putting together the 2005 Quad
City Open golf tournament that made a very successful run this past weekend.
Despite a late start in organizing the event and a few glitches during, the
head golf professional put together a first-class event that was run very well
-- as are all of his events at the
Many pros were pleased with the tournament, which featured both
professionals and amateurs, and thought it made for a great addition to the
"Iowa Swing" that already features established events in
Good job, guys. It sounds as if you have a winner on your hands. Good luck
finding a few more sponsors to up the $34,450 purse, and drawing an even-
stronger field next year if it again kicks off the "Iowa Swing."
* There were three veterans in the field who had their time on the PGA Tour,
and it was interesting to see how they treated their past successes on the
links and being part of the Tour once.
Larry Ziegler, a three-time Tour winner (1969 Michigan Classic, 1975 Greater
Jacksonville Open, 1976 First NBC New Orleans Open), acted like a regular joe, for the most part. Mark Rohde was almost hesitant to
even mention his Tour days, which included a tie for 16th in the 1980 Quad
Cities Open.
Steve Thomas talked about leading the Tour in driving distance as if he did
it every year. In fact, he led the Tour once, in 1988. Thomas failed to mention
that he struggled to keep his playing privileges, even playing as a
"non-PGA Tour member" according to the PGA Tour's official media
guide.
* Ziegler could have brought some real fun to this event. The 24-year
touring pro was a real entertainer for a time in last week's pro-am. When the
64-year-old chose to be, he was very engaging -- a Fuzzy Zoeller
before Fuzzy burst on the scene.
Some of his best one-liners included that "it's been proven that
amateurs make more three-foot putts than the pros. ... But we have to putt
them." He called one popped-up drive a "GB -- giraffe's butt; high
and stinky."
Unfortunately, after being outgoing for about nine holes, he lost interest
and was in his own world for the final nine.
It was too bad his pro-am 69 (which earned him an extra $150 in that day's
pro pool) was his best score of the week, and he groused around Glynns Creek for the final three days. I just hope he gives
this event a chance and didn't leave with a bad impression.
Tom Johnston is a sports writer for The Dispatch and The Rock Island
Argus. You can get in touch with him at (309) 757-4969 or tjohnston@qconline.com