By Mike VanZandt
Donnie Cork, a former PGA Mini Tour Player who rarely tees it these days except for exhibitions, showed the skills that almost led him to stardom as a professional golfer Saturday as he carried his team to victory in the 3d annual Ranch Benefit Tournament. Along with super senior Ray Pietramale and Lakeside Country Club ace Robert Brown, the three studs carried a shaky John Milby to a two shot win in the challenging windy and rainy conditions. The stacked team, selected by random draw, shot six under par on the back nine to finish at eight under par for a two shot win. Fueled by ample adult beverages and the always delicious hot appetizers from the Tiki Bar and Grill, the long hitting Cork and the steady Pietramale dominated the par 4 holes at the Ranch with birdies on five of the ten.
Four teams tied for second place at six under par, with “half a stroke” Dewey Jones winning the chip off over a resurgent Lynette Hardcastle in a tape measure victory from 100 yards out on the second hole. “Half a stroke” Jones played with “half a back” Wes Weisinger, Port Acres native David Buchanan and Billy Tomlinson. Hardcastle teamed with Jim Bishop, Robin Giddens, and Chuckie Brannan to finish in third place. Two pars on the relatively easy par 5- 4th and 9th holes left the pre-tourney favorite team of Michael Comeaux, Brent Finch, and long knocking David Hoelzer tied with Bob Jackson, deadly putting Keith Zahar, Bobby Stringer, and hot and cold Mike VanZandt. The Dabtician, Dabney Harrison, teamed with Gary Kasiske, James Irvine and Mitchell Powell to tie George Flores, King “Sonny’ Wong, Paul Williams and Jason Pettit at 5 under par 67. Head golf pro Michael Mitchell, Andy Rose, Howard Porteous and Bill Agnew came in at 68 to edge Roy Evers, Sonny Makin, Stake Jesuit High School standout Bobby Brown and all time Ranch leading money winner Shannon O’Brien for next to last place with their pedestrian 69. Lynette Hardcastle and the Dabbler won the closest to the hole contests on the 3d and 8th holes. A special thanks to Audine and Beverly for keeping the golfers lubricated during the tournament and all the sponsors who made the event a financial success for the Ranch.
First Place: John Milby, Robby Brown, Ray Pietramalie, Donny Cork
Second Place: Dewey Jones, David Buchanan, Billy Tomlinson, Wes, Weisinger
Third Place: Jim Bishop, Lynette Hardcastle, Charlie Brannon, Robin Giddens
A special thanks to Beverly and Audine for keeping the golfers lubricated during the tournament
Posted in 
