Columnist Peter Benton: Reed, Wade team up for LVCC victory

Peter Benton

Wednesday, May 26, 2004 | 9:16 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

As usual, the annual Las Vegas Country Club's Member/Member Golf Tournament was a huge success, with the large field being treated to idyllic weather conditions on a course that was in extremely good shape.

Format for the 36-hole event was best-ball of partners (with 90 percent of handicap) the first day, and combined net, with full handicap the second and final day.

The pairing of Frank Reed and Jim Wade, on the strength of a brilliant round by Wade in the first day, won the championship flight with a score of 203.

Sharing second place at 208 were the teams of Russ Olson/Bob Frusco and Michael Pizzola/Val Miller. Olson and Frusco had more than their share of chances to win, but unfortunately, although Olson played absolutely superbly, Frusco struggled.

When a par looked imminent (and necessary), a 3-jack invariably appeared, and on the par 3s, more often than not Frusco's forte, a missed green, a flubbed wedge, and yet another two or three-putt ended any chances this pairing had. But what the heck, that's golf. The teams that won deserved to, as over the two days they played the best golf and that is that.

In the President's Flight, Chad Plaire and Hugh Merriman surprised everybody -- including themselves -- by winning with a 205. The Ken Land/Jerry Bartman pairing and that of Kent McBeath and Emilio Muscelli tied for second at 207.

Silver Flight victors with a score of 206 was the popular pairing of Bernie Sindler and Bill Stephan.

Playing flawlessly and teaming brilliantly together (as their score of 191 will attest) was the team of Tammy Gephardt and Kaz Pratt. Their win in the Ladies Flight was an amazing 16 strokes ahead of the pairing of Charyl Blackard and Charlotte Ashworth who placed second at 207. Tying for third at 211 were the twosomes of Betsey Bell/Peggy Pettis and Pat Corona/Helena Vergiels.

Nick Spiegel (Durango Hills) prevailed in the Senior Division with a 2-over 74. Mike Buss (L.V. National) was second at 76.

"Gary's natural leadership qualities have served him well through the years and we are excited to have him on our team," said Green.

"Aliante is the new kid on the block, so to speak, and will benefit greatly from his experience and understanding of the Las Vegas market."