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The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

Griffins and Keltings Win Texas Father-Son

Briefly:  Matt and Will Griffin of San Antonio and Kyle and Derick Kelting of Amarillo were crowned Texas Father-Son co-champions at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa’s Fazio Foothills on Sunday. Both teams finished the tournament at 12-under-par 276, and due to current TGA health and safety guidelines, championship playoffs are not being conducted. With the victory, the Griffins have joined the short list of father-son duos to have three titles to their name. The Keltings, who were playing in their first Texas Father-Son, add this victory to their decorated amateur golf resumes.

Leaderboard: Championship Flight  
T1) Griffin / Griffin                    San Antonio, San Antonio       63-68-145 — 276
T1) Kelting / Kelting                 Amarilo, Amarillo                     66-68-142 — 276
3) Reynolds / Reynolds           Austin, Austin                           68-71-149 — 288
4) Lindberg / Lindberg             Coppell, Coppell                       69-69-152 — 290
5) Jones / Jones                      Magnolia, Houston                    68-71-152 — 291

Final Results

Championship Flight Update: In the final round, the top-half of the Championship Flight played combined score. This format adds extreme difficulty and pressure to both players on the team. In other words, every shot counts.

The Griffins, who won the Texas Father-Son in 2011 and 2019, began the day three-shots ahead of Kyle (father) and Derick. Early into the final round, the championship became a two-team race for the title.

“We knew from the first hole on that these guys were good,” Matt Griffin (father) said. “We knew we had our hands full. They played great on the front nine and got a little bit of a lead on us.”

The Kelting’s carded five birdies as a team on their opening loop, and the only dropped shot was a bogey from Kyle on the par-4 first. The combined score of 4-under-par 68 gave them a one-shot lead heading into the closing nine.

“We have played so much golf together that basically we play our own golf game,” Kyle said. “We just tried to play our own game and not get caught up in the moment.”

The back nine was a dual. Both teams fired punch for punch. Will, who won the 2005 Texas Junior Amateur at Fazio Foothills, birdied three of his first five holes on the back side. The Griffins seemed in control, but back-to-back double bogeys on the par-5 15th and par-4 16th from Matt opened the door once again for the Keltings.

Derick birdied the par-3 17th to regain a share of the lead. On the par-5 18th, all four players carded pars and finished both teams at 12-under-par 276 for the championship.

“Both my dad and I made clutch putts on the last hole,” Will said. “As the match went on and we started to put some heat on them they continued to hit good shots. It was a great battle down the stretch.”

This is the first time in Texas Father-Son history for two teams to share the title. Despite being crowned co-champions, the Griffins and Keltings were honored to come away victorious.

“It was a lot of really good competition,” Derick said. “We felt like we had been there before, but to have that title on it, the Texas Father-Son, that means a lot.”

The Griffins join the Gills and Doughties as the only teams in the tournament’s 40-year history to have three Father-Son titles.

“I love this tournament, I love the way you all host it and I love playing with my son,” Matt said. “I guess this means another 10-year exemption, so I’m looking forward to a lot more of it.”

Peach and Jay Reynolds of Austin finished third at even-par 288. Mark and Andrew Lindberg of Coppell finished fourth at 2-over-par 290, while David and Jordan Jones of Magnolia/Houston rounded out the top-5 at 3-over-par 291.

Presidents Flight Update: Following Round 2, the Championship Flight was cut to the top-19 and ties. The remaining 17 teams made up the Presidents Flight for the final round. While the Championship Flight played combined score, the Presidents Flight continued playing four-ball.

And much like the overall Championship Flight, it was a battle to the finish line.

Jeff and Nathan Haley of Richmond carded a final round 1-under-par 71 to hold off Greg and Ryan Grider of Lewisville, Pat and Luke Youngs of San Antonio as well as John and Brandon Immel of Dallas/Fort Worth by one stroke. With a victory in the Presidents Flight, the Haley’s earn an automatic exemption into next year’s Texas Father-Son.

Net Flights Update: In the Hogan Flight, Garon and Chris Goodspeed of Austin/Farmers Branch fired a final round 7-under-par 65 highlighted by a closing birdie on the par-5 18th. Their final putt of the championship was enough to claim the victory over Joe and Joey Quirk of Richardson by one stroke. The Goodspeeds finished at 18-under-par 198.

Trey Rowe and Randy Mattingley of Argyle/Flower Mound continued to play solid golf on Sunday to win the Nelson Flight by four strokes. They carded rounds of 67-67-68 to post 14-under-par 202. Darrell and Tim Bowe of Houston/Allen finished second at 10-under-par 206.

In the Crenshaw Flight, Aaron and Jamey Freisleben of Spring/Montgomery carded a 2-under-par 70 to post 10-under for the tournament and clinch the title over Mike and Chip Block of Houston/Kingwood by one stroke.

In the Kite Flight, Jacob and Ashley Hunter of Coppell fired a closing 4-under-par 68 to finish at 14-under for the championship and win by one stroke. Andre and Adam Villarrial of Waco/Midlothian earned runner-up honors at 13-under-par 203.

Golf Course: Originally opened in 1987, Fazio Foothills is the signature track at the recently renovated Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. It was designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio and is one of four championship courses at the resort. The 7,125-yard layout was renovated in 2004 and again in 2017, as part of Omni Hotels and Resort’s $150 million renovation of its Austin, Texas property. The two-year project included a second hotel tower, a new conference center, outdoor event pavilion, new dining venues, a spa and renovations on all four championship golf courses. Fazio Foothills offers dramatic elevation change and spectacular views. The fairways and greens are protected by cliffs, creeks and waterfalls which showcase the best of the Texas Hill Country. Known for its demanding tee shots and small greens, Fazio Foothills was recently named the No. 3 course you can play in Texas by Golf Magazine and 37th overall in the state by the Dallas Morning News. The pure test of golf has played host to various elite events over the years including the 2019 PGA Cup and the Champions Tour Legends of Golf tournament from 1990-1994.

Weather: The temperature reached 105 degrees with a light breeze around 6 mph out of the south.

What’s Next: The 2020 season continues with the West Texas Amateur at Bentwood Country Club in San Angelo from July 17-19. You can view the entire Texas Golf Association Competitions Calendar here.

More Info: The Texas Golf Association extends its sincere appreciation to Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa and our volunteers for their integral part in making the Texas Father-Son a memorable and successful event. For more information on the Texas Father-Son, click here.

Around the Green

The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

Matt and Will Griffin Stay Atop Father-Son Leaderboard

Briefly:  Matt and Will Griffin of San Antonio followed an opening round 9-under 63 with a 4-under-par 68. The two-time Texas Father-Son champions didn’t have their best in Round 2, but a strong closing nine gives them a three-stroke advantage heading into Sunday’s final round at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa’s Fazio Foothills.

Leaderboard: Championship Flight  
1) Griffin / Griffin                   San Antonio, San Antonio                    63-68
2) Kelting / Kelting                 Amarilo, Amarillo                                 66-68
3) Salcedo / Salcedo             The Woodlands, The Woodlands        67-69
T4) Starks / Starks                Dallas, Dallas                                       69-68
T4) Diamond / Diamond        Houston, Houston                                67-70

Full Leaderboard | Round 3 Pairings

In Contention: Matt and Will Griffin started their second round on the par-4 10th with a three-shot lead. Following a bogey on the par-3 17th, the lead was down to one. The Griffin’s were just even par on the day. They made par on the par-5 18th and drove to the par-4 first hole still at 9-under for the tournament.

“I was definitely struggling on the first nine,” Will said. “He (Matt) had my back on a lot of holes but we weren’t where we wanted to be. We knew we needed to do something well on the front side because neither of us had our A-game today.”

The defending champions stayed focused and found their game. Will (son), a former standout at Texas Tech University, chipped in for birdie to get things going on the first. They followed with another birdie on the par-4 fourth to once again lead by three.

The Griffin’s carded a few pars before arriving to the par-5 eighth. Matt hit his tee shot down the right center of the fairway. He laid up to a perfect number and stuffed his pitch shot close for a tap-in birdie.

The par-3 ninth, known as Fazio Foothills signature hole, was playing 151 yards with a little helping wind on Saturday. Matt found the center of the putting surface with his tee shot and gave Will the green light.

“He (Matt) put one just right of the hole on the green, so I knew I could go right at it,” Will said. “I hit a smooth 9-iron to about six feet left of the hole.”

Will capitalized on his birdie putt to close out the round and post 13-under-par 131 as a team through 36 holes. The Griffins, who won the Texas Father-Son in 2011 and 2019, will seek their third title on Sunday.

“We have played golf together since I was a toddler,” Will said. “We feed off each other’s energy and we just play well together. It would mean a ton to get the win tomorrow.”

The Griffin’s hold a three-shot advantage over Derick and Kyle Kelting of Amarillo. The West Texas duo followed an opening nine 1-under 35 with a closing 3-under 33 on Saturday to card a 68 and post 10-under-par 134 through Round 2.

Juan and Juan Salcedo Jr. of The Woodlands are solo third at 8-under-par 136. Larry and Garrett Starks of Dallas and John and Jack Diamond of Houston are tied fourth at 7-under-par 137.

Following Round 2, the Championship Flight was cut to the top-19 and ties. The remaining 16 teams will make up the Presidents Flight for the final round. The Championship Flight will play combined score (both player’s ball counts) during the final round, while the Presidents Flight will continue playing four-ball.

Net Flights Update: In the Hogan Flight, Garon and Chris Goodspeed of Austin/Farmers Branch followed their opening round 6-under 66 with a 5-under-par 67. They lead the flight by two strokes over Joe and Joey Quirk or Richardson and Marc and Mason Nelson of Rockwall.

Trey Rowe and Randy Mattingley of Argyle/Flower Mound carded six birdies and a bogey to post a second consecutive 5-under-par 67. They sit at 10-under for the championship and lead the Nelson Flight by four strokes over Rockwall’s Tom and Garrett Walker.

In the Crenshaw Flight, Aaron and Jamey Freisleben of Spring/Montgomery carded a 1-under-par 71 to extend their lead. They hold two-stroke advantage over Coppell’s Frank and Frank Gerome Jr.

In the Kite Flight, Jacob and Ashley Hunter of Coppell followed their opening round 9-under 63 with a 1-under-par 71. The Hunter’s will head into the final round with a three-stroke lead over Andre and Adam Villarrial of Waco/Midlothian and David and David Cash Jr. of Spicewood/Cottonwood Shores.

Golf Course: Originally opened in 1987, Fazio Foothills is the signature track at the recently renovated Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. It was designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio and is one of four championship courses at the resort. The 7,125-yard layout was renovated in 2004 and again in 2017, as part of Omni Hotels and Resort’s $150 million renovation of its Austin, Texas property. The two-year project included a second hotel tower, a new conference center, outdoor event pavilion, new dining venues, a spa and renovations on all four championship golf courses. Fazio Foothills offers dramatic elevation change and spectacular views. The fairways and greens are protected by cliffs, creeks and waterfalls which showcase the best of the Texas Hill Country. Known for its demanding tee shots and small greens, Fazio Foothills was recently named the No. 3 course you can play in Texas by Golf Magazine and 37th overall in the state by the Dallas Morning News. The pure test of golf has played host to various elite events over the years including the 2019 PGA Cup and the Champions Tour Legends of Golf tournament from 1990-1994.

Weather: The temperature reached 101 degrees with a light breeze around 6 mph out of the south.

What’s Next: Final Round tee times start Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. off No. 1 & 10 tees at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa’s Fazio Foothills.

More Info: For more information on the Texas Father-Son, click here.

Around the Green

The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

Matt and Will Griffin Lead Texas Father-Son

Briefly:  Matt and Will Griffin of San Antonio lead the Texas Father-Son after an opening round 9-under-par 63 at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa’s Fazio Foothills. The defending Texas Father-Son champions carded seven birdies and an eagle and lead the field by three strokes through Round 1.

Leaderboard: Championship Flight  
1) Griffin, Matt / Griffin, Will                  San Antonio, San Antonio                   63
2) Kelting, Derrick / Kelting, Kyle          Amarilo, Amarillo                                 66
T3) Diamond, John / Diamond, Jack    Houston, Houston                                67
T3) Salcedo, Juan / Salcedo, Juan          The Woodlands, The Woodlands      67
T3) Dodd, Bill / Dodd, Nicko                   Sugar Land, Atascocita                        67

Complete Round 1 Results | Round 2 Pairings

In Contention: The Griffin’s, who seek their third Texas Father-Son title, demonstrated once again their confidence as teammates at Fazio Foothills. The duo won in 2011 at Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco and again last year at Comanche Trace in Kerrville. On Friday, Matt (father) and Will (son) pieced together another solid four-ball round of golf.

“We both play better when we’re playing together,” Matt said. “But, it was all Will today.”

Will, who won the 2005 Texas Junior Amateur at Fazio Foothills, was comfortable from the start. He carded birdies on the par-5 fifth and par-4 seventh followed by an eagle on the par-5 eighth to shoot an opening nine 4-under-par 32 with his own ball. The former Texas Tech University standout didn’t slow down on the back nine. He birdied five of their next six holes to reach 9-under on the day.

“I feel really comfortable off the tee because it sets up really well for my fade,” Will said. “Once the ball started to find the hole, the hole started to look a lot bigger. I know if I am going to make a mistake he’s (Matt) always got my back, so it takes a little pressure off me.”

Will didn’t make many mistakes in Round 1. In fact, he carded eight straight threes between the par-4 seventh and par-3 14th.

“I just started watching and enjoying,” Matt said. “I am getting used to it, so I’m hoping he can keep it up this weekend.”

The Griffin’s hold a three-shot advantage over Derick and Kyle Kelting of Amarillo. Despite a dropped shot on the par-3 14th, Derrick carded four birdies and Kyle carded three birdies en route to a 6-under-par 66.

John and Jack Diamond of Houston, Juan and Juan Salcedo Jr. of The Woodlands, and Bill and Nicko Dodd of Sugar Land/Atascocita are tied third at 5-under par. Four teams sit at 4-under par and tied sixth heading into Round 2.

Net Flights Update: In the Hogan Flight, Joe and Joey Quirk of Richardson fired a 7-under-par 65 to lead by one stroke. Garon and Chris Goodspeed of Austin/Farmers Branch are tied second with Marc and Mason Nelson of Rockwall after rounds of 6-under 66.

Two teams sit atop the leaderboard in the Nelson Flight. Trey Rowe and Randy Mattingley of Argyle/Flower Mound as well as Michael and Jon Olszewski of Granbury/Fort Worth carded 5-under-par 67s to lead the flight by one stroke.

In the Crenshaw Flight, Aaron and Jamey Freisleben of Spring/Montgomery carded an opening round 7-under-par 65. They lead Coppell’s Frank and Frank Gerome Jr. by one stroke.

The low rounds of the day in the net divisions came in the Kite Flight. Greg and Don Taylor of Georgetown/Beaumont as well as Jacob and Ashley Hunter of Coppell fired rounds of 9-under-par 63. The Taylor’s, who finished runner-up in the Kite Flight last year, carded four net eagles in Round 1. They’ll begin the second round sharing a one stroke lead.

Golf Course: Originally opened in 1987, Fazio Foothills is the signature track at the recently renovated Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. It was designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio and is one of four championship courses at the resort. The 7,125-yard layout was renovated in 2004 and again in 2017, as part of Omni Hotels and Resort’s $150 million renovation of its Austin, Texas property. The two-year project included a second hotel tower, a new conference center, outdoor event pavilion, new dining venues, a spa and renovations on all four championship golf courses. Fazio Foothills offers dramatic elevation change and spectacular views. The fairways and greens are protected by cliffs, creeks and waterfalls which showcase the best of the Texas Hill Country. Known for its demanding tee shots and small greens, Fazio Foothills was recently named the No. 3 course you can play in Texas by Golf Magazine and 37th overall in the state by the Dallas Morning News. The pure test of golf has played host to various elite events over the years including the 2019 PGA Cup and the Champions Tour Legends of Golf tournament from 1990-1994.

Weather: The temperature reached 97 degrees with a light breeze around 7 mph out of the south.

What’s Next: Round 2 tee times start Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. off No. 1 & 10 tees at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa’s Fazio Foothills.

More Info: For more information on the Texas Father-Son, click here.