Gula-McClintick Classic remains big hit

Oldgolfdawg was too busy playing in the Gula-McClintick Classic in the Canton-Bolivar-New Philadelphia area last weekend to watch any televised golf, so commenting on any coverage of the pros would be inappropriate.

While Fred Funk's one-shot victory over Michael Allen and Chien Soon Lu in the JELD-WEN Tradition was a "major" on the Champions Tour, it would seem Arjun Atwal's one-shot victory over David Toms in the Wyndham Championship was more noteworthy. Atwal, 37, became the first native of India to win on the PGA Tour and the first Monday qualifier to win since 1986.

On the LPGA Tour, Ai Miyazato moved back into the No. 1 spot in the women's world rankings with a two-shot victory over Cristie Kerr and Na Yeon Choi in the Safeway Classic.

Getting together with old friends at the Gula-McClintick Classic has been the highlight of Oldgolfdawg's golf season ever since he moved back to Ohio in 1983. This year's gathering was another "smashing" success on and off the course if hangovers can be used as a measuring stick.

As usual, Billy "Bear" Carlyon schooled the grey-beards with a 70-76 performance during the prelims at Skyland Pines and Oak Shadows, respectively. In the main event scramble at Wilkshire, the team of Neal Bulman, Danny Spalding and Billy Wiggins emerged victorious. Their performance was capped when Bulman won closest-to-the-pin and Spalding won longest-putt honors on the final hole.

Notably missed from this year's event were Potts, Jiggers, Lloyds of London, Professor Putt (aka Dave Labat), Ricky (Watch Your Step) Wagoner, Big Boy, Wiggy Junior and Crow, but spirits were lifted by a Sunday cameo appearance from "Tokyo" Joe Tomayko. Also in our thoughts was tournament founder Greg "Roo" Gula, who Oldgolfdawg learned is bouncing back from a harrowing health experience.

God's speed in your recovery, Roo. Here's hoping everyone can make it to next year's gathering. Pete McClintick, aka the Commish, informed me that the tournament will go on at least until the day Oldgolfdawg wins the fewest-putts category. Gentlemen, that means we're in for a very long run. So take care of yourselves in the meantime and keep your eyes on the pea.