The 6th Annual Pecan Classic was held on September 25th and 26th at The San Saba River Golf Course. This tournament is hosted each fall by Mr. Buddy Adams, and flawlessly coordinated by Pam Mann.

What makes this tournament interesting is the quota format that gives players the ability to make-up, or lose alot of ground each day. This is also one tournament where a + score is good, and a - score is bad.

The event this year played host to a record number of participants, and of the 56 players there were 22 locals and 34 from various parts of the state, as well as two from Arizona, and one from Colorado. Many of these players have competed in previous years, and always come back for some good golf, great fellowship, and superior hospitality.

On the first day of the competition there were a lot of familiar names at the top of the leaderboard, with four of the top five being locals. At the conclusion of day one the leaders were: John Reavis +6, Mike Allen +4, Keith Harris +3, Two-Time Defending Champion Jerry Minter at +2, Salomon Barrera, Dane Mahan, and Sid Ball tied at +1, Ronnie “Chicken” Thomas, and Charlie Bagley tied at 0, and the rest of the field failed to get their points.

After a great steak dinner, and a good nights sleep, all of the players points were adjusted based on their first days scores, and they went out Saturday at high noon to conclude the event. There was a lot of movement on day two with many of the top players falling out of contention, and some big moves made from the back of the pack.

The 2009 Champion, Mr. Jim Ka“PP”ler from Arlington Texas was tied for 47th after day one with -9 points, and shot a blistering +14.25 on day two for a winning +5.25 total.

There was a tie for 2nd with Rick Baskin winning a scorecard playoff to take the second place clock, and cash, and John Reavis having to settle for 3rd at +3.5. Rick Baskin shot an even par 72 on Saturday to move up from 50th place to the runner-up spot.

Local pro Keith Harris held on for 4th at +1.75, Sid Ball and Dane Mahan finished tied for 5th at +1.25, Charlie Bagley was 7th with +1 point, Ben Steed was 8th at +.25, and rounding out the top 10 was the duo of Richard Duncan, and Isreal Templeton at 0.

This event is always one of the years highlights at San Saba River Golf Course, because the group of guys that come in are always top notch. Thanks again to Buddy, Pam, the handicap chairman David Potts (we need to talk about my handicap for 2010), Troy Gilger and his crew for a great meal on Friday, and especially the maintenance staff at the course, Jerry Turner, Chris Stewart, and John Romero for the long week, and the course looking better than it has all year, and all the others that make this tournament such a success. Each year this event gets bigger and better, and for three days in September it brings in guests to our hotels, stores, and restaurants. Keep up the good work Buddy, and we can’t wait till next year!