Collins claims Chapman (Net) title at Sand Barrens

Cape May Court House, N.J. – Philadelphia Publinks GA’s Hank Collins loves Golf Association of Philadelphia net events for a few reasons. But as of late, it seems he’s enjoyed taking home net event hardware the most.

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  In an 18-hole individual stableford format, Collins fired a gross score of 84 en route to the Frank H. Chapman Memorial Cup (Net) overall title with 45 net points. After finishing as runner-up in the event last year at Heidelberg Country Club, Collins bettered a field of 26 players on his way to the winner’s circle at Sand Barrens Golf Club (par 72, 5,816 yards).

  “It was a good day on the golf course. I had a number of good birdies chances, mostly within 10 feet, but only got one to fall,” he said.

  That jarred birdie came on No. 14 (par 3, 125 yards) after a four-hole par stretch that propelled him to the top. His pitching wedge on the short par 3 left him with an eight-foot look. The putt hit nothing but the bottom of the cup.

  “I didn’t have many other standout moments besides that one, to be honest,” said Collins, 78, of Berwyn, Pa. “I kept my ball out of trouble today and hit it straight, for the most part. The last time I played this golf course was 20 years ago, so it was good to come back here.”

  Other than his recent success in the Chapman (Net), Collins was also crowned champion in the Tee it Forward Fall Net Championship at Schuylkill Country Club in August. He posted 43 net points to win that event.

   “Part of the reason I always play in these [net events] is to see and play new golf courses,” said Collins. “We know, every year, that we’re guaranteed entry into the GAP net events. They’re always extremely well run and great events overall. The people are great, the courses are great, and it’s always a pleasure.”

  Collins treasures the memories he has forged through the years playing consistently in the Warner and Chapman (Net) events, in addition to the Tee it Forward Championships. If he keeps up the success at this rate, however, he’ll need to find more storage space.

  “[The trophies] are up there on the bookshelf,” said Collins. “But that’s not what the shelf was made for. I’m not giving up any more books.”

  Taking home the Women’s Division title was Flourtown Country Club’s Alison Kellock . She carded a gross score of 90, good for 37 net points, which bettered LedgeRock Golf Club’s Charlotte Kocher by six.

  “It feels so great [to win],” said Kellock, 51, of Oreland, Pa. “This is my third GAP event, all this year. Seeing new golf courses is great, but playing with my best friends in an official event while representing my club at the same time is just so fun.”

  Frank H. Chapman, a Whitemarsh Valley Country Club member, served as the Association’s secretary-treasurer for 23 years. He died on June 7, 1955 at the age of 88. The Net tournament is held in his honor.

Golf Association of Philadelphia
Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional golf association in the United States and serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. Its 151 Member Clubs and 57,000 individual members are spread across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. As Philadelphia’s Most Trusted Source of Golf Information, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.