Spring Mill CC’s Maxwell prevails in Chapman Cup (Net)

WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Jerry Maxwell of Spring Mill CC received quite the birthday gift Tuesday: the Chapman Memorial (Net) trophy.

  The Warminster, Pa. resident outlasted the 55-player field and logged a 44-point total under the Stableford format at Radley Run CC (par 72, 6,083 yards). Maxwell turned 55 Tuesday, making him freshly eligible to compete in the tournament.

  “My wife said you’re almost guaranteed to be the youngest guy in the field,” Maxwell said.

  Great camaraderie, nice course conditions and flatstick efficiency each contributed to Maxwell’s success.

  “It was a putting exhibition that I dreamed of,” he said.

  One of those spectacular putts came on No. 10 (par 4, 340 yards). Maxwell, a 19 handicap, drilled his 9-iron 120 yards to the back of the fringe and then converted a challenging birdie putt. He again fired a birdie from the fringe after sticking his 7-iron to 25-feet on No. 13 (par 3, 151 yards). Maxwell flubbed a 5-iron on No. 11 (par 3, 167 yards), but rebounded by rolling in an uphill 20-footer for par.

  Maxwell didn’t spend much time preparing for Tuesday’s tournament. He, along with tee-mate James Wiley of Lu Lu CC, hit about seven wedge shots before taking to the course.

  “We were both running a little late, but we got those swings in by gratis of the (tee) times being a little late,” Maxwell said.

  Nevertheless, Maxwell started his senior career in memorable fashion.

  “It was a wonderful birthday,” he said.

  Brendan Kearney of Sandy Run CC earned 43-points to finish second. Wiley attained third place overall with a 41-point total.

  The Chapman Memorial Net was changed to an individual Stableford format in 2008 after two years as an individual net stroke play event. Gary Daniels of Saucon Valley CC won the gross portion of Chapman Memorial Cup held at Philadelphia CC this past July.

  The Chapman Memorial Cup is named for Frank H. Chapman, who served as the Association’s Secretary-Treasurer for 23 years. Players with a USGA Handicap Index of 7.1 and above were eligible to compete in today’s tournament.

First Flight
Vincent Kraft, Jr. of Lehigh CC, 39 points
Second Flight
James Cardano of Cedarbrook CC, 39 points
Third Flight
John O’Rourke, McCall G&CC, 38 points