BERLIN, Md.- Teeing off for the first round at Ocean Pines Golf Club.
About 120 golfers hit the links to begin a three day national championship. Some golfers came in from as far as Texas and New Mexico.
Vice President of Operations for Eastern Shore Golf Companies Holly Taranto says players usually need to earn their right to play for the titles but the pandemic caused The Tour to shift gears.
"We normally every year host qualifiers across the country to bring golfers," Taranto said. "They have to play the events in their cities and qualify to attend. Due to COVID this year, we went ahead and just made it an open championship. So, any golfer that was from a zero to 36 handicap could come out and compete."
The players are separated into groups based on their handicap from Flight A to Flight D. The event is a staple on the Eastern Shore with many players from Maryland.
Three time champion Phil Fenstermaker enjoys being able to play in his home state.
"I personally love it because it is not far from home," Fenstermaker said. "And we've got three fantastic courses that we are playing this weekend. Ocean Pines today. The golf course is in fantastic shape. So, as far as the menu is concerned we've got three awesome courses to play so I am always happy about that."
There are seasoned veterans who participate in this championship including John Spandikow of Seaford.. He says the final hole is a challenge every time he plays at Ocean Pines and was looking for one particular thing during his round this afternoon.
"Consistency in my game," Spandikow said. "That's something I struggle with. You know, for a guy in the C handicap group, we're only allowed a double par for example and I always get at least one every time I play. Especially this course."
In the opening round, Fenstermaker finished with a +5 (77) while Spandikow ended his round with a +25 (97)
You can follow the national championship all weekend long at https://bit.ly/3qt7RrN.