Page 8 - PPA Tour Magazine Spring 2022

Richmond course for many years, he was comfortable on the course, and he knew

he was playing well – he just needed to play with composure and purpose. His
experience allowed him to shoot day-one rounds of 23, 23, 25, and 24 and ended
the day with a seven-stroke lead over Palm. Craft surmised that if he averaged 25

or 26 per round on day two, the players behind him would have to go extra low.
He also knew that players, at random times, could go very, very low. Craft
persisted with his game plan and averaged 24.5 for his closing four rounds -

shooting scores of 24, 25, 24 and 25 and easily won by 15 strokes.

Interestingly, of the three titles, Craft believes the 2021 title was the most
challenging. He knew the caliber of the players in the field, and they had just as
much experience on the Richmond course. Secondly, the course itself had a long

history of very low scores. Two of the record 18s were shot on one the courses
and the other course being used had several 19s shot on it – this simply meant
that any number of players could go low during any one round or combination of

rounds. Thirdly, the course was in immaculate shape -
influencing smoothly rolling putts which ultimately allowed
the scoring to be defined by the overall skill of the

players. Finally, in the amateur field, the overall quality of
play had steadily increased over the years due to better
putting surfaces, advanced equipment and improved
players. Knowing this, Craft rededicated himself to raising

rd
his game and reinventing his goals…resulting in his 3
National Championship title – a feat that was previously
accomplished Don Ferrell. Ferrell won his titles in 1979, Don Ferrell

1986, and 2001.

Will a “4-peat” be in 2022? This will be determined in September, and unless Don
Ferrell returns to the tour, only three men have the chance, and all three have the

skills to do so.