Smith wins first Ole Brook Club Championship, one of 10 golfers selected to Norwood Cup team
Published 1:52 pm Wednesday, July 20, 2022
- Zach Smith walks across the 17th green in front of a gallery of spectators in golf carts. Smith won the club championship and will be one of 10 golfers representing the club in the Norwood Cup against Wolf Hollow. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)
BROOKHAVEN — By the time Zach Smith reached the No. 17 hole, a gallery of golfers and carts formed to watch him finish out his round. They followed him to No.18 and the post round celebration as he cruised to victory by 11 strokes in the Clubs at Ole Brook Club Championship.
Smith shot one-under-par in the final round to take home the trophy. His tournament score was 7-under par as he shot 64,70 and 69. Blake Windham finished second with a final score of four over par. Brock Campbell roared back with a 68 in the final round to take third place at five over par in the championship flight.
It was his first club championship at the Ole Brook but he had previously won two championships at Reunion Country Club in Madison. Smith said he did not feel any pressure coming into the final round with a six shot lead.
“I was just hoping I could come out and hit the ball well and see how the day went,” Smith said. “This was my first time playing in this club championship. It is always fun to win. I’m glad I was able to play some good golf this weekend.”
His first round of 64 set up a calm weekend. He had a commanding lead and tried to play solid golf the next two days. Kent Allen and Cory Douchard were in his group on the first day of the tournament.
Allen and Douchard said they remember Smith coming out to golf tournaments as a kid. He would ride in the golf cart and watch. Smith said he had grown up around them in his young golf career.
During the final holes of Sunday’s round, Allen and Douchard were amongst the gallery of golf carts following him around.
“I got a lot of advice from them growing up,” Smith said. “Friday, I was able to go out and play a good round with my friends. It took away from the tournament pressure. I’ve played a few tournaments with Cory and every time I play with him I seem to do well.”
Ole Brook’s Club Championship determines the team for the Norwood Cup when they face a team from Wolf Hollow Golf Club in Wesson. Smith, Windham, Newman, Rials Hester, Darrin Hirsch, Reese Dehart, Matt McElven, Paxton Lee, Mason Warren, Don Coleman and Shane Easterling qualified for the team.
“I’m looking forward to the Norwood Cup,” Smith said. “I love team events and I look forward to it.”