Battle by the bay - the 2011 Inaugural

by Farfel Miller III

June 19, 2011

Jim Archibald and Chris Archibald during the IBC's first round at Stanford

Palo Alto, CA - After watching Rory McIlroy convincingly overcome his previous troubles with the last round of a major, it seemed fitting to write a column about the major just the weekend before that, no doubt, gave him inspiration in how to finish off a major with a huge lead headed into the final round. That major was the 2011 Inaugural Bay-Area Championship (IBC) and the leader headed into the last round was perennial AGA favorite Chris Archibald. His lead, a whopping five strokes.

Thom Archibald tees off at Stanford

Chris built this lead on the Stanford University Golf course on the first day of the tournament. From the first hole it was clear that he was on his game, and that the tournament would be hotly contested, as Chris and Jim Archibald both birdied the par 5 opening hole. The Stanford course was set up to play to its full, glorious length, and proved a challenging foe. Chris' game proved the steadiest throughout the day, as the length and breadth of the course tested the other competitors games to the point of breaking. By the end of the day, Chris' lead stood at five strokes over Thom Archibald, his nearest competitor, and 7 over Jim Archibald, both of whom edged out the rest of the field to make the final group for the tournament's last round.

Jim Archibald chips to a green at Stanford

The final round was played on the beautiful Half Moon Bay course, which did a great job as it hosted its first AGA Major tournament. The course was shrouded in fog for the duration of the round, which made it hard for any but the nearest spectators to glimpse the captivating action.

"It was hard to even see the flags at times from the fairway, the fog was so dense," spoke Thom when asked about the conditions, "but the course was set up beautifully. There is something mysterious about hitting shots into the mist, unable to see exactly where they end up."

Chris Archibald hits an approach shot at Half Moon Bay

If we have learned anything from past Inaugurals, it is that no lead is too safe (remember 2009, when Chris overcame a 9 stroke deficit in 8 holes?) This proved true this year as well, but now it was Chris on the other side of the equation. Jim rallied early to tie the tournament standing on the 12th tee.

Thom Archibald at Half Moon Bay

"My game was really solid over the first 9 holes, but really I was just taking advantage of a few uncharacteristic misses by Chris", Jim said of his comeback, "mainly it was nice to be in contention on the back nine, especially after my disappointing first round."

Jim Archibald at Half Moon Bay

The biggest mishap that Jim was referring to was a hooked drive OB by Chris on number 10, when the gap had already been closed to three strokes. Following the carnage of that hole, the rest of his lead quickly evaporated and things were back where they had started after the first hole birdies at Stanford: all square between Chris and Jim.

And things didn't get better for Chris after the tee shots on the 221 yard par 3. Chris hooked his 3 iron into the long native grass on a hillside adjacent to the green. "That has been my miss this tournament, the big hook," said Chris, "I really need to go back to the drawing board and get it out of my system."

Jim also missed the green, but faced a much more manageable situation, chipping from close to the green. That is when Chris decided to turn things around, and in my opinion, firmly staked his claim to the tournament.

He flopped a masterful sandwedge out of the gnarly grass and rolled it to about 10 feet from the hole. Then he proceeded to sink the putt. Jim uncharacteristically failed to get up and down, and the lead was Chris' again. He held onto this lead until the last few holes, where the pressure of coming from behind finally got to Jim's putting stroke, and several short putts eluded his grasp. Chris had won the tournament, his first Major in 4 years. His final margin of victory: four strokes.

Chris Archibald at Half Moon Bay

Thom, out of the mix on the exciting back nine, was gracious in defeat. "It just wasn't my day today. I don't know if it was the fog, the moisture, or the fact that I couldn't see the fans as well as normal, but it just wasn't my day. Chris conquered the elements and the courses and deserved this victory."

It was a thrilling Inaugural, certainly one to remember, for both the stunning courses and the captivating play. Here is one sports-writer who hopes the rumors aren't true, and that the AGA tour officials find a way to keep this tournament in major rotation. After all, who knows when the next Rory McIlroy will need to draw inspiration from the play of an Inaugural Champion.

The final group after the tournament's conclusion

Inaugural Preparation

by Farfel Miller III

June 10, 2011

Stanford, California - I had just gotten into town for the Inaugural, and was down at the driving range for some work on my golf game, when I ran into Chris Archibald, who was undergoing his own preparation for the next AGA Major of the season. He graciously agreed to take a few minutes to chat with me about the IBC and the upcoming weekend. Here is the transcript of our conversation.

Farfel Miller III (FM3) : Great to see you, Chris. How are your preparations coming?

Chris Archibald (CA): They are coming along nicely. I am not sure if anyone ever feels completely ready for a major, but I am pleased with where I am.

FM3: I won't name any names, but some commentators have recently been making a lot of how long it has been since you last won a major. Some even wonder if you will ever win a major again. What is your reaction to these comments?

CA: Well, first of all, I don't spend too much time watching what the commentators say. I am plenty busy with getting myself ready for this tournament. But, I would be lying to say that I haven't had similar thoughts myself. I think a lot of it has been due to my busy schedule. I haven't been able to play in all of the majors that I have wanted to the last several years, and that has hurt my chances, since it is hard to win when you aren't even in the tournament [chuckle]. I am confident that I still have major championships in me, I just need to prepare and put myself in positions to be successful.

FM3: What are your thoughts about Jim Archibald making his first trip out to compete in the Inaugural?

CA: I think it is great for the event. Ticket sales have already been outpacing previous years, and the tournament is attracting attention like never before. I have heard estimates that over 30,000 people will be coming into the area for the tournament weekend. Some are here more for the pageantry and carnival-like atmosphere surrounding the tournament than for the tournament itself, but we welcome all fans, even bandwagon ones. It can only be good for the AGA.

FM3: Besides the effect on fans, what about his presence from the perspective of a fellow competitor?

CA: It makes it tough, certainly. He has been on his game in recent AGA events and really comes in as the favorite, in my opinion. But, I love having all the best players in a tournament, playing their best. It makes a victory that much more meaningful.

FM3: One last topic, before I let you get back to your practice. What are your thoughts on the new course that has been added this year, Half Moon Bay?

CA: I think it is a great course. I know the tournament organizers have been reaching out to local courses for quite some time, looking for good venues that will allow the players to showcase their talents and be able to accommodate the large AGA crowds. The LPGA plays at Half Moon Bay, so that gives us confidence that they are capable of dealing with an event of this magnitude. I really like how the Inaugural organizers spread the tournament around to different courses, and showcase the wealth of good golf courses that the area provides.

FM3: Thanks so much for your time, Chris, it has been nice catching up with you.

CA: My pleasure, Farfel.

FM3: See you at the tournament.

CA: See you then.

Preparations Underway for 2011 Inaugural

by Quetzel Miller III

With the 2011 AGA Tour Season nearly halfway through, all thoughts and efforts have been turned to what could amount to be the most important major of the year: the 2011 Inaugural Bay-Area Championship. Historically held in the California Bay-Area, the tournament has long been criticized for its lack of depth in the field. With a field 50% larger than any previous holding of the Inaugural, this year's tournament committee has been able to silence those critics, if only for a short time.

There have been rumors surfacing that this year's IBC may be "The Final Inaugural", though no one on the tournament committee has responded to questions concerning the matter. One can't help but wonder if the grandeur of the situation has materialized because it may be the last chance at this crown ... "Glory's last shot," as it were. Even so, players seem as focused as ever approaching the event.

Plans have been made to hold the tournament in two rounds, with the first on Saturday, June 11, and the tournament concluding on Monday the 13th. The venues for each round have yet to be determined, as many top courses throughout California have incessantly been vying for the honor to host the event since the initial announcement was made about a month ago, and will likely not be known until days before the start. Fans can expect to be given a full dosage of great golf, though, and are expected to be packed into the gallery areas, since tickets were sold out within a week of the announcement.

Players from across the country are beginning their preparations for this greatly anticipated event in various ways. Chris Archibald, the 2007 Inaugural Champion, has been preparing by completing his graduate education, and making sure he can focus solely on golf the week prior. "I have been planning for this event for many years, and to be done with my schooling in this area is great. There would be no better feeling for me than to win it in a few weeks, " Chris said in a news conference after a recent practice session. "My game is almost there. It'll be exciting to see all the competition come together."

Jim Archibald has been undergoing his typical preparations for an AGA major tournament, and has even had to play through the rough Utah spring weather to prep his game. "You never know what the weather will bring, so I consider it an advantage that I've used every piece of rain gear I own in the last few weeks," Jim remarked after yet another rain-soaked round last week. Many of the AGA experts have already picked Jim to win this year, even though he's making his first appearance at the event. The IBC is the only major not on Jim's resume, after winning this year's IDES Championship in March. He has the opportunity to join Thom as the only players to have won the "AGA Slam" since the formation of the association.

Thom Archibald, the 2009 Inaugural Champion has been preparing by practicing in the South Texas heat and humidity. He played an early 18 holes at a small course in San Antonio on Saturday, attempting to stay under the radar. After the round, he remarked that he "had a great day with the irons. The putter still has some work before I can believe in a major victory, but the rest of my game is there." Thom definitely had the long game necessary for a major victory during the round, leaving himself 9 birdie putts within 15 feet - though he only made 3 of them. His family is expected to make the trip to California with him for the event, and to be cheering him on the whole way.

Up and coming AGA players have even been preparing for the event in their own way. Jackson Archibald, though not a competitor in this year's tournament, purchased his first set of clubs this week, and has found that the living room space is not adequate for his long drives. Alec Archibald, also a striving amateur, has been testing the limits of his neighborhood courtyard with yells of "Kah-pow-ee", while offering private lessons to his younger brother, Charlie. Austin and Mady Salmon have been observing golfers "hit it long ways", nearly passing through their own backyard.

Two-time Major Champion Edward Archibald will be missed at this year's event, as he continues his mission service in Mexico. Eddie's absence will be quite noticeable, as many of the young "lady fans" of the association refused to purchase tickets to the event when it was revealed that he wouldn't return for another year.

However you look at it, this year's Inaugural has miles of potential for a great tournament, "Final Inaugural" or not. I know where I'll be that weekend.

IBC: The three most controversial letters since BCS

by Farfel Miller III

Some saw the recent snow storms that swept the western half of the nation as a mere annoyance, delaying travel and closing schools, but ultimately maybe providing a white Thanksgiving. But no one initially foresaw the havoc that this storm system would wreak on the Inaugural Bay-Area Championship (IBC). The event was all set for Tuesday, November 23, 2010, but as the day approached, it was clear that a good portion of the competitors would be unable to make it to the course, due to the severe weather conditions. The absence of Edward Archibald, due to his LDS mission in Mexico, was known in advance, but the new absences were something that caught the tournament organizers off guard.

Twitter feeds and Facebook pages quickly saturated with public outrage that some AGA tour favorites might not make it to this major tournament. Fearing a massive revolt on their long beloved brand, the AGA tour brass decided that something must be done. An emergency AGA tour board meeting was held, and here is where the story gets interesting. The storm not only prevented the players from arriving at the venue, but also limited the arrival of board members. Unfortunately, the AGA tour by-laws do not account for this occurrence. It was ultimately decided by the portion of the board which had managed to brave blizzard and flood to arrive in Palo Alto that the circumstances required immediate action, they would have to act on behalf of the entire tour.

The next 48 hours were filled with both dread and great anticipation. What would the board decide? How would the public react? What would the media covering the AGA tour say? What would this decision mean for the history of this venerable golf organization, second only to the Royal and Ancient in some public eyes? Only time would tell, and so we waited in the dreary rain, outside the temporary board meetinghouse, with bated breath, half fearing the moment would never come, half fearing it would.

But time of course did not stand still, and eventually the head of the acting board faced the array of microphones and recording devices that awaited only his voice. His statement in its entirety:

After long and thoughtful consideration, the AGA tour board has decided that the 2010 IBC will be held, providing that there are at least half as many competitors as an average past IBC. While we feel for those competitors who are unable to make it, ultimately this board cannot punish those players who did find a way to be here. We also understand that the quality of golf, especially at an AGA major tournament, is critical to maintaining the interest and support of our loyal fanbase. The compromise, requiring half as many competitors in years past, was only reached after much consideration of the consequences. We feel that this compromise strikes the appropriate balance between reasonableness and competition.

At long last the tournament could begin. The required number of competitors arrived and registered and the first group teed off in the rainy early morning. The wet and rainy conditions made the course very difficult to play, and it was clear that some among the field had their thoughts too much with their fellow competitors who didn't make it. Ultimately, Chris Archibald prevailed, sinking some key putts along the way, and impressively birdieing the tough par 3 fourth, giving him some space from the rest of the field. However, it was a humble Chris that spoke with the press following the trophy presentation. "I feel like there might always be an asterisk next to this victory in the record books, regardless of what the committee's decision was. I think I played well enough to beat most of the tour today, but we will never know, will we. I am happy to win."

The competitors that didn't make it had mixed feelings about the result. "Sure, he won, but would he have beaten me? It stinks to not be able to defend my title. Some birthday present." quipped a snow-bound Thom Archibald from his now igloo in Provo. "I applaud the tough decisions made by the committee, but it will always leave a sour taste in my mouth." added Jim Archibald, " Maybe we need to amend the by-laws."

The years ahead can only tell how bold the asterisk will be, or whether it will be there at all, but for now, Chris is IBC champion once again.

2009 IBC Wrap Up

by Farfel Miller III

Mountain View, California - The two legends of the AGA tour stood squarely facing the 18th fairway, and the situation was just as predicted, with a tie between the two favorites. But no one could have predicted the way the round unfolded, to bring this major tournament to a fitting and thrilling conclusion. Epic leads gained and lost, and stellar crunch time play by both players left a story fit for a hollywood movie.

It was really a tale of two nines. Thom entered the day with a one stroke advantage, and his steady play, combined with Chris' apocalyptic breakdown, left Thom a nine stroke lead with 9 holes to play. Some pundits were calling the tournament over, the engraver began work on the trophy, and the television viewship dropped off notably. But lost in the noise was the fact that Chris would not back down, and Thom's play was closer to the edge of the abyss than appeared.

Two pars on number 10 left it a nine stroke lead with 8 to play, which is when Chris started his long awaited charge. The strokes fell away, hole by hole. 8 down with 7 to play, 5 down with 6 to play, 6 down with 5 to play, 5 down with 4 to play. Even at this point, standing on 15 tee, it still seemed a long shot. A buzz was floating around the gallery at the hope of witnessing the largest comeback in AGA tour history. Chris proceeded to birdie the next two holes, and in the process got the lead to only 2 with 2 to play. At this point there were few people around the country who could turn away from their television sets, eager to witness history. After Thom left his approach shot on the par 3 17th hole short in the hazard, the possibility could not be denied. This could happen. He managed to pitch out of the trouble, but then three-putted for a double bogey. Chris had a nifty up and down from just off the green to tie the tournament headed into the 18th hole. It had been accomplished, 9 strokes made up in 7 holes. Epic. But the job was not completed.

Breaths were held anxiously as Chris's teeshot flew between the out-of-bounds markers on each side and down the middle . . . only to hook sharply to the left and out-of-bounds. All that remained was for Thom to hit the fairway and the tournament could basically be called over. Thom striped a drive, stuck a wedge to 8 feet, and sank the putt for a final-hole, major-tournament-winning birdie, reminiscent of the 2008 ILCRICC finish. Now it was over. Thom the victor, but not without an epic comeback by Chris, and drama enough for many major tournaments. All standard fare for the AGA tour. Tour of drama and legend. This is what golf was intended to thrill like.

IBC First Round Wrap-Up

by Quetzel Miller III

Palo Alto, California - Day one at the second playing of the Inaugural was filled with drama and excitement, or, should I say, drama due to a lack of excitement. With crowds swelling at each corner, there were few chances to cheer , especially from the featured pairing of the tournament, that of Chris and Thom Archibald. It started by actually looking like a great day of golf - Thom birdied the first hole, and Chris made a tester for par - this was sure to continue.

But then, the Municipal Golf Course at Palo Alto began to show it's teeth - and it wasn't liked by players, spectators, or the fans. Usually when courses are disliked by TOUR players, it is because its greens reach a 15 on the stimpmeter, another couple hundred yards have been added to the layout, or that the pins are in impossible positions. None of these were the case in Palo Alto on Thursday. Rather, the teeth of the course was shown through crater-sized holes in the greens, extreme inconsistencies in the receptiveness of the greens, and an overall lack of effort on the part of the local grounds crew in preparation for an AGA major. AGA officials are in contact with the grounds crew in hopes to find an explanation for the situation. It is likely that the AGA will not renew its contract with the course, which it has had since 2007, making it an integral part of each Inaugural.

Despite the difficult setup, the tournament favorite Archibald brothers found a way to come out of Round 1 on top. Thom finished with a one stroke lead over Chris, assuring the epic final round pairing that the world has been waiting for. Thom's round was a grind after his opening hole birdie, with the highlights being a few fantastic par saves. Chris chipped in on the sixth hole for birdie, and played a perfect two shots for birdie on the par 3 eleventh , which was playing into a fierce two and a half club wind. Chris also had a few great par saves of his own, but each playerls progress was slowed by too many consecutive mistakes.

Thom plays his tee shot on the par-3 eleventh

"I really was just guessing on any shot less than 100 yards," Thom said of the conditions of the greens. "Sometimes a chip would check right up and stop, other times it would skip and run twice as far as expected. It was impossible to judge - each green was so different from the last."

Chris hits a practice chip prior to his round

The wind was strong all day, but couldn't be blamed for the lack of excitement. "The wind made it interesting out there," Chris said after his round. "It was like a British Open, just not on a links-style course, no feskew, and the greens were terrible. Other than that, it felt just like a British Open."

Players were quick to leave the course and begin their preparations for tomorrow's final round at Shoreline Golf Links, another municipal course in the area. Here's hoping that they were told they'd be hosting an AGA major... it seems Palo Alto Golf Course didn't get the memo.


Post Round Interviews:

Chris Archibald

Thom Archibald

The IBC: Chance for redemption

By Farfel Miller III

As the weeks pass by from the IDES championship, the world grows more anxious for the next AGA major of the year. Well world, your wait is almost up! The Inaugural Bay-Area Championship is one week away. I decided to check up with the top competitors, and peek in on their preparations for next week.

The two favorites to win the IBC next week are Thom Archibald and Chris Archibald, who finished in 4th and 3rd place at the IDES, respectively. Although many players would be content with those finishes, these two stalwart competitors are not.

"I just can't be complacent and happy with where I am at right now, " mused a relaxed Thom, at his Provo training facility. "Sure, the 4th place prize money is great, but I am on this tour to experience the thrill of victory. I haven't been able to sleep since the IDES debacle." Some sportswriters have defended Thom, preferring to refer to the 'debacle' as more of a 'minor letdown'. I fall into that camp, seeing as Thom has set the bar so high for himself, with his ILCRICC successes.

When asked about his chances next week, Thom responded, "I am optimistic about my chances. I finished in a close second at the last IBC, and I am really looking to improve on that finish, which only means that I have to win." Putting such pressure on himself is nothing new for those familiar with Thom and his intensity. The competition next week has been duly warned.

Chris, who finished as runner up to Thom in last year's ILCRICC, and is also the defending IBC champion, described his recent workout plan that he has followed to help his chances next week. "It has been intense. My personal trainer stopped working with several players on the PGA tour and jumped at the opportunity to be involved with a tour of the AGA's prestige. He has really put me through the works, and my body has never been in better shape for a major. I am looking forward to getting out there and competing against the field and the course instead of against my weights and medicine balls!" Once the laughter in the press room subsided, Chris became a bit more stoic. "Seriously though, I will need to play my best with the strength of the field this year. Even with two of the top four AGA tour players skipping this event [Jim and Edward], the field is still stacked with talent. I would be humbled to have the chance of repeating."

The general consensus is that Chris' chances are pretty good, given he can find his way off the tee, which was his big struggle in the IDES. I am putting my money on a Thom and Chris pairing for the last day, which should boost the TV ratings of an already popular tournament.

The 2007 Inaugural Results

by Farfel Miller III

Stanford, California - I am happy to report on the conclusion of the AGA's newest major tournament, the Inaugural Bay-Area Championship (commonly referred to as the IBC, or Inaugural) this week. The second round, held yesterday at the Coyote Creek Golf Course, was a tough day of howling winds and lightning quick greens on a course set up where, according to Chris Archibald, "the average scratch golfer would be lucky to break 100"

Today, the Stanford University golf course was a little nicer to the competition, and proved fair as it evened out the field of participants. Chris got off to a great start, -1 through 8, while Thom Archibald was stifled by having 7 bunker shots on the first 9 holes (of which, only 2 he got up and down). Chris took a commanding 5 shot lead to the back side, after being 2 down on the first tee. Thom played steady, making pars, and Chris made a few errors on a short stretch of holes. It came down to number 16, a par 5 uphill, where Thom's eagle chip rested a foot from the hole, but Chris then proceeded to drop a distant putt on the same hole to keep his two shot lead. Each player short-sided himself on to a difficult pin on the par 3 17th, and Thom got too cute with it, leaving it short, and proceeded to make a double bogey, while Chris played safer and made bogey. A three shot lead accompanied him to the final tee, a downhill par four measuring 457 yards. Chris pull-hooked his drive behind a tree, forcing him to punch out across the fairway due to the gnarly lie. Thom smashed his drive 300 yards down the middle of the fairway with some anger in his swing, assuring that pressure would be applied in this most tense of all situations. As Chris left his approach shot short of the greenside bunker, leaving a difficult up and over the bunker to the elevated green, Thom proceeded to pull his 9 iron approach into the other greenside bunker, leaving his 8th sand shot of the day, which he proceeded to get up and down, but in the process he lost his hope for his first Inaugural victory. Chris' pitch rolled just past the cup and rested 2 feet away, giving him a two shot victory. He was greeted off the 18th green by his wife and son, and soon was able to kiss the trophy of his first AGA victory since the 2005 ILCRICC in Cedar City.

Both competitors expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsor, JKA Consulting, and the tournament organizing committee and officials that worked so hard to pull off this week's events. The nearby US Amateur, held in San Francisco this weekend, will experience dramatic increases in gallery attendance as many of the golf faithful leave the Palo Alto area to see the best of the non AGA amateur golfers in the world. Okay, just in America.

Here are some pictures of the days competition.