1991 River Cup

Co-MVP's for Willow Oaks; Gentry Controversial Choice for CCV

       The MVP award for Willow Oaks this year was shared by Robert F. Mizell, a River Cup rookie who qualified to play as an alternate when Michael Augst became unavailable for play, and Joseph B. Klotz, a grizzled veteran of River Cup play. Both Mizell and Klotz swept their fourball and singles matches, achieving perfect 10's for the first time in River Cup history.

       Mizell was typically nonchalant about his selection. "I've played in alot of important tournaments before, so participating in this two- bit weekend outing isn't that big a deal. Sure it was fun, but without an appearance fee I don't know if I'll play next year or not. For sure, I don't want any of this alternate b___s___ - I'm too good to be a back up."

       Klotz was ecstatic about his award. "This is the best thing that's ever happened to me." Klotz cut short his comments after the awards ceremony, saying, "I have to leave now, I'm going to Disney World."

       Klotz' honor was achieved at the expense of William B. Correll, Jr., of CCV. Correll achieved the dubious River Cup honor of being blanked in both fourball and singles play at Klotz' hand. "I feel like I've been beat to death by a squirrel," said Correll in a cryptic comment interpreted as disdain for Klotz' ability.

       On the CCV side, the MVP award was given to John Gentry in balloting that stirred much controversy. Gentry's play was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dim weekend for CCV. Gentry, who may represent the best hope for a future CCV resurrection in River Cup play, shot a River Cup record 75 at a tough Willow Oaks Course on Saturday. He backed that up with another 75 at his home Tuckahoe Creek Course on Sunday en route to a victory over WOCC's Paul Sinclair in a match not decided until the final putt.

       Sinclair, in Langer-like fashion, yipped a five-foot putt on the 18th green that could have salvaged a 2-2 tie in the match. Laboring under the controversy created by his suspensions of Mark Sweeney and Michael Augst from River Cup play (see accompanying article), Sinclair later claimed the putt lipped out, although numerous spectators concurred that the putt never reached the same zip code as the hole. Gentry took advantage of the miss, sinking a four-foot par putt to clinch a 3 1/2 - 1/2 victory.

       When advised of his MVP honor, Gentry took the opportunity to criticize CCV Captain Leitch. "Rob's a great guy, but the guys he selects to compete mystify me. And pairing me with his brother John in fourball was a joke. John doesn't deserve to be on the same course as me and he just totally disappeared whenever I needed him."

       The comments by Gentry represent an ironic turn in fortunes for John Leitch. Leitch made similar remarks about his brother-in-law George Moorman last year. As a result of those remarks, Moorman refused to participate in this year's event, citing irreconcilable differences between John and himself. Many speculate, perhaps hopefully, that Gentry's comments may foreshadow Leitch's future disappearance from The River Cup.

       Ted Armstrong, like Gentry a River Cup rookie, was incensed by the MVP voters' failure to recognize his achievements in the matches. "I got twice as many points as Gentry - how does he possibly walk away with the award?" Several River Cup insiders support Armstrong's position, saying the only possible explanation for the snub was Armstrong's absence at Saturday evening's reception and dinner. That absence allowed Gentry to angle for votes at the affairs without interference from Armstrong, and Gentry's brazen schmoozing with voters most likely made the difference in the balloting.

       Armstrong easily defeated WOCC's Chuck Byrd in singles but was involved in the only close match of the weekend. He and partner Jim Nelson paired up to capture a 3-3 tie with WOCC's Byrd and Brad Smallwood. In a match that seesawed back and forth throughout, neither team could achieve dominance. Numerous putts lipped out as nerves became frayed late in the match. In an unusual conclusion to the match, all players agreed to concede easily missable 12-inch putts on the 18th green and settled for the halve. Asked about it later, Smallwood said the players just couldn't bear to face the inevitable jeers from the throng assembled around the hole had any of the putts been missed.

       Commenting on the match, Jim Nelson said he was happy to settle for a tie. "After Moss swept me last year, I needed this to regain my confidence." Nelson's renewed confidence, however, was insufficient to carry him in his return engagement with Moss on Sunday, as Moss putted his way to a 3 1/2 -1/2 victory. "Everything he looked at went in," said Nelson on Sunday. "Still, I'm happy to have gotten even a half-point off him. I'm ready to go at it again next year with Langdon."

New River Cup Unveiled; USGA/R&A Honor River Cup