JARROD BALLOU

THE HOTTEST MAN ON THE PLANET

I couldn't fathom in my wildest dreams that it was possible to top the last tournament of a five-person tie that occurred at Cypresswood, but Jarrod Ballou 30 ft birdie putt on 18 came pretty darn close. The league's best player, Jose Sanchez, was hot on his heels with a 32 on the back chasing him down. And also, the League's biggest sandbagger, oh excuse me, biggest opportunist, Josue Baez, was in the clubhouse with the lead at five-under. This tournament had several other players in the mix to win.  Adam Orta has been working extremely hard on this game and has lowered his handicap by eight strokes. He could have won his first tournament if he played with his old handicap, but he wanted me to adjust it.  There are not many players that would have done that. I tip my hat to you for your honesty, Adam. I anticipate that you'll get your groove and wind up in the winner's circle soon than later.
 Just a quick footnote this 2021 rookie class has been the best in the ten years of the league, and it is no doubt the reason this year we have skyrocketed past the other leagues. We have new players joining through word of mouth, and you guys attribute significantly to that.
The next player in the mix is Sean Hinton.  Sean's commitment to the League is second to none.  He was with us for the DC trip. Also, he was one of the first to commit to the Culture Cup team and had played in every event except one. So I get excited when I see him up at the top of the leader board. His slow front nine kept him from getting in the money. Another rookie playing in his first Tournament was Albert Ruiz. His round was solid with a 37 on the front and 36 on the back. But Cypress Lakes was vulnerable with virtually no wind. One tee box up one over par is not good enough when you are against the world's hottest players, Jarrod Ballou, and the best player in the league, Jose Sanchez. 
This brings us to the last three gunslingers, Josue Baez, who look like he would be the winner going into 17, but a boogie, boogie finished on 17, and 18 gave Sanchez and Ballou just enough room for opportunity.
Sanchez's opportunity came on 16 and 17 with two eight-foot makeable putts, but they both wiggled out. Jose knew he had to birdie 18, the most challenging hole to tie Josue five under and the lead. Hole 18 never had a chance. He hit the prettiest high draw that landed in pitching wedge territory, and from there, he put it inside 4 feet for birdie to tie the lead. Now let us get to the hottest player on the Planet. He went to Delaware, played with James Garnett's group, Sunday Golf Crew Tour, and destroyed them. The following week he was back in H-Town amongst the leaders in one of the best leagues in the country. On hole 13, Jarrod turned on the furnace to full blast to go five-under on the closing holes. Still down by one on 18, starting at a 30-foot game-winner to flip flop the two leaders on top and methodically stalking with great detail every undulation piece of grass on the green. He was totally transfixed in the moment. He was in the zone! He drop that 30 footer putt like it was a foot away.  What a great way to win a tournament. Congratulations, JB, YOU ARE ON FIRE!                         

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