Black Falls (and Cherry Hill)

Black Falls is waiting.  Who's ready?

With the quickest possible turnaround between Green Mountain Points Series events, we're quickly rapidly approaching Black Falls VI. Sunday's Sap Bucket X is still fresh in our minds, but players only have six days to rest, recuperate, and practice putting. So, what's going to happen in Montgomery, Vermont this Saturday? Circle Three takes a guess, and with the Point Series so young and things so up in the air right now, it's probably barely more than a guess.

*Pro Open: It's hard to deny that Johnny Betts is in a prime position to cash in this weekend. He's hot off his first Sap Bucket win, which happened to come in his first tournament of the season. Getting another first, a win at his own event would really throw the rest of the division into a tailspin. Earlier this year I questioned if Mr. Betts would play enough tournaments to really be in contention in the division. Two wins in three tournaments would really mean something. Those scores might keep him coming back to play tournaments later in the season, as well.

But, it certainly won't be an easy day for Johnny. Not only does he have a grueling round at Cherry Hill and a round at the now more-difficult Black Falls to contend with, there are a bunch of other players who could make his shot at back-to-back wins much more challenging. I'd expect Matt Idol to play better than he did at the Sap Bucket and he's got a real chance to crush the Golds at Black Falls. Chris Young will certainly be working hard to keep himself atop the division. Jon Moorer is also right in the mix and can go under par at BF. Not to mention, he's capable of stunning scores at Cherry Hill. So, what's it going to be? Will someone slip in from out of town at the last moment to steal it? Or will a Vermonter hold in down in state?

*Pro Open Predictions: Making a call like this makes me question why I ever got into the prediction game. I should just stick to the commentary. But, we're here now, so here's what I think. I'm going with Jeff Spring to win. I still think he's going to emerge as the real contender this season, so maybe Montgomery is the place to start. Plus, Jon Moorer gets his first Pro podium. So, here you go: Spring/Betts/Moorer.

*Am1 is a mess. Edwin Bedell is on top of the division, but he won't be in Montgomery. Justin Kaulius is second, but who knows if he can hang on. Brad Harris wants to capitalize on his solid Sap Bucket finish. Christian Keidel still wants a win. Travis Keller's win at the Sap Bucket was huge, but he's not registered for this one yet. Spencer Weatherholt, Andy Powell, Aaron Moore and Justin DeVico are all up top in the division.

*Am1 Predictions: I hate to admit it, but I'm worried about Brad Harris again. Look for him to be ultra consistent all day long. I'm going with Harris/DeVico/Kaulius. But, I just don't know if any of these guys will really hang on over two very tough rounds. I think Aaron Moore might build off his Sap Bucket finish and spoil the podium for at least one of these three. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

*If you've got some predictions on the divisions I've snubbed, let's hear it. Put your money where your mouth is. Or at least put your words where my website is.