Pompili, Smyczynski launch ‘Greatest Golfer’ sign-ups

18 Greatest Holes | Jonah on Greatest Golfer tourney

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The Lake Club. Mill Creek Golf Course. Trumbull Country Club.

And Eddie Pompili of Hubbard.

And Andrew Smyczynski of Canfield.

The courses are a great tribute to Valley golf vitality.

And Pompili and Smyczynski are the first Valley golfers to sign up to take them on in the inaugural “Greatest Golfer of the Valley” amateur tournament in September.

The Vindicator and Farmers National Bank have teamed up to unite the three courses into a single event. Registration for it is now open to everyone at vindy.com/golf

“Every golfer wants to play competitively like the pros do, but in a tournament made for their own handicaps,” said Smyczynski. “Who doesn’t want to play in a tourney, make the cut to the weekend, and win it all and get the recognition?”

Competition for average golfers is what drew Pompili.

“This competition will give the average golfers a chance to play golf at a higher level of competitiveness,” said Pompili. “I think this golf tournament is a great opportunity for the average competitive golfer.”

Registration has begun for the tournament that will be played over three days in September — qualifying rounds Sept. 11 at Mill Creek and Sept. 12 at Trumbull.

Up to 200 golfers will be allowed to compete for a chance to play the following Saturday, Sept. 18, at The Lake Club — and the chance to be called the “Greatest Golfer in the Valley.”

For $100 entry fee, players of all skill levels can compete for prizes across seven divisions — scratch, 6-12 handicap, 13-17 handicap, 18+ handicap, women, seniors and super seniors.

Go to the tourney registration page on vindy.com for more details. Registration is first come, first in.

“The Lake Club is really excited to be in this event,” said Michael Ferranti, PGA Head Professional at The Lake Club.

“We’re a good golf test. We’re not the longest course in the area. But we’ll challenge the thinking part of any player’s game.”

It’s one thing to golf with your regular buddies. It’s quite different to compete in a tourney, said Youngstown Golf Association President Jonah Karzmer.

“It’s going to be a home run for area golfers,” said Karzmer. “As far as every-day league golfers, there’s a lot of trash talking between buddies. But there’s not one place you can go to solve it and say, ‘You are the best.’ This event will be it.”

Ferranti likes the potential for local amateurs to experience the kind of scene played out on televised golf.

“An individual tournament is a different feel than just normal play. It’s not something people get to experience,” said Ferranti.

“We haven’t had that chance in the Valley. And I think this is a chance to showcase the better golfers in the Valley.”