The toughest of the Greatest

June 5, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

We’re at 100 Greatest spots filled. Sixty remain. If you’re waiting, you’re gambling with getting shut out.

One person who got in this week is Poland’s Jeff DeChellis — a Greatest hero.

Last year, The Greatest had one major first-year flaw, and that was pace of play. We put most of the burden on us, and have thus tweaked things this year.

At the tail of Year 1’s long days was Jeff’s group. Their first-day scores were OK, and should have allowed them to make the cut after Day 2.

But the grind of two long days caught up, and the scores their final few holes were dreadful — and eliminating.

We huddled quickly and expanded the cut line to get the group into the finals as a polite reward for their endurance. And now Jeff’s back for Year 2.

SDLqI haven’t played competitive golf since high school and this just brings back memories. It’s also a fun time, meeting new people and playing different courses,” said Jeff.

“I’ll continue to come back for those reasons. And also, when my friends saw how bad I shot last year, they got a really good laugh. I’m out to redeem myself this year.”

SFlbJonah’s thoughts on Avalon No. 11

Jonah Karzmer, above, is a weekly blogger for the Greatest Golf Holes of the Valley. His insight into golf, especially Valley golf is pretty amazing. Check him out each Tuesday on vindy.com. Here’s an excerpt of his thoughts on No. 11 at Avalon Lakes:

“I’m not very happy about ‘where’ this hole falls within our 2011 Greatest 18.

I think that our second hole, the par five from Yankee Run, was a great par 5 to have early in the round, and I just feel that to have another risk/reward par 5 only three holes later is a little too soon.

I believe that this par 5 is not only a great hole, but serves as a template for how to build a par 5.

For those of you that don’t know, Avalon Lakes was redesigned by one of the world’s best golf course architects, Pete Dye (think TPC Sawgrass and Harbour Town just to name a few). I’m sure Mr. Dye has a personal “vision” for what makes a great par 5. His creation at Avalon Lakes on the 11th hole has it all.”