Fort Chode Open VII

BALTIMORE, MD - For the second time in the month of January, the Fort Chode Open gathered to determine who would wear The Brown Jacket. The venue chosen was a new one for the three competitors - Clifton Park in Baltimore City.

After nine holes, the competition was the closest it's been in recent Open events. James was the leader with Chris three strokes off the lead and Dru pulling up the rear, four strokes behind. A double par by Chris on hole 10 removed Chris from contention, with Dru pulling to within just two strokes on hole 16.

This would be James' day in more ways than one, as he was able to fend off any gains by Dru and reclaim The Brown Jacket by three strokes. There was speculation that after the round James yelled out, "I'm from Maryland, and nobody can beat me!"

New Fort Chode Open records were set with no mulligans on the day, and two golfers finishing with the same ball they started with.

While the course wasn't the best, it was in decent conditions due to January weather and frozen grounds to begin the day. As an added bonus, the cart paths were modeled from Baltimore roads, complete with spine breaking potholes. The clear highlight of the course was the GPS system built into the carts to show exact distances to pin, tee, and landmarks on the course.

Dru blamed his 3-stroke loss on forgetting his golf shoes. James' new golf pant provided the catalyst for the win.