Shreve Tso had an unforgettable first day at the 32nd annual Pinto Bean Classic over the weekend at Conquistador Golf Course.
Tso, 35, has been a tournament contestant now for 13 years and won Pinto Bean titles in 1999 and 2008. The Dewey-Humboldt, Ariz., native had a clear mind and totaled a gross score of 65 on Saturday. Shreve said he had help from his 4-year-old son Jonathan Tso.
My son rode with me and he took my mind off the game. I was more worried about him than playing the game of golf, he said. I wasnt too worried about scoring wise. Everything just clicked. Thats why I played so well on Saturday.
Shreve Tso needed to play every bit that well in order to stave off defending champion Curtis Garver of Cortez, who shot a 66 on Saturday. That one stroke proved to be the winning difference for Tso, as he and Garver both shot 73 on Sunday. Tsos total tournament gross was 138 to Garvers 139.
What surprised me was shooting that 65 the first day. I couldnt go wrong at all. I was hitting every shot I wanted to and hit every putt I needed to make, Tso said. It was incredible (winning). Its pretty great because some of the golfers that play in the tournament are really good golfers. To beat him (Curtis Garver) was pretty special. Hes a fantastic golfer.
Five-time Pinto Bean champion Bobby Frazier tied for third with Keenan Lovett with a gross score of 147.
Of the 240 amateur golfers that descended upon Conquistador, many of which are like Tso that come back year after year. Pinto Bean co-director Terry Tanner feels Conquistadors biggest tournament has a big family-friendly atmosphere, which continually brings golfers back.
The neat thing about this tourney is its not just our family, others families plan a vacation for it, Tanner said. Maybe the two boys play or the girls come along. Families get together. Its renewing friendships, too. Its pretty neat.
The 18-holes at Conquistador Golf Course have something to do with it as well.
The golf course is a great golf course to play. It tests you, Tso said. The drives are always fast and the greens are always small. It takes a lot of skill to play that course.
Tso was awarded a trophy and a gift certificate to the Conquistador Golf Course Pro Shop.
The Pinto Bean Classic is an amateur golf tournament sponsored by Jack and Rod Tanner, owners of Midland Bean Co. in Dove Creek. Registration forms are mailed after July, 4, and participants must submit them no later than a week prior to the event.
For more information, contact Jack Tanner at 749-6064 or call the Conquistador Golf Course Pro Shop at 565-9208.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.
