Miami Resident Oscar Rafols Wins National Championship in flight one While Team Florida also Wins National Championship

Oscar Rofals, Bruce Pate, Mary Hauk

Oscar Rafols was a fish out of water at the WGAT USA National Championship when he found himself competing for a spot on Team USA in at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana September 20-22. Temperatures dropped as low as 42 degree’s along with cold winds and hail to boot. “ That was the first time I have ever seen hail” Rafols stated in a post event press conference. “I am from Venezuela and now live in Miami, being pelted in the head was an all new experience for me” Rafols added. 

Marvin Shavers Jr., Adam Holewinski

Oscar Rafols who has a 3.2 index competed in Flight 1 to have the honor of being one of five deserving National Champions who will travel to Durban South Africa October 26 to November 3 2012 to compete in the Amateur version of the Ryder Cup at the 18th World Golfers Championship. The Americans will be compete against 40 other counties to win the World Championship. The Team will consist of 5 player, one from each flight with handicaps ranging from Plus to 25. Others to make the team are Bruce Pate from Wisconsin, Mary Hauk form Michigan, Marvin Shavers Jr. from Jacksonville Fl and Adam Holewinski from Texas. 

Team Florida

Team Florida Won the First ever State National Championship and was awarded the Tumba Trophy. The Tumba Trophy was created in the honor of the World Golfers Championship founder Hall of Fame inductee Sven Tumba.

Team Florida members where (left to right) Don Lyons from West Palm, Bob Benser Sr., Naples, Frank Monicao Naples, Mike Aybar, Miami and Shauna Federico, Wellington.

Frank Monico-Team Florida

Team Texas took the early lead after day one with a three stroke lead, and extended it an additional three strokes after day two, but Team Florida roared back in the final round winning by 5 strokes. “My goal was to win a spot on Team USA to play in the World Championship” Frank Monico stated in the press conference, but after shooting a 103 on day one for a net 85, finding my self in last place I was more disappointed that I let Team Florida down then my current individual standings, I am so proud of myself that I was able to bounce back the next two days to help us Florida win the National Championship. Monico added. 

Naples resident and 2012 Team Captain James Stockman said " I feel we have a great team this year to win the World Championship, we changed our qualifying process in 2012 to get our members  tournament ready. Hopefully the American Amateurs can bring home victory which the American Pros failed to do at the Ryder Cup."