By Chris Dortch, Staff Writer
last updated 03/15/06 04:55 PM

Apyan, Spitalny Ira Templeton Chattanooga Open Champions

Scoreboard from Tennessee PGA website
 
Monday Tuesday


2005 Champion Paul Apyan (65 - 67)
with mother Laura Apyan

Sports psychologist Charles Plott has unleashed another satisfied customer on the Chattanooga golf scene.

Plott, based in Alabama but a frequent visitor to Chattanooga, is getting quite a stable of devoted followers. His work with University of Georgia-bound Adam Mitchell, which sent the former McCallie star on a two-year tear that shows no signs of abating, has already become the stuff of local legend. But Plott has other pupils, too, many of them starting to realize their golfing potential.

Case in point: Paul Apyan, the 18-year-old former Hixson High School player who on Tuesday beat a field of some of Tennessee’s best amateurs and club professionals in the Ira Templeton Chattanooga Open at Creeks Bend. Standing at even par for the day after 12 holes, as he did in his final round, might have rattled the pre-Plott Apyan. But armed with the power of positive thinking, Apyan, who has signed a scholarship to play at Southern Miss this fall, stayed patient, knowing his birdies would come eventually.

He was right. Apyan birdied No. 13, 15 and 17 as he headed to the clubhouse, enough for a 3-under-par 67 that, coupled with his opening 65, gave him a 132 total, one shot ahead of first-round leader James Van De Griff, the Holston Hills assistant professional.

Van De Griff, a former UTC golfer, was disappointed not to win, but he tacked a 69 onto his first-round 64 for low-pro honors and a check for $2,500. Van De Griff increased his lead in the Tennessee PGA money list to more than $3,000.

Chase Deck of Ringgold, Ga., who matched Van De Griff’s 64, also closed with a 69 for a second-place tie. Knoxville amateur Jeff Golliher shot the day’s low round of 65, which, along with his opening 69 gave him a 134 total and solo fourth.

Chattanooga’s Mike Bennett, who played in the PGA Tour’s FedEx St. Jude Classic two weeks ago, tacked a 67 onto his first-round 68, finished second among professionals and tied for fifth overall with Josh Nelms, nephew of Creeks Bend head pro Mike Nelms. Bennett picked up a check for $1,500 for his troubles.

Neil Spitalny of Chattanooga won the senior division with scores of 66-65-131. That was three strokes clear of Kingsport club pro Mark Houser.

Apyan, whose father Paul is the Chattanooga Classic tournament chairman, was in command of his game for the two days, but was especially efficient on the greens. He needed just 25 putts to craft his first-round 65, then came back with 28 on Tuesday. More importantly, he shook off a lack of confidence in his driving in the first round and pounded the ball on Tuesday.

“I could stand up there and hit the ball 300 yards with a little draw,” said Apyan, who has learned to block out negative thoughts.

“I used to worry about making bogeys,” Apyan said. “But working with Charles I’ve learned not to worry about them. Even if I miss a green, I’m trying to chip the ball in for a birdie. It’s a different mindset.”

Coupled with some intense weight training, Apyan says he’s ready to meet the challenge of playing at Southern Miss “head on.” With Tulsa, Houston and TCU among the Golden Eagles’ Conference USA playmates, Apyan will be exposed to some high quality comp.

His recent track record, post-Plott, shows he’s learned how to be comfortable with success, no small accomplishment in golf. Apyan lost just one regular-season match in his final two years of high school competition. Last fall, he lost in a playoff for the district championship, finished fifth in the region and then won the individual championship and helped Hixson win the team title at Old Fort in Murfreesboro, firing a 73-68.

Armed with confidence, and suddenly more of a commodity among college recruiters, Apyan signed with Southern Miss and then began to test his game. He tried to qualify for the U.S. Open and the Chattanooga Classic this spring. In both rounds, he was two-under-par through six holes, only to let things slip.

But even in times of adversity there is benefit to be derived, as Plott teaches his students.

“I tried to force the issue,” Apyan said of his qualifying adventures, “instead of just taking what the golf course gave me.”

That experience, plus caddying for Big Break II winner Kip Henley is the Classic, has given Apyan a better idea of how to manage his game. It’s no coincidence that, just two days after carrying Henley’s bag, Apyan went out and beat a bunch of good amateurs and pros.

“I feel like my game’s improving,” Apyan said. “I can’t wait to get down to Southern Miss.”

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Scoreboard from Tennessee PGA website

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