Pookie Silences Doubters, Smokes the Field

Pook caressed the vinyl Billy Joel Allentown single with both hands, proud of his prize and how he earned it. His hopes were fading Sunday at the inaugural Lehigh Valley Classic presented by Ed Grambo – several shots behind the pace set by blistering rounds set by Vince, Carney and Patitucci. Paul wondered to himself, “will I ever be a major champion? Has the game past me by?” Usually resigned to fail, Koch proved to be more resilient than ever. He continued on to post a consistent front and back nines, going 40 and 41, respectively. When all was said and done, he was a new man with a new title: Major Champion. [click here to read the Sergio Garcia version of this story]

"It's been an amazing week," Koch said, "and I'm going to enjoy it for the rest of my life." After nearly four seasons of heartache in the tournaments that define careers, Koch finally showed the mettle to win a major. He overcame an early deficit against Sobocinski, Carney and Patitucci, along with a late charge from Andy Kotulka, to claim victory that will be forgotten by everyone except Paul.

No one ever played more majors as a pro before winning one for the first time than Paul Koch. He got rid of the demons and the doubts by parring the first couple holes on the back 9 and then going birdie on #15. Doubt started to creep in on 17 when he double bogeyed and even Andy Kotulka could smell a whiff of victory. However, Paul shut the door on 18 by getting up to the green in four and two putting his way to a major clinching bogey.

He crouched in disbelief, both fists clenched and shaking, and he shouted above the loudest roar of the day. Kotulka, who closed with an 87, graciously patted Koch’s cheek before they embraced. He turned with his arms to his side, blew a kiss to the crowd and then crouched again and slammed his fist into the turf of the green. All that Kraut passion was on display, raw as ever, this time sheer joy. "Andy and the others weren’t making it easy. They were playing extremely well," Koch said. "But I knew what I was capable of doing, and I believe that I could do it." Koch is the fourth member from the Lansdale Catholic Class of 2003 to become a major champion, joining Chris Meyer, Vince Sobocinski, and Billy Kelly. He didn't get down after several mishits on 17 that left him punching out and scrambling to minimize the damage. His chin was up. He battled to the end.

While he mixed in a birdie on 15, Koch was +4 on holes 13 through 17 and had a moment of self-pity that he didn't have what it takes to win a major. Three times he was runner-up. This was his third time playing in the final group. But right when it looked to be over, Paul was able to stop the bleeding, make a bogey on 18, and hold off the rest of the field. Koch says he has learned to accept bad bounces. He realized he has a "beautiful life" even if he never won a major. "If it, for whatever reason, didn't happen, my life is still going to go on. It's not going to be a disaster," Koch said. And then smiling, he added, "But it happened."

Notable Finishes:

• Andy Kotulka - Finished T2 with an impressive 87

• Mike Patitucci - Started his round by shotgunning three beers, which fueled his 93 and T2 finish

• David Carney - finished with an 86 and a T4 finish. A disappointing result after a front nine 39.

• Jerry Margiotti and Mike Musselman - very respectable 81 and 80 finishes, respectively.

• Greg Taglialatela - career best 104.

Disappointing Finishes:

• Dave King - 98 and could've done better

• Chris Meyer - 89 and one off his typical 88

• Ed Grambo - disappointing 95 as the host of the LVC

• Vince Sobocinski - a back nine 54 really imploded his round

• Sabara - not sure if his 112 is impressive or not

• Kelly Boys - Nothing wrong with posting a round in the 80s, but 88 and 87 are just not the rounds that these guys are accustomed to.

Unthinkable Acts:

• Nate Kraynak - leaving a Major Championship mid-round to go watch the Eagles.

Team Event Winners: Team Grambo...which included Andy Kotulka, of course.

Other Noteworthy Points:

• The Exec Cup has come down to a 5-6 player race.

• Significant punishment coming down for Mr. Kraynak for his misconduct.

• No one won closest to the pin so the money carries over to the next round.

• Sabara/Tag rivalry hit a boiling point during the Lehigh Valley Classic and will be settled at the Tour Championship.

• Carney bested Vince, again, in their heads up matchup.