Kelly Grunewald stressed the importance of putting before starting a practice round Wednesday at the Odessa Country Club’s Old Course Tuesday.
He knows that’ll be a key aspect if he wants to come away with a win in the 59th Quarter Century Partnership, which is set start Thursday and run through Saturday on the Old Course and Links Course.
Grunewald is one of the regular competitors at the event, making his first appearance in 2013 when he won the tournament with Jeremiah Luttrell.
The three-time Texas State Open champion believes his playing experience will be important going up against a loaded field in the tournament’s championship flight.
“I’ve played golf for a long time,” Grunewald said. “I’ve played the course quite a few times, I feel pretty comfortable with both courses.”
The tournament features a rich history and is considered one of the premier events in the state of Texas said head golf professional Jake McCullough.
This year’s edition will feature a competitive field consisting of 174 two-man teams split up into 11 flights.
The championship flight is scheduled to play the Old Course for the first and final rounds of the tournament and the Links Course for Friday’s second round.
Brady Shivers and Michael Pruitt, last year’s champions, will team up again in search of a second straight title.
The duo carded rounds of 65-62-62—189 to finish two shots ahead of the second-place team of Alfred Galyean and Bobby Hutcherson.
“They’re playing together again and it’s a very strong team,” McCullough said. “I know they won an event up in Lubbock a couple weeks ago, so it’s a very formidable team and I’m sure they’ll be the favorites again this year.”
McCullough added that the tournament’s tradition makes it a fun event to host because of the attention it draws.
Grunewald teamed up with Kevin Boscamp last year to tie for sixth in the championship flight, recording rounds of 67-67-65—198.
He’ll team up with a familiar golfer in Kevin Thornton, someone he has golfed with at Green Tree Country Club in Midland in the past.
“It’s a team deal, you’ve just got to keep each other confident and try to keep both balls in play,” Grunewald said. “That way you don’t put any added pressure on either guy.
“I think we’re going to team up real well.”
Along with their results on the courses, competitors will also get a chance to catch up with old friends in their down time.
Two years ago, the country club had to make some changes because of the COVID-19 pandemic which included putting some social events on a brief pause.
McCullough said he’s looking forward to seeing the social aspect of the tournament.
“One of the great things about this event beyond the competition, which people thoroughly enjoy, is just the camaraderie, the fellowship,” McCullough said. “It’s one of the great things about golf, people can compete, we’ve got a couple guys in their 80s that are playing this week.
“Guys look forward to getting back to this golf tournament and seeing old buddies and old faces, that camaraderie is a special part of the event for sure.”
Grunewald described the short game as 85% of what is needed to achieve strong results because most of the golfers in the championship flight are good ball strikers.
He anticipates the tournament coming down to chipping and putting.
“I don’t care if you’re playing this or a PGA Tour event,” Grunewald said. “Basically that’s what it comes down to, the short game.”
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