D-DAY!

Another Vargas Survivor Win, But This Time It’s Doug

HOLMBY PARK – If everyone not named Vargas/Moawad started the Survivor Challenge with 0% chance of winning, their odds went up 50% when news broke Walter Vargas had withdrawn due to injury. As it turned out Sunday, the Vargas name once again graced the winners list, only this time it was Doug Vargas crowned champion. Runner-up in 3 straight tournaments heading into the Survivor, Vargas made a demonstrative fist pump after his chip on the final hole against John Mann landed just inches from the cup, virtually assuring a long overdue victory. “I’m super excited.  I’m genuinely at a loss for words,” beamed Vargas, who added his usual dose of colorful language, “This was a f–king fun tournament.”

“Totally Worth It”

Vargas, who was involved in 4 playoffs including a double playoff with defending and 3-time champion Moawad, sacrificed a season of fantasy football to make the Survivor.  “I think that’s why [the win] feels so good, because I gave up a lot today, honestly. The fact that I had [to miss my fantasy football draft] it’s gonna hurt me tomorrow and next week when I’m not on those emails, but it was totally worth it.”

1st Hole:
Tim Joe, Eliminated

2-time ‘That Guy’ became the first 3-time ‘That guy.’ “Someone has to be the first out. Sucks that it’s me.”

2nd Hole:
Rene Quiroz, Eliminated

A tee shot that found its way into the street doomed Quiroz  who was making just his 2nd start this season. “That was fun. It could have been worse. I like this tournament, it is one of my favorites. But hey, it wasn’t meant to be this year.”

3rd Hole:
Clint Crump, Eliminated (playoff with John Frost) 

Crump’s play had him walking a tightrope until fate caught up with him on the 3rd hole. “I think it’s because those other guys are starting to use yellow balls and it’s kind of throwing off my game,” said Crump of his struggles, before adding, “It’s even worse getting beat by John.”

4th Hole:
Patrick Bird, Eliminated (playoff with Doug Vargas and Gerry Vaughan)

“That’s not what did me in,” said Bird of being eliminated on the longest hole of the course”. [The commissioner] started talking about how I had to hit around another ball so [that] made me get angry before we figured out what actually should happen. It’s not like there’s not enough other stress in this round.”

5th Hole:
Gerry Vaughan, Eliminated (triple playoff with John Mann)

Making just his 2nd start in the last 5 years, the former champion (2007) was eliminated after battling in just the 2nd triple playoff in tournament history. “I wouldn’t really call it a loser. I just call it an exiting earlier than some others. Not disappointed at all. I mean, look, we battled 3 times to get through this hole, 4 [if you count before the playoff] so I’m happy.”

6th Hole:
Chris Moawad, Eliminated (double playoff with Doug Vargas)

A bad bounce on what looked like an excellent tee shot ultimately sent him into a playoff where his hopes for a successful title defense were dashed. “Once you’re in a playoff situation you can’t make a misstep.” Clearly dejected, the former 3-time champion let out a big sigh, “I’m bummed.”

7th Hole:
John Frost, Eliminated (playoff with Doug Vargas)

After finishing 2nd 3 of the last 4 years, almost-man John Frost had to settle for 4th. “Well, [there’s usually 4 bridesmaids in a wedding] so I’m still a bridesmaid. That’s a positive way of looking at it in a very feministic point of view.” Consolation for Frost: he finished 1 hole better than his self-professed kryptonite, Chris Moawad.

8th Hole:
Nik Freitas, Eliminated

Terrific shots all day again had the gallery snickering ‘who invited this guy?’ Despite a dramatic and cruel elimination – his 11-foot putt to force a playoff lipped out – Freitas remained upbeat. “It’s OK. It was fun. I was just stoked to make it past the [hole I got eliminated on last year]. I didn’t think I was gonna make it this far.”

Final Hole:
John Mann, Eliminated
In the tournament he considers his favorite he found himself on the cusp of victory. But after his tee shot went long and Doug Vargas’s outstanding 2nd shot, Mann’s fate was sealed. “No,” answered Mann when asked if the pressure got to him. “It’s just every other hole here you’ve got trees, context, clues and [this hole] there’s just not really much way to gauge it.  And you’ve got adrenaline.” When asked if he found any consolation in the fact he finished a career best 2nd, his response was swift. “No, it f–king sucks. I wanna win this.”

Doug Vargas, 2015 Survivor Challenge Champion
Vargas was clutch with his approach shots when he needed them most and the result was a win in the penultimate tournament of the season. “That was in my mind this morning,” said Vargas of recording at least 1 victory in each of the last 4 seasons. “I woke up [and wondered] have I won yet this year? I wanted to keep that going. You know, I just want to get some wins. I wanna play with the guys, and get some wins, and have fun doing it.”