Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Hermitage Golf Club, Nashville, TN. Nashville, TN. - After six years of hype, Smailz and Eagleglass finally back up their promises. It was a record-breaking 2010 for the 11th Annual Nino Memorial. This year's host city was Nashville, TN.

The team of Tim Spiegelglass and Jeff Small shattered the previous tournament low-round with an even par 72, and took home the coveted title with accompanying tartan jackets. While Spiegelglass had a sprinkling of good tee and approach shots, the clutch player was undoubtedly Dr. Small. He had a number of dazzling putts, ranging from 10 to 25 feet for birdies, and most importanly several to save par. At times inexplicably distracted, Spiegelglass could not be relied upon to close out several of the holes. Small's play was, quite simply, briliant. He will certainly be a force to deal with in all future Nino Memorials.

Coming in second place was the duo of Bryan Sanger and Tim Boyer, the defending champs. Although only +1 with a few holes remaining on the day, they ultimately did not have what it took to win the title. Their 74 was nothing to sneeze at, however. Despite the great score and second place finish, Tim "Toolman" Boyer was clearly upset and certainly will come re-charged and ready to re-take the title in 2011.

The team of Brad Gross and Jaeson "Nino" Becker came in third with a 76. From all accounts, Gross was en fuego, and it was only the dismal, tattered performance of Nino that kept their team from winning it all. It would be no surprise if Gross comes back to next year's event with a new partner. Gross' decision to walk the entire 18 holes epitomizes his grit and determination, and should be feared for years to come. Gross finished the day by winning both the Long Distance and Closest To The Pin Competition by nailing a drive on 17 that landed just 3 inches short of a hole-in-one!!!

The Dave "Dusty" Hoffman and Aaron "Denmark" Vickar combination was rusty all tournament long. Frequently, neither could pick the other up when a bad shot was hit. Their rythm was off particularly on the front 9 of the General's Retreat course. The only fireworks came from two birdie putts sunk by Denmark, and one drive on the Par-3 17th hole that came to a rest two feet from the cup (and the pyro bombs ignited by Dusty for which he was busted by the course ranger). Hoffman and Vickar ended their sweaty round +7 with a 79.

Kevin Lucas and CHiP (Phil Ruben) had the best score for last place in the history of the Nino Memorial. Their +9/81 was strong, and would have been better had it not been for the erratic play of Ruben. Although he had a closest to the pin shot on the Par 3 No. 5, and sunk a nice birdie putt elsewhere on the course, he could not be relied upon by his partner. It is rumored that Lucas will ditch Ruben in 2011 for his partner in 2009, Josh "don't call me daughter" Mentle.

It was a memorable 2010 for all the participants. Talk of next year's tournament sprouted all weekend long. Next year's tournament will likely take place in Windsor, New Orleans, or Dallas. A press release regarding the finalized location is expected by October 2010.

dh