ROCHESTER, N.Y. (FLX) — Never a dull day at FLX headquarters.
First it was the hectic Al Gray fiasco, then the Saudi inquiry and demands, followed by Todd Horne’s suspicious handicap, aka inflategate … and now this.
Just as things we’re falling into place ahead of the fourth major, as everyone was hoping for a smooth and satisfying conclusion to the season, BAM! A WRENCH!
According to sources close to the situation, Tour pro Gene Ferrera informed FLX leadership late Tuesday of his intentions to withdraw from the upcoming FLX Cup.
“This season’s results were not up to the media’s predictions, nor my own expectations,” Ferrera said in part of a leaked statement to FLX officials.which was meant to remaine private.
Different sources have painted opposing portraits as to the reasons for the withdrawal.
One source said it was due to an unexpected family matter while another cited “Gene’s a bitch.” A third source said the withdrawal was merely an attempt to later justify his low rankings for Young Man of the Year, of which he’s currently ranked No. 22, despite appearing in all three tournaments so far this season.
For the record, among Tour pros who have competed in all three majors so far this year, Gene ranks SECOND TO LAST, and only ONE point ahead of Nathan Wirth. The withdrawal will all but cement Gene’s candidacy for the unofficial Bell Ringer of the Year.
FLX officials have been tight-lipped about the specifics for the withdrawal.
“It’s not our place to make light of any withdrawal for any reason,” FLX Tour Co-Commissioner Shane Driffill said. “Gene’s decisions are Gene’s decisions, and we’ll leave it at that.”
“Gene’s a bitch,” said FLX Tour Head of Content and Rulez Czar Joey Mortillaro. “This kid’s unbelieveable.”
Gene’s decisions are Gene’s decisions, but those decisions could come with some heavy consequences and the FLX Tour’s Disciplinary Action Committee is reviewing this matter.
The precedent for investigating withdrawals was set over the summer when Al Gray had to drop out of the Genesee Invitational, and now each time a pro removes himself from the tournament field, the matter goes through a rigurous investigative process.
“Basically we just find a replacement and that’s pretty much it,” FLX Tour Co-Commissioner Matt Drifill said. “Making threats about punishments and stuff is good content though and it drives traffic so here we are.”
Tour leadership wasted no time finding a replacement for Ferrera. Ryan Wirth, older brother of Tour pro Nathan Wirth, will be taking Ferrera’s spot in the 9:20 a.m. group alongside Dan Riesenburger, Todd Horne, and Steve Nally. Ryan Wirth will be making his FLX Tour debut and enters the field with a current handicap of 29.5.
It’ll be tough to navigate the field for the Tour newcomer as the chase for the Cup features a roster that’s tied for the largest in FLX history.
The 28-man singles style tournament is set to take place on Saturday, October 14 at Shadow Lake Golf Club with the first group teeing off at 9 a.m.
LAWYER UP BUCKO
FLX Cup Tee Times and Groupings
| Tee Time | Group | Group Nickname |
| 9 a.m. | Dan Driffill Josh Valletta Mike Converse Nathan Wirth | Senior Bell Ringers |
| 9:10 a.m. | Boston Slootmahker Danny Ott Evan Santiago Ryan Pancione | Ski Trip Solutions |
| 9:20 a.m. | Dan Riesenburger Ryan Wirth Steve Nally Todd Horne | Bone To Pick |
| 9:30 a.m. | Alex M. Dooley Brier Koroly Chuck Pace Jesse Cramer | Fun Meter Engineers |
| 9:40 a.m. | Brendan Millward Mike Mortillaro Patrick Moynihan Tom Deiure | GIR Grinders |
| 9:50 a.m. | Brandon Moynihan Joey Mortillaro Matt Driffill Tim Dorsheimer | FLX Leadership |
| 10 a.m. | Chris Miers Danny Driffill Sean Sawyer Shane Driffill | Young Men |
Tour leadership reminds pros that they should get their entry payments in and they thank all the pros who have already taken care of this easy and simple process. Specifically Matt Driffill is sick of chasing all you mfs around for a measly $10.
Venmo: matthew-driffill.
FLX TOUR Golf 