ROCHESTER, N.Y. (FLX) — It’s the last MAJOR WEEK of 2023 and there’s a lot at stake for Saturday’s FLX Cup.
The tournament will feature 28 young men teeing off at 9 a.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Course. Not only is the coveted FLX Cup on the line, but the event will also determine the final rankings for the historic Young Man of the Year.
Tour pros face the pressure of a final major, but they will also be battling the elements as Mother Nature is expected to be a total bitch for the tournament. Currently, the forecast is calling for temps in the high 40s at the start with lots and lots of rain.
“This Saturday is the final major and it is a rain or shine event,” said FLX Tour Head of Content and Rules Czar Joey Mortillaro. “The course has been contacted and they will be open no matter the weather conditions. Here’s the deal: Life isn’t fair. We can’t have perfect weather for every event. We were fortunate enough to have beautiful weather for three of the four majors this year. Now comes the time where you have to dig deep and decide ‘am I goin to prepare myself for the conditions that are being predicted for Saturday, or am I goin to complain and be a fair weather golfer the rest of your life?’ We live in Rochester, New York — the weather has never been anyone’s friend for your entire life. WHO HAS THAT DOG IN THEM? WHO WILL RAISE THE CUP?”
Just last week, weather was all the chatter among Tour pros as seven young men teed off at Shadow Lake for a practice round on the morning of October 7. Wet conditions dominated the first half of play, along with cooler temps, before the weather broke favorably on the back nine, but as bad as it was, the conditions are expecting to be even tougher this coming weekend.
“I think it should even out the field a little bit,” said FLX Tour Co-Commissioner and defending FLX Cup Champion Matt Driffill. “I think some of the Tour’s better players may see worse scores due to the conditions, and I think the higher handicap players may benefit from that when the final leaderboard presents itself. In any event, it should be a Very Nice Time (VNT).”
Pundits have been complimentary of Tour leadership for the groupings announced ahead of the tournament, with foursomes based on current YMOTY standings. Though the weather should scare off some from participating in the traditional post-round gallery on hole No. 18, those who do indeed have that dog in them will be guaranteed to witness some drama as the final groups finish up their season.
“It’s been a long, and hard, but successful season,” FLX Tour Co-Commissioner Shane Driffill said. “We were lucky enough to have great weather for most of the season, but we believe that this final major, and all the external challenges it will present, is a phenomenal opportunity for Tour pros and fans alike to see who will truly rise to the occassion.”
FLX Tour leadership convened this week to produce a preview program for the highly anticipated event, filled with a field breakdown, the latest on the weather forecast, predictions, awards, and more:
As is tradition, following the FLX Cup, the Champions’ Luncheon will be held at Shamrock Jack’s in Irondequoit where pros will engage in banter and camaraderie for one final time in 2023. A long line for the bathroom is expected so plan accordingly.
As it is a single’s tournament, FLX Tour officials say the rules will mirror those of the 2023 Grand Open (see below). Should a Tour pro opt out of the event because of inclement weather, they shall face a potential consequence for next season pending review of the Tour’s Disciplinary Action Committee.
TOUR TIP: THE FLX CUP TOURNAMENT IS NOW OPEN TO JOIN ON THE 18 BIRDIES APP. DON’T DELAY, JOIN TODAY!
Should a Tour pro not compete, leadership says it reserves the right to alter the groupings to ensure a quality pace of play and to keep the fun meters high.
“Let’s talk about LOYALTY, OK?” Shane Driffill said.
However the weather ultimately shakes out, the whole FLX Tour season comes down to this. Who’s got that dog in them? Who will raise the cup? FIND OUT SATURDAY AT SHADOW LAKE!
Tour leadership also urges players who have not paid their $10 entry fee to venmo @matthew-driffill as soon as possible. Pros can also purchase optional breakfast balls on holes 1 and 10 for $5 each. The proceeds of which benefit the closest-to-the-pin challenge on the par 3 hole No. 9.
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 | Darkhorse 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 |
2023 FLX Cup Rules
- Finish putts no matter the distance.
- Play the entire course OB as red stakes. Take drop (1 stroke penalty) one club length from where the ball crossed out of play. You can not go towards the hole when dropping!
- Establish in your group what ball you are playing. If the ball is in a wooded area or beyond a red stake, confirm with your cart partner that your ball is yours. You may choose to play the ball as it lies if you are choosing to play out of an unfavorable area or take a drop with a drop (club length from where the ball entered the unfavorable area and a one-stroke penalty.)
- No “re-tees” or “3 off the tee” from the tee box. If your ball goes out of play off the tee, apply your drop where it went out.
- Three-minute limit rule for lost balls. Take a drop and one-stroke penalty nearest to the last seen area where your ball may have been (assistance and confirmation with group/cart partner). ZERO FREE DROPS! Lost balls after the three minutes are up will result in a one-stroke penalty!
- ABSOLUTELY ZERO FREE DROPS FOR ANYONE! This is a golf tournament for money, not a Sunday with the boys. Show some respect for yourself, your colleagues on the tour, and the game.
- Light fluff allowed. DO NOT move the ball laterally or forward to a better angle at the hole.
- Club lengths near unplayable zones should be decided within the group (ball near a cart path, roped-off area, etc.)
- Any person(s) caught cheating within the group or violating any of the aforementioned rules will be immediately disqualified. The tournament fee is non-refundable and the player will be placed on a list for future FLX Tour major events. Further legal action may be pursued (better lawyer up bucko).
- Handicaps are capped at 36. Players who do not have a handicap established will receive a 36 handicap.
- Players will utilize 95% of their handicap for the tournament within the 18 Birdies App.
- Have fun and keep the pace of play!
FLX TOUR Golf 