Day 1 of the 2001 GPI was buzzing with the excitement surrounding the opening tee shot of GPI founder Tom "Sals" Childs.

The distance of Sals' drive would determine who would take home the GPI opening drive slush fund of $2.00 per head.

What would Sals do? The choices were:

 a) whiff

 b) 0 - 19 yards (behind ladies tees)

 c) 19 - 50 yards

 d) 50 - 100 yards  e) 150+ yards

To face the challenge, Sals decided to rely on a golfer's best friend: hardware. He added a new persimmon driver to his bag, showing his new hammer to everyone at the unofficial GPI Thursday night caucus meeting.

As Sals stepped to the dish, the crowd gathered on the hill like a group of boo-hungry, 700 section Phillies fans peering down at their new 12.2 ERA relief pitcher.

Sals wound up, and............

Sals electrified the crowd with a magical GPI duff that soared for approximately 30 yards before landing in the rough. 

GPI Strokes Committee member (and former GPI champ) Chris Lynch danced the "in the money" headlock-jig, then Sals took the long walk to his short drive, reciting the GPI Prayer.

2000 GPI Champ Frank Carpenito shares a ceremonial shot with Day 1 leader, Rick Gauntlett

The Day 1 Leaderboard:

First place: Rick Gauntlett

Second Place: Chris Lynch

Third Place: Steve Walsh

2001 Day 1 Postgame Show Makes GPI History!

Despite the traditional media blackout which goes into effect after the first round (the first round of beers after we finish golfing, to be specific), we can announce that the 2001 GPI postgame show hit two major landmarks this year:

1. The GPI crew took a lovely booze cruise along the shores of Cape Cod, thanks to the efforts of Harry "Gilligan" Briggs. Not only did we enjoy a beautiful.... keg of Newcastle brown ale, we managed to complete our three-hour tour without losing any hands overboard, and without the intervention of the Coast Guard or Navy frogmen.

2. After entertaining the locals at a Falmouth restaurant & bar dubbed "The Flying Dutchman" by the GPI gang, we decided to hit another hot spot down the road. As soon as we approached, the bouncers told us not to give them any trouble because "they had heard we were coming."

 This appears to be the first instance in GPI history where a bar/restaurant hosted the GPI crew, then fired a pre-

 emptive strike in an attempt to keep us out of someone else's bar!!!

 The GPI gang, outraged and offended, promised to boycott both places immediately after last call.

Day 2 provided the worst GPI weather since the Maine deluge of '98. Despite the weather, the bulk of the GPI crew hit the course with lots of enthusiasm, and lots of towels, raingear, umbrellas, parkas, tents, etc.

Among the top finishers from Day 1, Rick Gauntlett was watched closely to see if the man who hated golf would capture amateur golf's most coveted prize, the GPI jacket. 

As the GPI gang trudged through the wind and rain, a cinderella story was taking shape in the second foursome. Don Turner, sporting a set of rain golf gloves designed by NASA and endorsed by OJ Simpson, had the GPI jacket in his grip.

Carding a miraculous 85 in typhoon conditions, Don "The Bishop" Turner buried the competition and became...

The 2001 Green Plaid Invitational Champion

Day 2 Timeline

Hole #1: It's not raining too hard. I've got a waterproof pullover, I'll be fine. 

Hole #3: You know, it's not too bad out here!

Hole #6: I think this pullover is just water resistant.

Hole #9: What the Hell am I doing out here? It's #%$! pouring!!!

Hole #12: I think I can hit this one from my cart. I've gotta squeeze out this pullover first.

Hole#13: Hey, this is a "longest drive" hole. I think I'll use my putter - all I have to do if find the fairway. No, I can't see it, can you? 

Hole #15: I wonder if my golf bag is flammable?

Hole #17: Hey, I think I can hear a helicopter! No wait, that was my five iron. Fore!!

Hole #18: Mental note: Submit a petition to the GPI Committee: In case of rain, Day 2 will be completed on a Sony Playstation 2 in the clubhouse.

Day 2 plus 48 hours: Status of Day 2 clothes is upgraded from liquified to soggy.

2001 GPI Champion Don Turn lights up a cigar to celebrate his victory (and possibly to get warm).

Turner collects his GPI fame and Wal-SHIE collects his calcutta winnings

THE 2001 GPI TOP FINISHERS:

First place: Don "The Bishop" Turner

Second Place Tie: Rick Gauntlett & Tom LaFrance

Fourth Place: Mike Andresino

Fifth Place Tie: Tom Noone & Greg Strakosch