Eaton Chases Elusive MVP Crown

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Despite Some High Moments, Team 98’s Jeff Eaton Has Not Been Able to Obtain the Hardware That Matters to Him Most

Jeff Eaton Chases Elusive MVP Crown

May 3, 2011
The old adage that things getter better with age can certainly be applied to Team 98’s Jeff Eaton. Like a fine wine that develops bold tastes and flavors, Eaton’s golf game has matured to a full-bodied Brunello. The question now on the mind of every golf fan is, will 2011 be Eaton’s vintage year?

Since the inception of the storied Phi Alpha Cup in 2005, no other player has developed and honed his skills like 98’s Eaton. Whether it was on the historic grounds of Wee Burn CC, or at his current home club in Houston, no other player has logged as much time on the driving range or invested as much on coaching and equipment (including mobile phone-related expenses) as Eaton. While his efforts may not have been rewarded recently in the team competition (Team 97 is going for a record third straight PAC title in 2011), his individual results certainly speak volumes.

With 13 PAC victories to his name, Eaton is second only to Team 97’s Andrew Parker (2010 MVP). Surprisingly, Eaton’s win total is one better than that of Team 98 captain Dave Johnson (2008 MVP). When Johnson was asked about this statistic, he added a bit of perspective.

“Jeff’s game has certainly come a long way since he started this competition as a 4-seed back in 2005. So while he has lost us more Cups than he has helped us win (See Story: “The Call That Lost the Cup”), you can not overlook his individual accomplishments, even given the caliber matches he plays in.”

Critics are quick to amplify the point made by 98 Captain Johnson when it comes to Eaton and the PAC’s MVP trophy – that Eaton has padded his stats while dwelling in the cellar of the 98 lineup. In addition, it has been difficult for Eaton to shake the stigma attached to him since fumbling some critical points for Team 98 – namely his decisive Singles Match loss in 2007 (See Story: “The Call That Lost the Cup”) and the well-publicized 17th hole 5-putt that cost Team 98 a critical point in 2010. Combine that with a big Singles win in 2008, and it all seems to have MVP voters confused.

The culmination of these events leads to the headline story of 2011 Tournament Week: Could Eaton actually be ready to win the elusive MVP award? With his recent improvement, many are starting to label Eaton with the moniker, “Best Player Never to Have Won the PAC MVP.” And while this back-handed compliment is high praise considering the caliber of players involved in the Cup, the jury is still divided on whether his name belongs in the conversation.

When asked about this topic, Team 97 Captain Andy Sands (2009 MVP) had a positive outlook.

“I would be shocked if he (Eaton) doesn’t win it this year. He is too good of a player, and his time has come. However, if he doesn’t win it this year, I would think that the voters will begin to consider taking him off the ballot altogether.”

Team 97 teammate Todd Balsley when asked put a different spin on it.

“Best player to never have won the PAC MVP? To begin with, Winston Black, Jeff Eaton and myself are the only ones not to win it, so you’re not exactly choosing from your prime cuts here. Most of the time we’re not trying to win awards, we’re just trying not to derail the train.”

So this weekend, the golfing world will turn its attention to sunny Wilmington, North Carolina to see if Eaton can finally break through and achieve the sweet success he so desires – or whether it will it be sour grapes once again.

Past Phi Alpha Cup MVP Award Winners:
2010: Andrew Parker (97)
2009: Andy Sands (97)
2008: Dave Johnson (98)
2007: Steve Burr (97)
2006: Stirling Bomar (98)
2005: John Stubbs (98)

View the Phi Alpha Cup MVP Section HERE

Jeff Eaton Phi Alpha Cup Highlight Reel: