Pine to Palm Spotlight - Volume 65 No. 2

Page 1

79 Spotlight th

vol. 65 no. 2

Pine to Palm

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2

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Top seeds have a tough go in P-P first round Top 3 of 4 fall, as Hillier and Van Rooyen lose BY BRIAN WIERIMA

brianw@dlnewspapers.com

It was a day of reckoning for the Pine to Palm’s top seeds in the first round of action Thursday, as three of the top four players fell by the wayside. Not only did defending champion Todd Hillier end his quest for a repeat championship, No. 2 seed and medalist Erik Von Rooyen also lost in dramatic fashion. The upsets were not done there, though, as No. 4 seed and first-day medalist Beau Hanson of Frazee couldn’t make it out of the first round. In other words, it was a good day to be a low seed. Hillier fell earlier in the day to Hawley’s Teddy Cox 5 and 3, but we’ll get back to that match in a minute. The best match of the day was the last one in and it ended in one of the best fashions the Pine to Palm Tournament has seen in quite sometime. Medalist Erik Van Rooyen was playing some of the tournament’s best golf, but Trevor Vandlac didn’t let that affect

trevor vandlac watches his approach shot to the first green during Thursday’s match play.

his own play, instead sticking with the University of Minnesota junior the entire way. That’s when he played himself over the hump in the final

two holes. “It was pretty intense,” a happy Vandlac said. Vandlac sunk an improbable birdie putt on hole 18. The

path Vandlac sent his ball on included a steep uphill climb from in front of the green, off the fringe and a steady line right into the cup. All that from about 35 to 40 feet from the hole. “I grew more confident as it got closer to the hole and I knew it was moving good enough for a chance to make it,” said Vandlac, who is from Hayward, Wisc. And attends the University of Wisconsin — Madison. “I knew I had a chance to make it, that’s why I left the pin in.” But Van Rooyen wasn’t going to conceded that easily. His putt was a downhill bender from about 30 feet away and he made Vandlac’s heart skip a beat by putting the ball right on course, before it lipped out and thus effectively ending the match. “It was a back and forth match all day,” Vandlac said. “He was a little longer player than I was, but I hit every drive and missed maybe one or two greens all day.” Vandlac came through under pressure just to send the match to the 18th hole, after falling down by a hole after Van Rooyen almost drove the 16th green. On the par 3 17th, Van Rooyen’s drive ended up in the right bunker, while Vandlac’s plopped on the green. After Van Rooyen made par, Vandlac sunk about a 14foot putt to even the match. “That was a tough downhill putt, so that was a big one, as well,” Vandlac added. This is Vandlac’s first trip to the Pine to Palm, so each time he has played the course,

BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT

the better he has felt. “I’m feeling more comfortable with each round, I felt I really underachieved with my 150 qualifying score,” he added. Cox was just happy to being playing in the field of 64 Thursday, after surviving a nine-man playoff to claim the final slot in match play. He birdied both holes to earn the right to play Hillier, who gained the exempt from qualifying and the automatic No. 1 seed. But it was evident early, that Cox was not about to just be content on making the cut,

“It was pretty intense.”

Pat Deitz watches his drive on the sixth hole Thursday.

BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT

Trevor Vandlac on his last 2 holes

by playing solid throughout the round and taking the win 5 and 3. Last year, Hillier’s putter was his weapon of choice. Today, not so much. “As well as I was putting last year when I won the championship, it was the complete opposite today,” Hillier said. “But Ted really played well, today.” Cox went 2-up after four holes, but Hillier evened it up with wins on five and six. The back nine was the deciding factor, though, as Cox made four birdies out of the first six holes. Hillier also went out of bounds on 11 to really put himself in a hole, as Cox was accurate all day, since he had birdie putts on every green Championship to page 5 ➤


Friday, August 12th, 2011

3

2011 Pine To Palm

Championship Field (1) Todd hillier Teddy Cox 5 & 3 (64) Teddy Cox (32) Erik weiss Thomas Welk 2 & 1 (33) Thomas Welk (16) Austin rusness Austin rusness 1-up (19) (49) jordan priem (17) john young john young 2 & 1 (48) eric harris

UPPER BRACKET

(8) james niles james niles 1-up (57) sam worwa (25) caleb ketterling robert bell 5 & 4 (40) robert bell (9) philip haug philip haug 2 & 1 (56) mike brodsho (24) david trett oliver boeckel 1-up (41) Oliver boeckel (4) beau hanson mitch buboltz 1-up (61) mitch buboltz (29) dan matheson robert wagner 3 & 2 (36) robert wagner (13) greg melhus greg melhus 5 & 4 (52) mich schaefer (20) sam palmisano sam palmisano 6 & 5 (45) tanner jones (5) parker dire parker dire 4 & 3 (60) shane ost (28) bob cavanagh bob cavanagh 1-up (37) coy papachek (12) connor holland connor holland 3 & 2 (53) matt parker

LOWER BRACKET

(21) tyler rustad tyler rustad 4 & 2 (44) kyle jandro

FINAL • SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 • 2:45PM

(63) trevor vandlac 1-up

(2) Erik van rooyen (63) trevor vandlac

taylor cavanagh 1-up

(31) charlie braniff (34) taylor cavanagh

jon trasamar 3 & 2

(15) bryant buckellew (50) jon trasamar

ben welle 5 & 4

(18) ben welle (47) tim fiechtner

mike balzer 6 & 5

(7) mike balzer (58) jon rubis

kenny rucker 3 & 2

(26) kenny rucker (39) mox gunderson

alex robb 4 & 3

(10) alex robb (55) mike huber

kyle beversdorf 5 & 4

(23) kyle beversdorf (42) andy stahlman

nick olsgaard 5 & 4

(3) nick olsgaard (62) bryce mattson

troy klongerbo 2 & 1

(30) troy klongerbo (35) jack elliott

brad andvik 1-up

(14) brad andvik (51) zackery lowenstein

patrick larkin 3 & 2

(19) jack higginson (46) patrick larkin

lukas davison 2-up

(6) lukas davison (59) ryan steinert

alex gaugert 4 & 2

(27) alex gaugert (38) charlie erickson

dan cavanagh 1-up

(11) gordon diekman (54) dan cavanagh

pat dEItz 1-up

(22) pat dEItz (43) lee cavanagh


4

Friday, August 12th, 2011

79th Pine to Palm Qualifying Scores

Chip Shots by

Mark Larson

Gophers come out in force to this year’s Pine to Palm The Minnesota Gopher men’s golf team has eight players participating in the 79th Pine to Palm. On the urging of new coach John Carlson of Bagley, four current players and four incoming freshmen showed up on Tuesday for qualifying. The current players who are making some noise this week include: Eric Van Rooyan of Oudtshoorn, South Africa who captured medalist honors with rounds of 66-67(133), Robert Bell of Pierz fired rounds of

78-71(149). Alex Gaugert of Lake Geneva Wisconsin shot 73-73(146) and Jon Trasamar of Blue Earth made the cut with 75-74(149). Incoming Gopher freshmen are: Charlie Braniff of St. Cloud who had rounds of 76-71(147), Kyle Beversdorf of Plymouth 75-70(145), Tyler Lowenstein also of Plymouth carded rounds of 78-74(152). The final freshmen is Patrick Johnston of Maple Plain two day total was 80-81(16)

Mid-am

CHAD NILES, OXBOW, N.D. - 60-60--120 KENT FRONK, JAMESTOWN, N.D. - 74-70--144 JAY OLAFSON, FARGO, N.D. - 70-75--145 BILL SCHOMMER, LAKEVILLE, Minn. - 74-72--146 DUANE SIVERSON, MOORHEAD, Minn. - 71-75--146 AARON BURNSIDE, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - 76-73--149 CRAIG STEIN, MOORHEAD, Minn. - 73-76--149 BRIAN BENSON, WEST FARGO, N.D. - 75-75--150 DONALD NELSON, GILBERT, Ariz. - 74-76--150 THOMAS SOLIEN, MOORHEAD, Minn. - 76-74--150 PAUL UITHOVEN, BOZEMAN, Mont. - 75-76--151 CHUCK WIGER, MOORHEAD, Minn. - 75-76--151 GEORGE STRAND, MOORHEAD, Minn. - 73-78--151 JON ANAS, FARGO, N.D. - 78-73--151 KEITH AASEN, BISMARCK, N.D. - 75-77--152 JOHN WOXLAND, MAYVILLE, N.D. - 77-75--152 MILES SCHACHER, BLVD, Minn. - 75-78--153 KENT SPRIGGS, FARGO, N.D. - 79-74--153 PERRY PIATZ, OXBOW, N.D. - 77-76--153 BARRY SCHMIESS, FARGO, N.D. - 75-79--154 WARD PRINE, COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - 73-81--154 MARK MALINGEN, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - 76-79--155 GEORGE THEISEN, MONTICELLO, Minn. - 79-78--157 AJ GREFF, MOORHEAD, Minn. - 76-82--158 JEFF HENDRICKSON, THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. - 79-81--160 ERIC KING, POWER SPRINGS, Ga. - 78-82--160 MICHAEL CONNER, HUTCHINSON, Minn. - 79-82--161 BRAD SOLHEIM, WACONIA, Minn. - 79-82--161 SCOT MOORES, ALEXANDRIA, Minn. - 79-84--163 TRAVIS TRAPP, MOORHEAD, Minn. - 77-86--163 RICK SAMSON, WEST FARGO, N.D. - 79-89--168 WADE KING, PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. - 78-NS--NS

super-senior

CHUCK RENNER, PHOENIX, Ariz. - 68 WILLIAM BLAKE, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - 74 TOM HANSON, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - 75 ROBERT HARRIS, BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - 75 RON SMEDSHAMMER, SUN CITY, Ariz. - 77 RICHARD MCCONN, MCLEAN, Va. - 77 PETE LYSAKER, FORT MYERS, Fla. - 78 TERRY OLAFSON, WADENA, Minn. - 79 TED HATLEN, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - 79 DR RICK RENDER, BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - 79 JAMES WOLFF, GOODYEAR, Ariz. - 79 LARRY DOEDEN, DETROPIT LAKES, Minn. - 80 RON SMET, OKEECHOBEE, Fla. - 80 THOMAS WOOD, ST. LOUIS, Mo. - 80 OWEN GERMUNDSON, SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - 81 TOM PEDERSON, EAU CLAIR, Wis. - 82 VIC HEPOKOSKI, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - 83 GLEN THORESON, MAYVILLE, N.D. - 83 KEN RIESBERG, MESA, Ariz. - 83 ROBERT DAHM, FARGO, N.D. - 83 RICK SMITH, FARGO, N.D. - 83 BILL FREELAND, LADY LAKE, Fla. - 84 VERN STEINMETZ, FARGO, N.D. - 86 GEORGE MCDONALD, LUVERNE, Minn. - 87 DR LYNN MARR, FARGO, N.D. - 87 BILL KISH, KAILUA KONA, Hawaii - 87 JIM BAKKEN, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - 88 DUANE HALVORSON, NEW HOPE, Minn. - 89 JAMES BOND, BETHESDA, Md. - 92 CHARLES LAUER, WINNETKA, Ill. - 92 MARK ERICKSEN, SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - 93 KEITH BERGREN, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - 94 HAL FREEMAN, PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. - 96 CHUCK PERKINS, FARGO, N.D. - 97 PAUL KRUEGER, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - WD

Championship Second Round

TE E T IM E S

MARK LARSON/SPOTLIGHT

the gopher four playing in the Pine to Palm include Robert Bell, Erik Van Rooyen, Alex Gaugert and Jon Trasamar.

Making the change

MARK LARSON/SPOTLIGHT

the changing of the board happened this tournament, as long-time board scorers Nancy and Gordy Grabow will turn over their duties to Jayne Thielen.

Teddy Cox vs. Thomas Welk Dan Cavanaugh vs. Pat Deitz

1:19 p.m. 1:19 p.m.

Austin Rusness vs. John Young Lukas Davison vs. Alex Gaugert

1:28 p.m. 1:28 p.m.

James Niles vs. Robert Bell Brad Andvik vs. Patrick Larkin

1:37 p.m. 1:37 p.m.

Philip Haug vs. Oliver Boeckel Nick Olsgaard vs. Troy Klongerbo

1:46 p.m. 1:46 p.m.

Mitch Buboltz vs. Robert Wagner Alex Robb vs. Kyle Beversdorf

1:55 p.m. 1:55 p.m.

Greg Melhus vs. Sam Palmisano Mike Balzer vs. Kenny Rucker

2:04 p.m. 2:04 p.m.

Parker Dire vs. Bob Cavanagh Jon Trasamar vs. Ben Welle

2:13 p.m. 2:13 p.m.

Connor Holland vs. Tyler Rustad Trevor Vandlac vs. Taylor Cavanagh

2:22 p.m. 2:22 p.m.


Friday, August 12th, 2011

5

BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT

teddy cox, above, eyes his drive on the par five fifth hole during his Thursday match against defending champion Todd Hillier. Cox won the match 5 and 3 to advance in championship match play. Thomas Welk, left, watches his tee shot on the par four seventh hole during match play Thursday. ➤ Championship from page 2 but three. “My wedges from 100 yards in were very good, which set me up with short putts,” Cox said. “I just kept attacking and had a lot of confidence in my driving. “Being the last seed, I went in with nothing to lose.” Cox, who graduated from Hawley high school and played basketball at a private college, but didn’t play golf. “I felt like I was more of a golfer than a basketball player, though,” Cox said. And that definitely showed Thursday, as Hillier becomes the first champion to lose in the first round since 2008 when Cory Blenkush was toppled by Perham’s Bob Cavanagh. “I’m disappointed, but this shows you that you can’t make

mistakes in match play,” Hillier said. “It makes me really appreciate what I did last year, because it is not easy.” Even the first-day medalist Hanson didn’t advance, after veteran Mitch Buboltz of Detroit Lakes downed the Frazee Hornet 1-up in a close match. That leaves just Moorhead’s Nick Olsgaard as the lone top four seed survivor. Olsgaard disposed of Bryce Mattson of Oxbow, N.D. 5 and 4 to advance to the second round. The Detroit Lakes connection is still alive, although barely. Laker junior Austin Rusness survived a 19-hole affair before winning 1-up over Long Prairie’s Jordan Priem. Rusness had to have some late heroics by winning hole 18 to push the match into extra holes. It was his experience on the

course which saved Rusness, after his drive ended up in the trees left of the fairway, while Priem’s was on the fairway. “I knew I had a little opening for a shot, so I played it the best I could,” Rusness said. On the playoff hole, Rusness had to just make his par putt, after Priem ended up putting for bogey. “It feels good to get the win,” said Rusness of his first victory in his young Pine to Palm career. “Although I didn’t play well, a win is a win.” The biggest comeback of the day belonged to Cavanagh, who was trailing by three holes with four to go, before rallying and downing Fargo’s Coy Papachek 1-up. The second round of action starts at 1:19 p.m. at the Detroit Country Club.

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Friday, August 12th, 2011

Burnside rallies, Fronk wins BY BRIAN WIERIMA

brianw@dlnewspapers.com

When Aaron Burnside and his wife, Lara, purchased the old D-Dahl’s Bar and Restaurant, his schedule became pretty busy. It resembled his first-round match in the Mid-Am Division Thursday, busy and long. Burnside survived his first round match against Paul Uithoven 1-up in 19 holes, after the Detroit Lakes’ native had to make a rally. “I started off a bit shaky and was down two, but I recovered,” Burnside said. Uithoven went 1-up with three holes to go, before Burnside was able to win the final regulation hole with a bogey to force extra holes. The extra-hole produced a Burnside win, after he was able to play it safe to win another bogey, after Uithoven shot deep into the rough. Burnside will now face 2009 champion and 2010 runner-up Jay Olafson of Fargo in the quarterfinals. “I started putting better

again with just one 3-putt today,” Burnside said. “But I need to get off the tee a little better.” Burnside was able to play to the championship in Mahnomen’s Short Stop Tournament last weekend, something which was a good spark. “That really kicked started me,” Burnside added. “But I really need to thank my wife and staff at Burnside’s, because they really helped out when I was gone.” Medalist Kent Fronk of Jamestown, N.D., stayed alive with a 4 and 2 1 win over Keith Aasen. Fronk, who was the 2009 runner-up, said the two went back and forth for most of the day. “I didn’t really get in a lot of trouble and I did get up and down most of the time,” Fronk said. Fronk recovered nicely for medalist laurels after shooting a three-over par 74 Monday, then rebounded with five birdies Tuesday for a 70 for a final 144. “That gave me a lot of con-

fidence after Tuesday,” Fronk said. “Now, I need to keep it in play, because I don’t hit it far, but straight.” Both Fronk and Burnside, who have both played in the first two Mid-Am tournaments, are happy with the progression of the division. “I said three years ago it’s going to grow,” Burnside said. “The competition is good.” Added Fronk, “It was a great move, there are no easy matches in Mid-Am.” Defending champion Chad Niles won 4 and 3 over John Woxland and will face Brian Benson, who defeated Donald Nelson 2 and 1. In the other upper bracket match-up, Bill Schommer will face last year’s medalist Duane Siverson. Fronk will match-up against Thomas Solien, who beat Craig Stein 1-up, while Olafson (a 3 and 1 winner over Jon Anas) and Burnside will square off.

kent fronk watches his approach shot to the par four 13th green during Thursday’s march play. BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT

2011 Mid-Am Championship Chad Niles Chad Niles 4 & 3 John Woxland Brian Benson

Brian Benson 2 & 1

Donald Nelson Bill Schommer Bill Schommer 3 & 1 George Strand Duane Siverson

Duane Siverson 5 & 3

Chuck Wiger

2011 Mid-Am Champion

Kent Fronk Kent Fronk 4 & 2 Keith Aasen Craig Stein Thomas Solien 1-up Thomas Solien Jay Olafson Jay Olafson 3 & 1 Jon Anas Aaron BurnsidE BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT

Thomas Solien watches his tee shot on the par three 14th hole Thursday.

Aaron BurnsidE 1-up (19) Paul Uithoven

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Friday, August 12th, 2011

7

Solien wins battle of Senior champions Clark upsets medalist Nelson

BY BRIAN WIERIMA

brianw@dlnewspapers.com

It’s a trend T.L. Solien hopes to continue. In the 2008 Pine to Palm Senior’s tournament, Joe Sauer and Solien played in the first round, in which the former won and eventually played his way to a championship. In 2009, the same firstround match up occurred, this time Solien came out on top, in which he won himself a Seniors championship. After a year layoff from one

nior’s championship. “I need to drive the ball more consistently and have better iron play,” Solien said. “I need to create more birdie opportunities and hit my greens in regulation, because one thing I have been doing well is putting.” Solien’s next opponent will be Spencer Clark, who played in the playoff hole early in the morning and wrangled the No. 15 seed. He upset Senior medalist Clint Nelson 1-up to advance, while Rob Harris was a 6 and 5

“I’m hoping it’s a trend, too.” another in the first round, the 2011 Seniors featured the two former champions facing off for the third time — edge Solien, who won 3 and 2. “I guess I won the rubber match,” Solien said. “I’m hoping it’s a trend, too.” Solien was 1-up at the turn, as the two proceeded to halve holes up to 15. The Wisconsin golfer went 2-up on hole 14 after Sauer three-putted and finished off the match with a birdie on 16. Consistency is what Solien will be looking for if he wants to contend for his second Se-

winner over Lynn Holbrook. Harris will face Bruce Carlisle, who was a 1-up victor over Bob Theriault. Defending champion Tim Rubis toppled Lute Simley 2 and 1, after Simley was the last Senior’s qualifier with Clark. Scott Linnerooth won 7 and 5 over Jeff Tweeton. He will face John Schwankl, who was a 1-up winner over Lynn Schultz. The Seniors will start the quarterfinals at 12:47 p.m. on tee one.

BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT

Spencer Clark rolls a putt during his match against Senior medalist Clint Nelson. Clark won the match 1 up.

2011 SENIOR Championship Tim Rubis Tim Rubis 2 & 1 LUKE STANLEY Ron Galuska

Dan Elton 1-Up (19 HolEs)

Dan Elton Scott Linnerooth Scott Linnerooth 7 & 5 Jeff Tweeton John Schwankl

John Schwankl 1-up

Lynn Schultz Clint Nelson spencer clark 1-up

2011 Champion

spencer clark Joe Sauer T.L. Solien 3 & 2 T.L. Solien Rob Harris Rob Harris 6 & 5 lynn holbrook bob theriault

BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT

bruce carlisle 1-up bruce carlisle

Defending Pine to Palm Senior champion Tim Rubis takes a long look at his tee shot to the par three 14th green Thursday.


8

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Renner continues playoff run; Hatlen hopes to end it today BY BRIAN WIERIMA

brianw@dlnewspapers.com

Detroit Lakes Ted Hatlen has seen it all during the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament and he knows he doesn’t have a cake walk in front of him Friday in the Super Seniors quarterfinals. Hatlen advanced through the first round of the Super Seniors division with a 1-up win over Wadena’s Terry Olafson, which pairs him up against two-time medalist Chuck Renner, who won convincingly 7 and 6 over Tom Pederson. “Chuck is a very good golfer,” Hatlen said. Renner shot a three-under par 68 to win Super Senior medalist laurels and was in tune against Pederson. But Hatlen is a veteran of the Detroit Country Club course and the Pine to Palm, so he has a plan. “I’m going to swing for the

fences,” Hatlen laughed. “I’ll need to keep my drives in the fairways and not beat myself. You never know about match play.” In the other bracket below Renner and Hatlen will be Robert Harris going against Ron Smedshammer. Harris won 1-up over Ron Smet, while Smedshammer was a 6 and 4 winner over Larry Doeden. The bottom bracket will feature two Rutledge Award winners facing each other in Tom Hanson and Dick McConn. Both golfers won by 1-up results, as Hanson topped Thomas Wood and McConn beat James Wolff. Bill Blake was a 4 and 3 winner over Owen Germundson, while Dr. Rick Render advanced over Pete Lysaker with a 1-up score. The Super Seniors will start teeing off at 9 a.m. Friday on the first and 10th tee boxes.

BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT

Bill Blake rolls a putt during his Thursday Super Seniors match against Owen Germundson. Blake won the match 4 and 3.

2011 SUPER SENIOR Championship Chuck Renner Chuck Renner 7 & 6 Tom Pederson Terry Olafson

Ted Hatlen 4 & 3

Ted Hatlen DR. Robert Harris DR. Robert Harris 1-Up Ron Smet Ron Smedshammer

Ron Smedshammer 6 & 4

Larry Doeden

2011 Champion

Bill Blake Bill Blake 4 & 3 Owen Germundson Pete Lysaker Dr. Rick Render 1-Up Dr. Rick Render Tom Hanson Tom Hanson 1-up Thomas Wood

BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT

Super Senior medalist Chuck Renner hits an approach shot during his Thursday amtch against Tom Pederson. Renner won the match 7 and 6.

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Friday, August 12th, 2011

9

Depth of DL boys’ team nets them a state title soaking it in right now,” Lane said. “It was emotional talking with Gorden and finishing as a state champion.” The traditional championship plunge into the Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course pond near the 18th green couldn’t have been anymore refreshing for this group of Lakers. It was a season of consistency by a team which defines the word “team”. They proved it on the course and ended as champions.

BY BRIAN WIERIMA

brianw@dlnewspapers.com

JORDAN — Although golf is widely considered an individual sport, the Detroit Lakes boys epitomize the word “team” in it. The depth the Lakers put on display in the Class 2A state tournament Wednesday and Thursday at the Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course in Jordan netted them their second state championship in four years. Through the two-day tournament, in which the top four scores of six golfers on a team are used in each round, all six of the Lakers contributed at least once which ultimately resulted in a tournament low mark of 606. Marshall, which entered the second day as the leader by three strokes over the Lakers, finished second with a 608. “This tournament is only two days long and we were ready to play,” said freshman Michael Herzog, who shot a two-day mark of 159. “This championship is an accumulation of working hard all year. We came in to win it.” The Lakers entered the state tournament as the top-ranked team in Class 2A with a season average of 299.3 and they were not far off that mark in Jordan over the last two days. They shot a 302 Wednesday and a 304 Thursday, while Marshall couldn’t follow up their 299 from the first round, finishing with a 309 Thursday. The Lakers also kept to their theme of everyone contributing. Playing as DL’s sixth golfer, junior Tyler Baukol struggled in his first round with an 83. But Thursday, he played himself to the forefront as DL’s third-lowest score with a 77, after shooting a 37 on the first nine. “That score by Tyler was huge,” said senior Tanner Lane, who was DL’s secondlowman with a three-over par 75 and tied for 11th overall with a 149. “Again, that shows how good our depth is.” Baukol, who wasn’t on last year’s state-qualifying team, worked his way onto the varsity early this season and he kept it throughout. “I just needed to go out and play today,” Baukol said of his second-round 77. “I was thinking too much (Wednesday). Today, when I got into trouble, I laid it up and if I was close to the hole, I was able to put it in.” The two consistent factors for the Lakers all season have been the play of Lane and sophomore Karter Smith, who finished tied as the tournament’s runner-up with a twoday even par of 144. Marshall junior Max Deutz won medalist honors with a one-under par 143. Smith ate up the back nine each day, finishing with a combined six birdies and an eagle. He shot a 34 on his final nine holes, after making the

State tournament notes

BRIAN BASHAM

DETROIT LAKES GOLFERS (left to right) Connor Hedstrom, Austin Rusness, Tanner Lane, Tyler Baukol and Michael Herzog jumped into the pond near the 18th green at the Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course in Jordan, Minn., after the Lakers won the Class 2A State Golf Meet Thursday with a score of 606. turn with a 38. He made birdies on 10, 14 and 15 Thursday, while marking pars on his other five holes to cap his even par round of 72. “The back nine sets up well for me here, I get to work my short wedges and sink my putts,” Smith said. “I had two bogeys on my front nine, so I just wanted to end as low as I could.” Smith was playing in the same group as Deutz, as the two squared off all the way down to the wire. But the Marshall junior made a clutch uphill putt to within two feet of the cup for par to put the clincher on his medalist laurels. “It was fun playing with Max,” Smith said. “I was happy with how I played. As a team, we wanted to come down and prove ourselves and we got it done.” Another motivating factor for the Lakers came from last year’s state tournament, where the meet’s second day was cut short, with Orono winning the title based on the first-day score. DL played its best during the second day, before a nasty storm front came and ended the second round. It was the same day as the Wadena F-4 tornado. “We had some urgency to play well in the state this year, especially after last year,” said Herzog, who’s older brother Josh was a member of DL’s 2008 state champion team. “Last year’s experience made us better.” DL head coach Bob Gorden also had the luxury of having

BRIAN BASHAM

KARTER SMITH OF DETROIT LAKES chips up to the 17th green during his second round at the MSHSL Class 2A State Golf Meet Thursday in Jordan. Smith carded a final score of 144, just one stroke behind state medalist Max Deutz of Marshall, to earn silver. two seniors in Lane and Hedstrom to rely on for leadership. Hedstrom’s 80 was key to the day, especially after he started the front nine with a 42, then finishing with a 38. “I finished my front with a bogey, so I didn’t want to start my back nine bad,” Hedstrom said. “I had a good par on 10, but bogeyed 11 and 12. “(Assistant coach) Vern Schnathorst came up to me on 13 and said if we were going to do this, we’re going to need my score.” That sparked Hedstrom’s game, as he birdied 13 and made par on his final four holes. “Tyler Baukol’s 77 was key, as was Connor’s 80, since he had to grind it out after starting off slow,” Gorden said. “But that shows our depth be-

cause everyone has their good days and everyone has their bad days.” Although Rusness’ 87 wasn’t used Thursday, his 78 was an important factor Wednesday in DL’s first-day score of 302. Rusness, who also was the Mid-State Conference medalist, felt trailing by three strokes to Marshall was a good spot to be in for DL. “It was the right position for us, since Marshall felt the pressure more than us,” Rusness said. “We just have a lot of good players on the team and we showed it all season.” For Lane, departing DL as a state champion was something he longed craved. He will resume his hockey career with the Fargo Force, but not before savoring his last hurrah as a Laker. “It’s really exciting, I’m just

• Comparisons to the 2008 state championship team will certainly be made, but there were differences, such as the 2008 team was made up of six seniors. This state champion version consists of two seniors, two juniors, a sophomore and a freshman. There is a talented slate of underclassmen waiting to fill Lane and Hedstrom’s shoes, so in essence, the Lakers will be reloading for another run in 2012. • The Herzog family adds yet another golf champion. Michael, who is a freshman, joins older brother Josh and sister Christine as a state champion. But Michael wants more now. “I have a few more years to go, so I would like to one up them both,” Michael laughed. Baukol also is a part of a multi-championship family, as sister Sarah was on the same state championship team as Christine Herzog. • Staples-Motley junior Michael Strain made a hole in one on hole 17, a 150-yard shot, using a nine iron. He was in Lane’s group. It also was the first hole in one at the state boys’ golf tournament in 25 years. • Gorden gave Schnathorst much credit for the development of the DL program, which has been to the state meet three of the last four years and now, two state championships. “Vern is like a co-coach for me,” Gorden said. “He has done a lot to help this program.” As far as what’s next for the Lakers? “As Michael (Herzog) said, next year starts tomorrow,” Gorden said. “We’ll enjoy this one, but we won’t dwell on it for a long time.” • Frazee junior Beau Hanson finished tied for third place in the Class 1A state boys’ meet Thursday at Pebble Beach Golf Course in Becker. Hanson fired a 37-38 for a three-over par 75 Thursday, after carding a four-over par 76 in the first round. Matt Chalberg of Trinity took Class 1A state medalist laurels with a two-over par 146. • The Frazee team finished in seventh place with a final tally of 690, while Springfield won the team title with a 644.


10

Friday, August 12th, 2011

DETROIT LAKES GOLFER Matty Tschider watches her drive on the 12th hole during Thursday’s round at the MSHSL Class 2A State Golf Meet at the Ridges at Sand Creek. BRIAN BASHAM

Laker girls take state silver at Class 2A meet BY BRIAN WIERIMA

brianw@dlnewspapers.com

BRIAN BASHAM

Kate Smith makes her approach shot to the 18th green during Thursday afternoon’s MSHSL Class 2A State Golf Meet in Jordan. Smith carded a two-day score of 159, which was good for fifth place in the individual standings, and earned her All-State honors as well.

JORDAN — With their second place finish in the Class 2A state girls’ golf meet, the Detroit Lakes team have announced they have arrived on the scene. After leading the first day of the state tournament with a 329, the Lakers repeated the score Thursday to finish with a 658. But the day belonged to Red Wing, which posted a score of 641. The Wingers probably became aware of the Lakers after trailing them by a stroke after the first round. “I think we opened some eyes this week,” said DL head coach Cali Harrier. “We knew Red Wing was strong coming in and with us leading the meet after Wednesday, probably woke them up and they turned it on today.” The Lakers improve from their third-place finish from last year with their silver-place finish, which is yet another step of improvement to their final goal, which is to win a state championship. Three Lakers came in with an 82, which included seventh grader Kate Smith, freshmen Natalie Roth and Matty Tschider. Smith earned All-State honors with her two-day score of 159, which tied her for fifth. Out of the top eight finishers, all were juniors and seniors, except for the seventh grader Smith. “This is Kate’s first year playing in state and she wanted to make the podium,” Harrier said. “We are proud of her.” Roth also knows what improvement is, after she sliced off over 20 strokes off her average from last year. Her consistent climb up the ladder helped the Lakers over the hump, as she finished the tournament shooting an 84-82-166, which placed her 17th overall. “Last year, I struggled with my game (at state) and I worked a ton on my short game,” Roth said. “I am more than happy with how we did.” Freshman Trisa Hutchinson rounded out DL’s score with an 83, finishing her with a 164 for the tournament, good for 14th overall.

Junior Courtney Hedstrom shot a 90-90-180, while Sydney Busker fired a 97-100-197 for the tournament. The fact the Lakers shot their season average Thursday, more than made it acceptable of not winning the entire tournament. Leading after the first day was also a huge dose of confidence and showed the players they belonged on the state stage. “We were champions for a day,” Roth said. “It felt really good (to lead after Wednesday). We knew we were capable of doing that.” Packing away that taste of success for next year is also another dose of motivation, Tschider said. “This feels a lot better than last year, even though we took third place, because we played our best golf this time,” Tschider added. The Lakers also topped Minnewaska (670), the team which has won the last five state titles. “Beating Minnewaska on the state level is a huge accomplishment,” Tschider said. The Lakers will be returning all their players for another run next year, which they now can reasonably believe they will be contenders once again. “We want back,” Harrier said. “People are aware of us now.” Breck senior Anna Laorr won medalist honors with a three-over par 147.

Laker results Class 2A state girls’ golf meet at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan, Wednesday-Thursday, June 1516. Team results — Red Wing 641, Detroit Lakes 658, Minnewaska 670, Pequot Lakes 711, Hermantown 717, Becker 723, St. Croix Lutheran 732, Mankato East 803. Top individuals — Medalist: Anna Laorr (Breck) 147, Kourtney Williams (Becker) 149, Kaylee Benson (JCC) 151, Marisa Toivonen (Red Wing) 158, Kate Smith (DL) 159, Katie Kesti (Red Wing) 159, Jordan Price (Byron) 159. Laker results — 5. Kate Smith 77-82-159; 14. Trisa Hutchinson 81-83-164; 17. Natalie Roth 8482-166; 19. Matty Tschider 87-82-169; 41. Courtney Hedstrom 90-90-180; 64. Sydney Busker 97100-197.


Friday, August 12th, 2011

11

2011 Ironman Classic Results T h u r s d ay, A u g u s t 1 1 , 2 0 1 1 • I r o n m a n G o l f C o u r s e

The 42nd Ironman Junior Classic got under way on Thursday, August 11th. In the Boys 10 – 12 Division, it took a 4 hole playoff to determine the first day medalist. Ben Unruh of Detroit Lakes outlasted Adam Van Raden of Grand Forks with both boys shooting 35. Lucas Johnson of Moorhead is currently third at 37. The Championship and 1st Flight participants will vie for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies at completion of play Friday afternoon.

In the 13 to 18 year old Boys Division, Nathaniel Kahlbaugh of Mahnomen drew the #1 seed after shooting 35 in the qualifier. In the afternoon match brother Blake beat Nathaniel to join Hunter Clark, also from Mahnomen who defeated Willy Tickel of Hawley for the Championship match Friday. Nathaniel and Hunter will compete for the consolation prize. In the Girls 8 to 12 Division, Naomi Larson of Detroit Lakes is leading the way with a 47.

Lily Burnside of Waubun and Naomi’s sister Emily are tied for second at 54. In the Boys 8 & 9 Division, Parker Bartels of Oxbow, ND, tied the low round of the day with a 35. Scott Boehning of Fargo, ND, made a two on Ironman’s tough 5th hole which propelled him to second place with a score of 37. Gehrig Geiss of Bismarck is currently third with a 39.

2011 Ironman Junior Classic

2011 IRONMAN ThursdayJUNIOR Results CLASSIC THURSDAY RESULTS Thurs

last name

first name

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Championship Flight Girls 8 - 12 year old division 47 Larson Naomi F 12 Detroit Lakes 54 Burnside Lily F 10 Detroit Lakes 54 Larson Emily F 10 Detroit Lakes 58 Cihak Anna F 9 Detroit Lakes 60 Morrison Jade F 11 Detroit Lakes 74 Price Kylee F 9 Detroit Lakes 77 Moran Emily F 8 Waubun 81 Bridgeman Kennedy F 8 Detroit Lakes Championship Flight Boys 8 & 9 year old division 35 Bartels Parker M 9 Oxbow 37 Boehning Scott M 8 Fargo 39 Geiss Gehrig M 8 Bismarck 40 Satter Ty M 9 Fargo 42 Simonich Ian M 8 Moorhead 43 Burnside Hunter M 9 Detroit Lakes First Flight Boys 8 & 9 year old division 45 Tickel Carter M 9 Hawley 47 Longhenry Mark M 9 Bloomington 52 Henke Sam M 9 Oxbow 59 Justesen Lukas M 8 Pelican Rapids 61 Rogstad Carson M 7 Detroit Lakes 69 Larson Nick M 8 Detroit Lakes 89 Rusness Zacharia M 8 Detroit Lakes Championship Flight Boys 10 - 12 year old division 35 Unruh Ben M 11 Detroit Lakes 35 Van Raden Adam M 11 Grand Forks 37 Johnson Lucas M 12 Moorhead 39 Hanson Cole M 10 Grand Forks 40 Clark Jaycee M 11 Mahnomen 41 Clark Lucas M 12 Mahnomen First Flight Boys 10 - 12 year old division 43 Christensen George M 10 Fargo 46 Krueger Micah M 10 Detroit Lakes 46 Tickel Satchel M 11 Hawley 48 Justesen Carter M 11 Hawley 49 Brooks Eli M 11 Detroit Lakes 53 Beisner Micah M 11 Detroit Lakes Championship Flight 13 - 18 year old division 35 Kahlbaugh Nathaniel M 14 Mahnomen 37 Tickel Willy M 13 Hawely 38 Kahlbaugh Blake M 13 Mahnomen 38 Clark Hunter M 13 Mahnomen

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12

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Match play moments

Mid-Am medalist Kent Fronk pumps his fist after holing a birdie putt on the 13th green Thursday.

Trevor Vandlac lines up a birdie putt on the first green during his Thursday match against Pine to Palm medalist Erik Van Rooyen. Vandlac won the match 1 up in dramatic fashion on the 18th green.

Pine to Palm flighter Mason Kennedy (above) blasts out of a greenside bunker on the first hole during Thursday’s match play.

Dan Cavanagh of Perham chips onto the sixth green during Thursday’s match play. His drive on the hole was headed out of bounds until it hit the crossbar of the fence and bounced back in bounds. He beat Gordon Diekman 4 and 3 to advance in championship match play.

Brian Benson looks over a birdie putt during his Mid-Am match against Donald Nelson Thursday afternoon (right).

— Photos by Brian Basham —

Lute Simley talks to his ball and tries to get it to turn during his Seniors match against Tim Rubis Thursday afternoon. Rubis beat Simley 2 and 1.


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