Gruidl paces the Grand Masters qualifying round

By Jared Rubado Alexandria Echo Press

There will be a new champion for the second time in the history of the Grand Masters Division.

Created in 2019, the Grand Master Division has seen only one champion. Tom Eidsvold took home the trophy each of the last two summers, but he’s not in the field this year. He withdrew from the field before the tournament started.

The first two years saw only a handful of players compete for the prize, but now the field has more than doubled in year three. Jerry Gruidl led the pack with his six-over-par qualifying round on Monday at Geneva Golf Club. Gruidl’s round was highlighted by a pair of eagles on Nos. 6 and 11. Gruidl also birdied Nos. 8 and 12.

Terry Martell finished in second with a bird- ie on No. 13 at nineover-par. Behind him was Clayton Pike – a regular in the Grand Master Division. Pike shot 12-over-par with birdies on Nos. 8 and 11.

John Zoutendek, George Cliff and Mike Golden all recorded an 86. Zoutendek birdied No. 3 with pars on Nos. 12, 13, 16 and 17. Cliff, the runner up in last year’s Grand Master final, eagled No. 12 and birdied No. 18.

Tom Schoenrock (87) and Ron Way (88) claimed the final two spots in the championship bracket. The other seven golfers will compete in a consolation flight.