WSGA Championship Season Wraps in Rock Springs

Familiar faces once again emerged victorious at the season-ending 12th WSGA Senior Amateur Championship. John Hornbeck of Saratoga and Sue Edwards of Powell, both 2011 WSGA Mid-Amateur Champions from August, took home the titles of 2011 WSGA Senior Amateur Champion.
Hornbeck claimed his third WSGA Title of 2011, to go along with his WSGA Match Play and Mid-Amateur Trophies.  His rounds of 74-69--143 earned him a two-shot vicory over 2009 Champ, Dave Balling of Cody. 
Edwards not only followed up her win at the 2011 WSGA Mid-Amateur with a win at White Mountain Golf Club, but also defended her 2010 WSGA Senior Amateur Championship from The Powder Horn.  With rounds of 80-83--163, she outpaced the field by 14 shots.
For complete results from the 2011 WSGA Senior Amateur Championship from White Mountain Golf Club in Rock Springs, click the following links: MEN - WOMEN.

2011 WSGA Four-Ball Hits Buffalo

A full field of 56 teams visited Buffalo Golf Club September 10th and 11th to vie for the Title of WSGA Four-Ball Champion in two divisions; Men's and Women's/Mixed. In the Four-Ball Stroke Play format, two competitors play as partners, each playing his own ball. The lower score for the partners is the score for the hole.
The Huntley, WY team of Dale and Lori Kostur took advantage of ideal playing conditions to capture the title in the Women/Mixed Division of the Championship. With birdies on all three par threes on their back nine (holes 1-9), the Kostur's were able to outpace second plays teams of Pat and Brenda Fernandez of Cheyenne and Marilyn Nichols and Melissa Rafferty of Casper and Sheridan, respectively. The Kostur's nine over-par total (76-75 -- 151) was good enough for a four stroke victory.

There was plenty of excitement in the Men's Division as two teams ended up tied for the overall lead at six-under par after 36 holes of competition. It took the team of Scott Bates of Cheyenne and Todd Van Rensselaer of Douglas nine extra holes to outlast the team of Morgan Splichal of Sheridan and John Hornbeck of Saratoga. The teams were to play the 17th and 18th holes consecutively until the tie was broken. With a par four on the fifth trip trough the challenging 17th hole, Bates and Van Rensselaer were able to capture their first WSGA Championship.

Click the following links for full field results from the 2011 WSGA Four-Ball Championship: MEN - WOMEN/MIXED
Click on a photo above for larger image

Edwards, Hornbeck Take WSGA Mid-Am

Wyoming's finest players age 25 and older gathered at Bell Nob Golf Club in Gillette, August 12-14, for the 23rd playing of the WSGA Mid-Amateur Championship. Two familiar names walked away with the trophies under blustery conditions on Sunday.

Sue Edwards of Powell, the 2010 WSGA Women's Senior Amateur Champion, held off Sarah Bowman to win her first WSGA Mid-Amateur Title. Four-times a winner of the Mid-Am, Bowman caught Edwards on hole 11 after Sue made double-bogey on the par four. However, Edwards was able to right the ship with back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15. That ended up being the difference as she held on for a two-stroke victory with a 232 total. (78-75-79)

On the men's side, John Hornbeck continued his stellar play in 2011 by taking home his second individual WSGA Title of the summer (WSGA Match Play Results). However, it was no easy task holding off Dustin Materi in the gusty winds on Sunday. Materi's seven-birdie round of 68 on the final day put the pressure on Hornbeck, who started the day with a six shot lead. After bogeying the par-three 17th, John took a slim one-shot lead to the final hole. He calmly put his second shot to two feet on the difficult finishing hole and tapped in for birdie to finish two strokes ahead of Materi and claim his first WSGA Mid-Amateur Championship since first accomplishing the task in 2004.

For full field results for the 23rd WSGA Mid-Amateur Championship, click MEN'S RESULTS - WOMEN'S RESULTS.

Allen, Shackelford Capture Wyoming State
Junior Amateur Titles

Sheridan’s Kamrin Allen and Wright’s Haley Shackelford each capped off dominant summers on the 2011 Wyoming Junior Golf Tour as they won their respective titles in the Wyoming State Junior Amateur.

The 36-hole tournament was played on two different golf courses in Cheyenne. The juniors made their way to the Cheyenne Airport Golf Club for the first round on August 8th and then to the Cheyenne Country Club for the second round on August 9th. Eighty nine of the state’s finest junior golfers made the trip to Cheyenne to battle for titles in eight age divisions, as well as the overall Boys and Girls Wyoming Junior Amateur Championships.

The boys overall division was tight after the first round, with Andrew Garner of Jackson, a 15-year-old, taking the lead after shooting an even par round of 70. Allen was one back at 71, tied with Green River’s Nathan Green, another 15-year-old. Sheridan’s Taylor Reed was another stroke back at 72 while Thayne Balling of Cody and 15-year-old John Murdock IV of Laramie went into the final round three strokes behind the lead after rounds of 73.

Allen and Reed separated themselves from the field early in round 2 and the tournament became a two man battle as both competitors continued to match each other with numerous birdies. Allen finished the day with six birdies without a bogey to post a six under 66 and a 137 total to earn his second career Wyoming Junior Amateur Championship after also winning in 2009. That was good enough for a three stroke victory over Reed, who also posted a low score with his round of 68 and a 140 total. Balling fired a second round 77 to take third place overall.

The 15-year-olds who went low on day one fell out of the race for the overall title as Allen and Reed pulled away from the field but they still had a battle of their own for the 13-15 age division title. Green and Murdock both finished with totals of 152, so they headed out to the 10th hole for a playoff, their second playoff in as many tournaments as they had a playoff in Laramie just two weeks ago. The par 3 was playing about 200 yards and Murdock hit a wood to the back fringe while Green hit a long iron just short of hole high. Murdock lagged his birdie putt from the fringe to within inches of the hole and tapped in for par. Green got aggressive with his birdie putt, hitting it about 6 feet past the hole and then missed the come backer for par, leaving Murdock with title.

On the girl’s side, Haley Shackelford jumped out to a big lead after round 1, firing an 83, 8 shots clear of her closest competitor. She outlasted her sister Jandey’s day 2 comeback to beat her by four strokes. Jandey’s effort was enough to win the girls 13-15 division. Amanda Hinchey of Casper finished third overall and second in the 13-15 division. Blake Marquardt and Ashlyn Pearson rounded out the top 3 in the 16 and over division.

Dallas Millin continued his fine summer with his third consecutive victory in the boy’s 10-12 division. He shot a 44 in the first round to take a four stroke lead over Ben Cole while Alec Richardson and Kirby Coe-Kirkham were one more stroke back. Millin pulled away from the field with a 40 on day two to win by six strokes over Coe-Kirkham’s solid 41. Richardson took third place after a 44 in round two.

The boy’s 7-9 division had a three player battle for the title as Brock Bomar, Hardy Johnson, and Ben Cole battled over the two days with Bomar ultimately emerging victorious, Johnson taking second, and Cole finishing third.

The girl’s 10-12 division has had an awesome summer with three girls from Sheridan, Peyton Bomar, Victoria Owings, and Kayla Allen, continually battling with what seemed like a different winner every week. This week, Owings took the title by only one stroke over both Allen and Bomar. Owings was three strokes behind Allen and one behind Bomar heading into the final round but was able to make up those deficits on her way to victory. Flora Cole played with those three girls both days as she captured the title in the 7-9 division.

The WSGA would like to recognize 12-year-old Caleb Decroo of Thermopolis for being the only competitor to play in every WJGT event this summer. Not only did he accomplish that feat, but we also want to commend him for realizing he signed an incorrect scorecard in round 1 of the tournament and notifying the staff when he realized it. Due to the Rules of Golf, Caleb was disqualified from the tournament but he still came back for round 2 and hit arguably his best shot of the entire summer on the first hole at Cheyenne Country Club, a 260 yard drive straight down the center of the fairway. It was a very mature thing to do and we hope other competitors can admire and learn from Caleb’s actions.

The WSGA would like to thank all competitors for a great season and looks forward to seeing all the juniors next summer and would like to wish the best of luck to our competitors who are heading to college this fall as well as our high school golfers heading into their fall season. We would also like to congratulate all flight winners and thank all volunteers for their support.

Podlesny Wins 89th Wyoming
Women’s Amateur Championship

Emily Podlesny of Green River fired steady rounds of 73-76-78 for a two stroke victory on the 5,502 par 74 Casper Country Club layout. There were five competitors tied for second with totals of 229 as nearly every player in contention entering the final round was in the mix for the title at the end of the round on Sunday. Podlesny’s title is the second for her family, as her sister Kelsey captured the 2009 Women’s Amateur Title at Paradise Valley Country Club. She began the tournament with a 1 under par round of 73, grabbing a share of the lead with Jessi Waring. She continued her solid play in round two, building a two stroke lead over defending champ Miranda Bandemer of Laramie, heading into the final round. She was able to hold off back nine charges from five different competitors on her way to a 78 in the final round. Podlesny will be heading to Portland State to play golf this fall as she begins her college career.

The five way tie for second place included Bandemer, Waring, Emily Woodard, Brandi Holmes, and Afton Balling. Balling shot the low round of the tournament with a 2 under par 72 in the final round. That included a stretch of five consecutive birdies on the back nine to get her into contention. Bandemer played in the final group on both Saturday and Sunday as she shot rounds of 75-76-78. Waring, the 2008 champion, was the only other golfer to break par in the first round as she was tied with Podlesny. Woodard’s low round of the tournament was an even par 74 in the first round. She will head to Laramie to begin her freshman campaign on the golf team for the University of Wyoming. Brandi Holmes of Cody shot the low round on day two as she fired a 1 under par round of 73. Seventeen year old Haley Shackelford, of Gillette, carded six birdies in the final round on her way to a 1 under 73.

In the first flight, Layne Sheridan got hot over the weekend as she shot 83 on Saturday and 80 on Sunday to win by 12 strokes. Donna Cleveland whose low round was an 87, and Brenda Austin, who shot 83 on Saturday, tied for second. Local Karen Hayden, this year’s recipient of the Peggy Buss Sportswoman Award, ran away with the title in the second flight behind rounds of 87-90-90. She was sixteen strokes clear of Karen Hinchey and Carol Butler in second place. The third and final flight had another runaway champion, as Bonnie Peden played consistent golf throughout the championship to earn a 20 stroke victory. Kerry “Stretch” Blount grabbed second place.

The WSGA would like to thank Casper Country Club and their entire staff for all of their cooperation and assistance throughout the event, and would also like to thank all the players. Click here for Scores

WJGT Competes at Laramie in
Second To Last Tournament of 2011

The Wyoming Junior Golf Tour travelled to Jacoby Golf Club in Laramie on July 25th and 26th as 40 junior golfers put their skills to the test in the Southeast Regional.

The boys 16 and over division had a tight battle as three golfers headed to the final nine within three strokes of each other. Kegan Brenner was able to grind out a round of 6-over par 77 to compliment his 1 over 72 in the first round. That gave him a two stroke victory over Stephen Grandpre, who shot 74-77. Aaron Nirider rounded out the top 3 with back to back rounds of 78.

The boys 13-15 division had one of the most exciting and tight battles all summer as Nathan Green and John Murdock IV were tied at 11 over par 153 after the 36 holes of regulation. Green used the strength of a day two round of 73 for that total while Murdock shot consistent rounds of 78 and 75. The two started their playoff on the first hole and each made pars on the first three playoff holes. Green eventually secured the victory with a birdie at the par 3 fourth with a birdie. Thomas Rupp finished in third with a 160 total.

Dallas Millin was victorious for the second straight week in the boys 10-12 division. He fired rounds of 44 and 41 to run away with a nine stroke victory over both Alec Richardson and Kirby Coe-Kirkham, who both finished with totals of 94 to tie for second place.

On the girls side of things, Blake Marquardt played steady golf over the two days on her way to rounds of 89 and 90 as she captured the 16 and over division.

Kristen Day and Ali Stark battled in the 13-15 division with Day ultimately pulling out the victory. She rallied for a round of 99 on day two to grab the victory.

Two young girls came to Laramie to compete in the nine hole tournament, with Joanna Stark as part of the 10-12 division and Taylor Bandemer in the 7-9 division. They battled for the two days as Joanna fired 98 and 112 while Taylor was just a few back with rounds of 100 and 116.

The final stop on this summer’s WJGT schedule will be in Cheyenne on August 8th and 9th as the state’s finest will battle for the title of State Junior Amateur Champion. The WSGA looks forward to seeing the junior golfers compete one last time and wishes the best of luck to all competitors as they prepare for the championship.

Cremer Goes Low in Second Round, Wins
Junior Tour Northeast Regional

Many of the state’s finest junior golfers travelled to Bell Nob Golf Course in Gillette on July 18th and 19th to battle for the titles in their respective age groups at the Wyoming Junior Golf Tour’s Northeast Regional.

Chris Cremer led the way in the boys 16&Over age group, following up his first round 76 with a very impressive 3-under par 69 which included an eagle at the par 5 seventh hole on his way to a 4-under 32 on the front nine. His total of 145 was good enough for a seven stroke victory and his first career WJGT victory. Cremer looks to continue his solid play as he will take his game to Evergreen, CO July 27th-29th as one of Wyoming’s four representatives at the 2011 Junior America’s Cup. Taylor Reed took second place with a total of 152 after testing his game at the Wyoming Amateur over the weekend, finishing an impressive tie for eleventh. Austin Hinchey rounded out the top three with rounds of 78 and 77 for two round total of 155.

Quintin Pope, who will join Cremer at the Junior America’s Cup next week, captured the 13-15 age group after bouncing back from a first round 83 with a steady 78 in the second round for a 161 total, four clear of the next competitor. Thomas Rupp shot 81-84 to take second place while Jack Mavrakis carded rounds of 83-84 to take third place.

Haley Shackelford, who will represent Wyoming at the Girl’s Junior America’s Cup at Genoa Lakes Golf Club in Nevada July 25th-28th, won the Girls 16&Over division after a very solid showing where she fired rounds of 79 and 81, totaling 160. Ashlyn Pearson, who will also compete with Shackelford in Nevada, took second place, while Tess Mitchell rounded out the top three.

The trend of Junior America’s Cup representatives winning their flights this week continued in the girls 13-15 age group, as Amanda Hinchey shot rounds of 83 and 91 to win the flight. She will be joining Shackelford and Pearson for the select team event. Jandey Shackelford finished second behind Hinchey.

Players who are 12 and under competed on Bell Nob’s Wee Links Course, a nine hole short course, this week. The juniors played the course twice each day, with a par of 56, including eight par 3’s and one par 4 on each side.

Twelve year old Dallas Millin led the scoring with rounds of 63 and 64 to win the boy’s 10-12 age group by five strokes over Alec Richardson. The highlight of Richardson’s tournament, however, was his eagle on the par 4 sixth hole in his second round on the way to a 65 following his 67 in the first round. Caleb Decroo, one of the only competitors who has competed in every event so far this year, finished in third place, while Korbin Hinkle took fourth.

In the boy’s 7-9 year old age group, Brock Bomar and Hardy Johnson continued their rivalry as Hardy took a one stroke lead after the first round with a 70. However, Bomar played outstanding in the second round on his way to a 62 and an eleven stroke victory.

Three young girls have been evenly matched and battling all summer in the girl’s 10-12 age group. This week, Kayla Allen emerged victorious after heading into the second round tied with Victoria Owings. Allen fired an 80 in the second round while Owings finished five back with an 85, while Peyton Bomar took third place after a solid 84 in round two.

The WJGT will travel to Laramie for the Southeast Regional on July 25th and 26th and then will conclude with the State Junior Championship in Cheyenne on August 8th and 9th. The WSGA looks forward to these final two events and would like to thank all competitors and parents for making the event a great time.

Stewart Holds Onto Lead,

Claims First Career Wyoming Amateur Title

Jackson’s Eddie Stewart kept the ball in play and made putts when they counted on his way to a four under par 68 in the final round and a four stroke victory over Cody’s Clinton Boutelle to earn the title of 2011 Wyoming Amateur Champion.

The Golf Club at Devil’s Tower played at a lengthy 6,936 yards, however the biggest challenge of the course was avoiding the native rough, which all but guaranteed a bogey or worse for competitors who hit into it. The leaders credited their solid rounds to keeping the ball in play, which separated them from the rest of the field.

Stewart took a two stroke lead over Buffalo’s Casey Ruff into the final round while Boutelle was four back. He immediately made it clear that beating him would take a low round as he carded an eagle on the par five first hole to build his lead and create a cushion for him to work with. The three played steady on the front nine as Stewart made the turn at one under for the day and seven under for the tournament, Boutelle at two under and three back for the tournament, and Ruff at one over and four back for the tournament heading into the final nine.

Boutelle threatened on the back nine, carding two birdies and no bogeys on his way to a bogey free round of 68, however Stewart shined with a three under 33 on the back nine for a final round 68. Boutelle was in striking distance all afternoon until Stewart ultimately got out of reach when he stuck his approach shot to two feet for a tap in birdie on the difficult par four 17th hole.

Stewart tapped in for par on eighteen to close the tournament and claim the coveted title. The victory also earned him a spot in the prestigious Pacific Coast Amateur Championship in Truckee, CA at the end of July.

Ruff shot a 75 in the final round to finish in third place. John Hornbeck of Saratoga, who captured the 2011 State Match Play Championship, bounced back from an opening round 75 with back to back rounds of one under 71 on the weekend to finish in fourth place while Laramie’s Eric Parish shot consistent rounds of 74-76-72 to round out the top five.

In the first flight, Cobie Lunsford of Evanston and Morgan Splichal of Sheridan separated themselves from the rest of the field and battled to the finish. Lunsford emerged with a one stroke victory behind rounds of 73-80-76. He was seventh in the overall while Splichal was eighth with rounds of 76-79-75.

Gillette’s Eugene Routledge won the second flight by a six stroke margin over Cheyenne’s Ken Kranz while Gillette’s Rich Gleason was one more stroke back. Routledge fired rounds of 76-80-76.

In the third and final flight, Larry Parker of New Castle came out on top after firing 82-86-84. He was two strokes ahead Huntley’s Jeff Jones and seven ahead of Buffalo’s Ron Burr.

Juniors Post Low Scores at Sheridan Country Club

The Wyoming Junior Golf Tour’s mountain regional event took place at Sheridan Country Club on July 11th and 12th and the junior’s showed the state’s depth with three players posting under par rounds and numerous other’s coming close to the mark in the two day tournament.
Leading the way in the boy’s 16-19 division was Sheridan’s Kamrin Allen, with spectacular rounds of 65 and 66 for a 13 under 131 total, a WJGT record. Kamrin hopes to keep his game at that level as he heads to Washington for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship later this week. Jace Rader, another Sheridan local, bounced back from a 77 in round one to post an impressive 3 under par 69 on day two to take second place in the division with a total of 146. The depth of golf in Sheridan showed with the 3rd and 4th place positions being taken by locals as well, with Taylor Reed at 149 (74-75), and Cole Smith at 151 (73-78).
However, the second best overall total in the tournament belonged to Gillette’s Danny Davis, competing in the 13-15 age division. He posted a 3 under par 69 on day one and followed that great round up with a 75 for an even par 144 total. Pax Mitchell continued his consistent play this summer with a two day score of 158 to secure second place in the age group. Quintin Pope rounded out the top 3 with a 161 total after a 78 on day two.
Alec Richardson won the 10-12 age division, as he backed up his first round 40 with a steady 44 in the second round. His score of 84 was five clear of Dallas Millin in second place and seven clear of Jared Edeen in third place.
In the 7-9 age group, Brock Bomar’s impressive 9 hole rounds of 40 and 39, totaling 79 strokes, were enough to capture the title. Elijah Cole, was seond place in the division at 111.
On the girl’s side, Haley Shackelford grabbed the title with matching rounds of 9 over par 81 for a two day total of 162. That put her out of reach of Kayzanne Graney, who finished in second place with rounds of 91 and 92 while Ashlyn Pearson took third following rounds of 88 and 97.
Haley’s sister Jandey Shackelford captured the 13-15 age division after firing rounds of 94 and 96. Sydney Gunn took second place, 11 strokes back, behind rounds of 95 and 106.
The 10-12 age division saw Victoria Owings and Peyton Bomar battle throughout the two days, with Owings finally emerging on top with a 2 stroke victory. She fired rounds of 46 and 52 for an aggregate score of 98 while Bomar shot 49 and 51 for a total of 100.
Flora Cole made her first WJGT event a memorable one as she won the girl’s 7-9 division behind rounds of 97 and 85. She looks forward to travelling to more tournaments with her three brothers.
The junior tour will visit Gillette and Laramie before concluding in Cheyenne for the Wyoming Junior Championship on August 8th and 9th. The WSGA looks forward to the three remaining events and wants to thank all volunteers and Sheridan Country Club for their efforts.

Three Person Championship Concludes in Worland

The WSGA hosted the state Three Person Championship at Green Hills Golf Club in Worland on July 2nd and 3rd. Two teams were crowned champions, with the trio of Jeff Vail, Tony Douzenis, and Mike Bundren winning the men’s flight while the family of Eugene Routledge, Sandi Routledge, and Wendi Routledge captured the mixed flight. In the men’s flight, Vail, Douzenis, and Bundren trailed by 1 after the first 18 to the team of Todd Van Rensselaer, Scott Bates, and Joe Hunter, who fired an impressive 13 under par 59. However, 5 other groups finished at 61, so all teams in the flight knew they would have to go low on the second day to secure the title.
Vail, Douzenis, and Bundren did just that, firing a 16 under par score of 56, the lowest round of the tournament, bringing their two day total to 28 under 116. That was good enough to beat Van Rensselaer, Bates, and Hunter by three strokes, as they posted a 60 on day two.
The Routledge team came to Worland with a target on their back, as they had won the previous two mixed flight titles in 2009 and 2010. They had to battle back for the victory as another family trio, Billy, Rick, and Jenny McElroy, navigated the Green Hills layout to an 11 under par 61 to lead by three strokes over the Routledge’s and a third family trio, Brad, Cindy, and Todd Cheney, with each family shooting an 8 under 64.
However, the Routledge’s answered back on day two, scorching the course for a 13 under 59, the lowest round in the mixed flight of the entire tournament, bringing their total to a 21 under 123. That put them four clear of their next closest competitors, the Cheney’s, who shot 63. This clinched their third consecutive mixed flight title, proving the Routledge’s are the team to beat in the mixed flight for years to come.
The WSGA thanks all competitors and looks forward to seeing everyone at future WSGA events.
Click here for Final Results (Click Here for PDF Copy)

Stableford Championship Visits Paradise Valley, Ezell and Nelson Victorious

Peter Ezell of Evanston won the men's flight and Lana Nelson of Wheatland won the women's flight in the second playing of the WSGA Net Stableford Event at the par 71 Paradise Valley Country Club on June 25th and 26th. READ MORE..........

Juniors Battle in WJGT Central Regional

Bad weather left Casper just in time Monday morning for Wyoming’s junior golfers to enjoy a nice afternoon round followed by a beautiful Tuesday morning that saw the scores improve dramatically as 7 champions were crowned in their respective age divisions at Paradise Valley. READ MORE..........

Hornbeck Captures First WSGA Individual Title at Match Play

John Hornbeck of Saratoga birdied the 18th hole at Douglas Golf Club to seal the victory in a thrilling final match against Jackson’s Eddie Stewart to win the 35th WSGA Match Play Championship. READ MORE..........

Juniors Kick Off WJGT Schedule in Cody

The WJGT began its 2011 season in Cody on June 6th and 7th at Olive Glen Golf Club with 34 players vying for the titles in their respective age divisions. READ MORE...........

2011 WSGA Champion Entries Open May 2nd

2011 is another exciting summer full of great WSGA Championship Venues and even more opportunities for players of all ages to compete. READ MORE...........

WJGT Stops at Kemmerer

Twelve junior golfers made their way to Kemmerer on June 13-14 to vie for the titles in their respective age divisions in the WJGT’s Southwest Regional. As usual, the wind was blowing both days for the competitors as they attempted to conquer the challenging par 36 nine hole layout. READ MORE.........

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Stableford Championship Visits Paradise Valley, Ezell and Nelson Victorious

   Peter Ezell of Evanston won the men's flight and Lana Nelson of Wheatland won the women's flight in the second playing of the WSGA Net Stableford Event at the par 71 Paradise Valley Country Club on June 25th and 26th.
    The Stableford is a unique format where competitors try to gain points based on their hole by hole score and the winner is the competitor with the highest total over the 36 hole Championship. Competitors could gain anywhere from 0 to 6 points on a hole. Points are awarded as follows: 0 for a net double bogey or worse, 1 for net bogey, 2 for net par, 3 for net birdie, 4 for net eagle, 5 for net double eagle, and 6 for net four under par.
The men's flight was tight after the first 18 holes, with four competitors amassing impressive totals over 40 points. Leading the way was Don Vialpando at 42 points. He was leading Peter Ezell at 41, Rex Bell at 41, and Larry Benson at 40, setting up for an exciting final 18 holes.
    Vialpando extended his lead with an outstanding chip in for net eagle on the first hole of round two, however, the trio of Vialpando, Ezell, and Bell all made the turn within one stroke of each other, setting the stage for a battle to the finish on the back nine.
    Ezell was a model of consistency as he only carded one net bogey to go along with two net birdies and a net eagle on the back nine. His day two total of 41 points for a total of 82 points helped him cruise to a comfortable 4 point victory over Vialpando's 78 points. Bell finished another stroke back at 77 points. Ezell was ecstatic after earning his first individual WSGA Title.
    In the women's flight, point total's were high as many of the women put together spectacular rounds on day one, with Rachelle Pearson, her daughter Ashlynn Pearson, both from Gillette, and local Debra Bell leading the field with matching totals of 46 points.
    However, it was Lana Nelson who came out on top with 44 points on day one followed by another high total of 46 for a two day total of 90 points, three clear of runner up Ashlynn Pearson who finished at 87, four ahead of her mother Rachelle, who finished at 83 points.
    This was also Nelson's first career WSGA Title, joining Ezell as a first time winner. Both will keep the coveted WSGA Stableford Championship Trophies at their respective home clubs for the following year.
    The most talked about moment of day two was fourth place finisher Penny Steever's hole in one on the 15th hole, her second ace on that hole in the last year, as she won a car on the same hole with an ace last year.
    The WSGA would like to thank the staff at Paradise Valley for all their help and cooperation throughout the event and looks forward to seeing all the competitors at future WSGA events.

Juniors Battle in WJGT Central Regional

            Bad weather left Casper just in time Monday morning for Wyoming’s junior golfers to enjoy a nice afternoon round followed by a beautiful Tuesday morning that saw the scores improve dramatically as 7 champions were crowned in their respective age divisions at Paradise Valley.
            Kamrin Allen, fresh off an exciting week where he qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur through a qualifier in Billings, continued his dominant summer with a 13 stroke victory in the boys 16-19 division behind rounds of 72 and 70 for an even par 142 total. Austin Hinchey, the only other player in the division to break 80 both days, played in the final group with Allen firing rounds of 77 and 78 for a 155 total, good enough for second place. Conner Morton threatened on day two with a 77 after a first round 83 to secure the third place spot.
            Haley Shackelford dominated the girls 16-19 division as she cruised to victory with rounds of 85 and 80 for a 165 total, 32 shots clear of her nearest competitor. Savanah Green used her home course knowledge to shoot rounds of 96 and 101 for a 197 total and the runner up position. Ashlyn Pearson was not far behind with rounds of 90 and 113 for a 203 total in third place.
            Competitors in the boys 13-15 division indicated that the future is bright for Wyoming junior golf. Danny Davis captured the title after following up a 78 on day one with a spectacular day two 73 for a 151 total. Although Quintin Pope had to settle for second place with a 154 total, his phenomenal second day 2 under par 69 made him a player to watch over the next few years in Wyoming junior golf. Pax Mitchell shot back to back rounds of 78, totaling 156, to grab third place.
            Jandey Shackelford joined sister Haley in the winner’s circle after she won the girls 13-15 division behind rounds of 89 and 93, giving her a 182 total. Caitlyn Skavdahl and Sarah Schroefel rounded out the top three with two day totals of 195 and 203, respectively.
            The boys 10-12 division was the tightest division of the tournament with 4 players within one stroke of each other atop the leaderboard after day one’s nine holes. Alec Richardson shot 44 while Kirby Coe-Kirkham, Chase Cochran, and Jared Edeen were all just one stroke back at 45. Coe-Kirkham pulled away from the field with a day two 42 for a total of 87 and a two shot victory over Richardson, who finished at 89. Finishing in a tie for third place was Cochran, after matching his first day total of 45, giving him a total of 90, as well as Dallas Millin, who recovered from a 48 on day one with a 42 on the second day, tied for the lowest round of the day.
            In the girls 10-12 division, Kayla Allen followed older brother Kamrin’s example as she captured the title with a total of 90 backed by rounds of 46 and 44. She was followed by Victoria Owings who was 9 strokes back after rounds of 52 and 47 for a total of 99.
            The boys 7-9 division had arguably the most exciting finish of the tournament as Hardy Johnson and Brock Bomar needed 19 holes to determine a winner after the two were tied at an impressive 85 following 18 holes of regulation. The two headed to the par 4 tenth hole for a sudden death playoff where they both hit the fairway off the tee. Their approach shots were both greenside so it came down to the young boy’s short games to determine a champion. Hardy calmly chipped to 2 feet and Brock followed by hitting his chip 5 feet to the right of the hole. Brock’s par putt lipped out leaving Hardy a 2 foot putt for the title. He confidently drained it, earning his second consecutive victory after winning in Kemmerer last week as well.
            The WSGA thanks all volunteers and parents for their help at the tournament, as everyone had a great time. We look forward to seeing the juniors at the next WJGT event at Sheridan Country Club on July 11th and 12th.

WJGT Stops at Kemmerer

            Twelve junior golfers made their way to Kemmerer on June 13-14 to vie for the titles in their respective age divisions in the WJGT’s Southwest Regional. As usual, the wind was blowing both days for the competitors as they attempted to conquer the challenging par 36 nine hole layout.

            The boys 16-19 division saw two competitors battle for the title with Daulton Grube of Rock Springs ultimately emerging victorious. He came back from a day 1 round of 91 with a solid 85 for a 176 total. Landers’ Tyson Sollars shot rounds of 93 and 95 for a 188 total.

            The most competitive division of the tournament was the boys 13-15 division, with five junior golfers competing for the crown. Green River’s Nathan Green, a runner up last week in Cody as well as the runner up in the first flight at the state match play, continued his solid summer grabbing the title. He shot rounds of 88 and 79 for a 167 total. Casey Winger of Lander captured the second spot with consistent rounds of 89 and 88 for a 177 total. Jesse Mcmanis rounded out the top 3 shooting 96 and 86 for a 182 total.

            The boys 10-12 division was won by Rock Springs’ Garret Phillips, who shot matching nine hole rounds of 51 for a total of 102. Lyman’s Dustin Corun followed him at 113. Rounding out the top 4 were Caleb Decroo of Thermopolis at 121 and William Bartholomew of Thermopolis at 143.

            The boys 7-9 division was over before it even started with only Hardy Johnson making the trip to Kemmerer. However, Hardy took on the challenge of playing with the boys in the 10-12 division and played great golf with rounds of 55 on both days for a total of 110.

Hornbeck Captures First WSGA Individual Title at Match Play

John Hornbeck of Saratoga birdied the 18th hole at Douglas Golf Club to seal the victory in a thrilling final match against Jackson’s Eddie Stewart to win the 35th WSGA Match Play Championship.
Hornbeck clinched his spot in the final with a win over Douglas local Chandler Andreen via a 4 & 3 victory while Stewart’s path to the final was a bit more challenging with his match against Sheridan’s Kamrin Allen coming down to the final hole where he emerged victorious with a 1 up lead after a tricky par save on 18.
Hornbeck and Stewart battled all afternoon with neither player gaining more than a 1 up lead at any point throughout the match. After trading wins on the first two holes and halving holes three and four at par, Hornbeck set the tone for the rest of the day sticking his tee shot to 8 inches on the par 3 fifth hole and gaining a 1 up lead. Stewart was able to get that hole back with a birdie on the challenging par 4 eighth and the match went to the turn all square.
The match heated up on the back nine when holes eleven and twelve were halved with birdies and neither player could win a hole until the par 5 fifteenth, where Stewart suffered from a bad lie on his third shot and Hornbeck took advantage and went to the sixteenth with a 1 up lead. However, Stewart responded by nearly driving the green and chipping to close range prompting Hornbeck to concede the birdie and square up the match.
A brief lightning delay followed so the competitors had approximately 30 minutes to think about their difficult tee shot at the downhill 243 yard par-3 17th hole. Stewart came up short with a 5 iron however, Hornbeck was not phased and hit his tee shot to 8 feet. Stewart chipped to 15 feet and confidently drained the putt to put the pressure on Hornbeck, whose putt slid by the top side of the hole, sending the match to the 18th all square.
Both players striped their tee shots down the middle of the fairway, leaving about 60 yards to a back hole location on the elevated green. Stewart hit first, coming up a touch short and leaving 20 feet for birdie. Hornbeck’s wedge shot skipped past the hole and checked up leaving him 8 feet downhill. Stewart’s putt missed right and all he could do was watch as Hornbeck calmly sank his birdie putt to secure the victory and his first individual WSGA title.
The victory guarantees him a spot with Todd Griffin as Wyoming’s representatives at the Pacific Coast Amateur in late July. The final spot will go to the winner of the 2011 Wyoming State Amateur in July.
For full field results click HERE.

Juniors Kick Off WJGT Schedule in Cody

The WJGT began its 2011 season in Cody on June 6th and 7th at Olive Glen Golf Club with 34 players vying for the titles in their respective age divisions.
Scoring conditions were ideal on day one with warm temperatures and only a light breeze. The situation was not the same as the juniors teed off early in the morning on day two with high winds and temperatures only in the 50’s, and the scores went up as a result.
Kamrin Allen, the 2010 WJGT Player of The Year, led the way in the boys 16-19 division, firing rounds of 68 and 76 on his way to an even par 144 total. Chris Cremer and Taylor Spiegelberg rounded out the top 3 spots with rounds of 71-87 and 73-87, respectively.
The boys 13-15 division came down to the final hole as Pax Mitchell (76-88), Nathan Green(73-90), and Jordan Costello (73-89) battled all of Tuesday morning with Costello finally prevailing after closing the tournament with a birdie at the par 5 ninth hole.
Amanda Hinchey came out on top in the girls 13-15 division with rounds of 89 and 100 for a 189 total. Not far behind were Sydney Gunn (109-99) and Sarah Schroefel (104-113).
In the 12 and under divisions, the Bomar family made their presence known for the 2011 season as Brock won the boys division and sister Peyton won the girls division. Brock shot 9 hole rounds of 41 and 45 for a total of 86 with Dallas Millin (44-49) and Alec Richardson (47-49) cracking the top 3 and threatening throughout the tournament. Peyton prevailed with an exciting playoff victory over Kayla Allen (52-54) with competitor Sabrina Schroefel rounding out the top 3.
A great time was had by all and the WSGA looks forward to the upcoming WJGT schedule after a successful tournament in Cody.

2011 WSGA Champion Entries Open May 2nd

2011 is another exciting summer full of great WSGA Championship Venues and even more opportunities for players of all ages to compete.  General entries for all WSGA Championships will open on Monday, May 2nd at 9AM.  Priority entries for WSGA Championships will be available on Monday, April 18th at 9AM for those participants who competed in the specific event in 2010.  2010 participants will receive an an email or mailed invitation with instructions on how to sign up during the priority registration period.  Players are encouraged to enter online, however printable entry forms will be available.

2010 WSGA Players of the Year Named

Three repeat Players of the Year were announced to end the 2010 Championship Season.

The Powder Horn Caps Off 2010 Season

It was one of the most anticipated WSGA Championships in recent memory and The Powder Horn did not disappoint. 160 players competed in seven age divisions on September 18th and 19th in Sheridan.

Though she has a solid resume of amateur golf in the state of Wyoming, Sue Edwards of Powell had never laid claim to a WSGA Title. That all changed on Sunday when she followed up an opening round 77 with a 76 on Sunday to put her four shots ahead of 2000 Senior Amateur Champion, Maureen Humphrys of Sheridan (76-81—157). Defending champ, Falinda Hall of Cody, finished in solo-third place with rounds of 84-81—165.

The Men’s overall division came right down to the 36th and final hole of the championship. After birdies on 15 and 16, Kent Jesperson of Cheyenne all but had his second WSGA Senior Amateur Championship wrapped up. Jesperson was four under par for the day and two under par for the championship as he headed to the par-3 17th hole, three shots ahead of clubhouse leader, Pat Fernandez of Cheyenne. However, after a three-putt, double-bogey five, Jesperson’s lead was back to one shot with one hole to play. Jesperson was able to right the ship at the par-4 18th and after a solid tee shot and a pitch to 20 feet, two putts later he was holding the WSGA Senior Amateur Trophy for the second time in three years.

For complete results of the 11th WSGA Senior Amateur Championship, click HERE.

WSGA Four-Ball Championship Wraps Up at Lander GC

One way to navigate the severely sloped 18th green at Lander Golf Club is to avoid putting on it at all. That is exactly what Dean Lehmkuhler did when he holed his 80 yard wedge shot for an eagle two on the final hole of the 2010 WSGA Four-Ball Championship, September 11th and 12th. Lehmkuhler and his partner, Charlie Mercer , came to the home hole trailing by two shots behind Mark Doebele and Colin Hopkins. Lehmkuhler’s eagle, coupled with a bogey by Doebele and Hopkins, led to a three-shot swing and the first WSGA Championship for the team from Lander. Click here for final results.

Griffin/Bowman Repeat at WSGA Mid-Am

Todd Griffin of Casper (72-67-74—213) and Sarah Bowman of Parkman (79-78-78—235) completed successful defenses of their Wyoming State Golf Association Mid-Amateur Titles at Olive Glenn Golf & Country Club in Cody on Sunday. Griffin now claims five WSGA Mid-Amateur Trophies and Bowman has four.

2010 Wyoming Junior Championship Wraps up in Worland

For Bri Sweeny, it was déjà vu all over again as she successfully defended her Girls Junior Amateur Championship on her home turf, Green Hills Golf Club in Worland. With rounds of 76-78—156 she was able to finish ten strokes clear of the field. Haley Shackleford of Gillette (80-84—164) finished in second place and Madisen Price of Thermopolis (101-98—199) was in third.

In the boys overall division, the last player into the field ended up taking home the title. Kyle Fanning (73-68—141) made it into the Championship on Tuesday afternoon after a withdraw made room for him in the round one pairings. The senior-to-be from Cheyenne shot a four-under par 68 in the final round to overtake Cameron Lindell of Sheridan (68-74—142). Lindell had a 15 foot birdie putt from just off the edge of the green on the 36th hole, but it slipped by to give Fanning his first WSGA Title. Defending Champ, Kamrin Allen of Sheridan (72-71—143) finished two shots back.

Maier Successfully Defends at WSGA Amateur

With a birdie on the 54th hole of The Championship, Gabe Maier (65-69-71—205) completed his successful title defense in the 88th playing of the Wyoming State Golf Association’s Amateur Championship. Maier was able to hold off 2008 WSGA Amateur Champion, Steve White of Jackson (72-67-70—209), who evened up the Championship after a birdie three on the par-four tenth hole. Maierregained a one-shot edge after holing out from just off the front edge of the green par-five 11th for an eagle three. White missed his five foot eagle attempt to fall one shot back, which remained the margin as the two competitors traded pars for the next five holes. On the par-four 17th, White made an untimely double-bogey when he was forced to punch out after his tee shot found the left rough. Maier made par and took a three shot lead to the final hole where he made birdie to claim his second consecutive WSGA Amateur Title.

Click Here for Final Results

Familiar Faces Win in Gillette

It seemed like Christmas in July at Bell Nob Golf Club for the WJGT Northeast Regional Stoke Play. Rain and temperatures in the 50's greeted competitors in round 2, but boys and girls ages 7 through 18 played on. Kamrin Allen of Sheridan once again laid claim to a WJGT Title with rounds of 69-74--143. Allen finished in front of Caden Rosin of Douglas and Taylor Reed of Sheridan. In the Girls' Overall Division, Bri Sweeny was challenged by Haley Shackelford of Gillette as they fired rounds of 80 and 81, respectively. However, Sweeny was avail to hold Shackelford off with a second-round 84 to hold on for a four-stroke victory. Click HERE for full results in the 13 and over divisions, and HERE for results in the 12 and under division.

The Golf Club at Devils Tower Hosts Three Person Championship

It was a tail of two rounds at the WSGA Three Person Championship in Hulett on July 3rd and 4th. On Saturday, the field was treated to Chamber of Commerce weather and the scores reflected it. One team in each the Men's and Women's/Mixed Divisions broke 60, with 13-under par 59. Eugene, Sandy and Wendy Routledge accomplished the task in the Women's/Mixed Division while Jared Petrino, Colin Hopkins and Josh White shot 59 in the Men's Division.
Sunday was a different story, however, as heavy rains began early and remained in the area for most of the day. Team Routledge seemed unphased by the weather as they hung on for a 4-stroke victory with a second round 62 over Rick, Jenny and Billy McElroy of Gillette.

In the Men's Division, the team of Pat Fernandez, Dave Blyth and Kyle Nuss bettered their first round 61 with a second round 60 to come from two strokes back and win by five. For full field results and other information on this event, click HERE.

Mansor Lays Claim to 1st Net Stableford Championship

WJGT Central Regional at Three Crowns

State Match Play Semifinals Set

After battling it out in the first round Friday morning and quarter finals in the afternoon, Semifinal matches are set for Saturday morning at Douglas Golf Club.  Kamrin Allen of Sheridan, Eddie Stewart of Jackson, Chandler Andreen of Douglas and John Hornbeck of Saratoga will vie for the 35th WSGA Match Play Title.  Allen, a senior-to-be at Sheridan High School, took down ’92 Champ, Todd Griffin, on the 19th hole with a 25-foot, downhill, double-breaking birdie putt.  Stewart defeated University of Wyoming teammate, Michael May, 3 and 1, Andreen took down David O’Connell 2 and 1 and John Hornbeck made his way into the semi’s by way of a 3 and 2 victory over Morgan Splichal.

Matches start at 8AM tomorrow in Douglas.  For full results of the 35th WSGA Match Play Championship, click HERE.

Championship Flight Set for State Match play