22 Oct 2008 at 09:06 | Published by: JJM | Views: 8357 | News search

Brad Lebo in media spotlights after the competition.  (Photo by Timo Metsäranta 2008)

Brad Lebo of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, became the first player in history to win all three major minigolf tourna­ments in United States, as he took the first place and 4000 dollars of prize money at US Masters 2008 in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Brad Lebo began his rise to fame in 2006, when he was the first player ever to win a championship tournament of both American minigolf federations: National Champion­ships of PPA federation, and US Open of USPMGA federation.

Lebo got his third major victory in 2008, as he won the US Masters in rainy weather, with average 31.43 at Hawaiian Rumble MOS course (par estimated at 33), and average 35.20 at the difficult Hawaiian Village course (par estimated at 38).

Second place went to Randy Reeves (PPA national champion 1997), 2 points behind the winner Brad Lebo. But the biggest sensation of the tournament was bronze medalist Marek Špidra of Czech Republic, who was leading the competition after 9 rounds, but then played a frustrating 39 at the difficult Hawaiian Village course, while Lebo scored a magic 32 and Reeves 34.

US Masters has the status of a major tournament in WMF world ranking. The competition has traditionally attracted several Swedish top players, but this year all Swedes were away from the tournament. European players in this year’s competition were 3. Marek Špidra (CZE), 8. Karl Lakos (AUT), 11. Marko Nuotio (FIN), 14. Timo Metsäranta (FIN), 22. Olivia Prokopová (CZE), 23. Petri Tossavainen (FIN), 34. Pekka Peltola (FIN), 37. Ivana Maresová (CZE) and 47. Allan Suonperä (FIN).

» results of the competition
» photo gallery by Timo M
» photo gallery by Astra M-S
» player profile of Brad Lebo
» player profile of Randy Reeves
» player profile of Marek Špidra

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