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Olivia Prokopova Wins Her Fourth U.S. Open
27 May 2019 at 14:07 | Published by: PatPenguin | Views: 22867 | News search
Bob Detwiler, Olivia Prokopova, Chris Scuderi (Photo by The Putting Penguin)
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Tega Cay, South Carolina – For the second time in three years, Olivia Prokopova proved she could handle the heat of a USPMGA U.S. Open and finished at the top of a very competitive field for the 22nd running of the event. Mirroring the over 90 (F - ~33C) degree heat of her last win in Oceanport, NJ, the temperatures on May 24 & 25 were just as hot at Mr. Putty’s Fun Park and the results were the same. The sun beat down mercilessly on the competitors over the ten rounds, with six held on Friday and the final four held on Saturday. The tournament paid down to 30th place this year, with additional prize money for teams, senior, super senior and women’s divisions.
On a course where shooting a 36 (tournament par) was considered a goal for most players, Olivia and fellow four-time winner Matt McCaslin ended the first session of three rounds tied for the lead at 103, 5 under the presumed par. The heat and sun didn’t seem to impact these two competitors as they ground out great score after great score, with Matt inching ahead by one stroke after round five. That’s when Olivia turned on the afterburners and finished the day of putting with a scorching 30, including an ace on the final hole to wrap up round six. This put her six strokes ahead of Matt and would be the lowest round of the tournament. Rick Culverhouse and Mike Johnson were also lurking just a stroke behind Matt, setting up what could be an exciting second day.
When things kicked off on Saturday morning, it was more of the same from Olivia as Matt found it difficult to gain any ground, only making up one stroke by the conclusion of the 8th round. She quickly gained the stroke back in the 9th round and despite Matt shooting a 34 to make up three strokes in the final round, it wouldn’t be enough to keep Olivia off the top of the podium. Rick Alessi took third place, while U.S. Open champions Rainey Statum and Nate Nichols wrapped up the top five, only a stroke separating the three places.
“I won this for my dad,” was one of the few statements Olivia had after the tournament. Just months before Honza was near death and had recovered enough to be able to travel with Olivia to the Open. The emotion was clear on the faces of the entire family as Olivia got to celebrate with mom and dad after coming off hole 18. Both USPMGA President Bob Detwiler and course owner Chris Scuderi called the tournament a success at the awards banquet.
Top 10 Results
1. Olivia Prokopova – 347
2. Matt McCaslin – 350
3. Rick Alessi – 352
4. Rainey Statum – 353
5. Nate Nichols – 353
6. Mike Johnson – 356
7. Lee Messinger – 356
8. Rick Culverhouse – 357
9. Rick Baird – 359
10. Gary Hester - 361
The 2020 U.S. Open will return to Oceanport, NJ at Bluegrass Mini Golf, located at Monmouth Park. » Final Results
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