26 Jul 2009 at 08:10 | Published by: Blondie | Views: 10421 | News search

5th Annual Prairieville Park Open in the absence of reigning champion Astra Miglane Stanwyck was loaded with surprises. The very difficult par 50 course tournament format is very interesting - after 1st round only top 12 continue in second round and only top six players go into championship round three.

Tournament favorites were US Open winner Kevin Lacey and 5th place winner at US Open Nate Nichols. Milwaukee player Joel Blanker spends a lot of time in practice to try this year win Astra and he was one of potential contenders for top three spots. Not much was expected of Tyler Bauman who came to the course yesterday for fun, had few rounds and decided to take his chance at the tournament (Tyler is former Iowa University Golf Team member).

After first two rounds locals Joel Blanker and Tyler Bauman were in the lead for 1st place with total score for two rounds -90. Tracy Opper presented incredible game despite the fact that she is only month away from giving birth to their first child. Tracy tied for 3rd and 4th place with Kevin Lacey with two round total of 94. Arn Quakkelaar was tied with George McLeod for fifth and 6th place with 97 points. Nate Nichols dropped out of the game after two rounds placing 8th with total of 102 points.

During the 3rd round local player Arn Quakkelaar played solid game and finish the round with 45 points (total score 142)to take home 1000 dollar prize money which he is planning to donate to Basics in Milwaukee for scholarship funds for less fortunate children. Despite of Joel Blanker’s solid game first two rounds, Joel mentally fell apart on hole 18 in the last round earning 4 points (total score 144)and letting Tyler and Kevin decide who will take silver and bronze.

Tyler finished round with 53 points, Kevin had 49 points and both of them (total score 143)had to go into three hole replay followed by sudden death play in the case of tie. Replay started on hole #8- three level monster. Tyler’s not so great choice of line let Kevin take the lead (4-3). Hole #9 both players two putted. Hole #10 was sore spot for Kevin all day long and replay wasn’t different and both players were tied again.

Hole #11 was start place for sudden death play. Both players made very identical first puts but more experienced Kevin Lacey made the second while Tyler miscalculated his second shot thus letting Kevin to win. Kevin took home 500 dollars in prize money while Tyler earned only 50. George McLeod, US Open Senior winner placed 5th with total score of 146, Tracy Opper placed 6th with 148 points.

The event was fundraiser for Basics in Milwaukee in conjunction with Timber Lee camps to provide poor urban children with an opportunity to visit summer camp. This year’s event raised 810 dollars which will bring life changing opportunity for 9 children.

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