Wolf Creek Golf Club — The 2014 KC Masters began with incredible October weather this morning. Temperatures started in the mid 60s and hovered around 70 degrees for most of the day. The weather was a stark contrast to the 2013 KC Masters where the wind and chilly temperatures created extremely difficult playing conditions.
Four players took advantage through the first nine holes and posted front nine, under par rounds. The back nine of Wolf Creek would claim several victims and only three players were able to complete under par rounds.
University of South Florida standout, Joseph Winslow, was one of only a few players to card a back nine better than his front. With four birdies and a blemish free back nine, Winslow posted 36 – 34 to finish at two under 70.
Former KC Amateur champion, Steve Groom, would match Winslow’s total with a par of 35s to post 70. Groom’s only misstep was a bogey on the difficult 444 yard eighteenth.
Completing tomorrow’s final pairing will be Craig Broswick. Broswick led all competitors after nine holes firing a blistering three under 33 on the opening nine. He followed the opening nine with a back nine 70. His only dropped shot came at the difficult down hill par 3 eleventh.
Twenty-seven competitors will return to Wolf Creek tomorrow in the final regional championship of the season. Up for grabs are the year’s final player of the year points and positioning for the 2015 Watson Challenge.
For complete results of today’s action click here.
Another StateLine Amateur Tour year in the books as last weekend closed out the season with the Tour Championship. It has been an exciting year in all divisions and on behalf of the KCGA staff we would like to thank everyone who played this year.
It feels like just yesterday when we started the Tour back in April at Sycamore Ridge Golf Course or when we had an incredible 118 players at The Nicklaus Club in May.
One of the best highlights from the year happened at Hillcrest Golf and Country Club when Addie Chapin dominated the boys and won the Players Division by three strokes. Another great highlight came from Phil Bartimus when he fired off a 4 under, 68 at The Nicklaus Club at Lionsgate. He had a total of eight birdies on the day and six of those birdies came on the back nine.
It has been an exciting year for the StateLine Amateur Tour! Below is your Player of the Year Golfers by division:
Open Division: Michael Greene
Michael Greene with his tee shot at The Country Club at Loch Lloyd for the 2014 Watson Challenge.
In the Open Division Michael Greene dominated this year. He had a total of four victories on the year and recorded two more top five finishes, including finishing fourth at the StateLine Tour Championship. Michael has had an outstanding 2014, with his best finish of the year coming at Creekmoor Golf Course where he shot a 4 under, 68 and had a total of seven birdies on the day. Outside of the StateLine Tour Michael qualified for the final USAPL at Sand Creek Station, and also qualified to the US Open Sectional. He also was a quarter-finalist in the 99th Match Play Championship and a semi-finalist at the 53rd Heart of America Four Ball. Congratulations to Michael on a great 2014 and on winning the 2014 Open Division Player of the Year Award.
Players Division: Michael Buckhouse
Michael Buckhouse staring down his birdie attempt at Hillcrest Golf and Country Club.
Not only is he good with money and the skins game but he can also play golf as well. Michael Buckhouse had a great 2014 season winning Player of the Year for the Gross Division in the Players Division. Michael recorded two victories in the Gross Division this year with one of them coming at the StateLine Tour Championship. He also finished in the top 5 six times this year. His lowest round came in the first round of the StateLine Tour Championship where he battled the windy conditions and cold to shoot a 1 under 70. He had a total of four birdies on the day and held off Rich Nigh in the second round to go on the win. Congrats to Michael on being named the 2014 Players Division Player of the Year. Does this mean he is moving to the Open Division?
Players Division (Net): Greg Hillman
Greg Hillman bundled for warmth at the Tour Championship at Shoal Creek.
In the Players Net Division Greg Hillman finished on top of the points list this year. He started and finished the season in great fashion with a win at Sycamore Ridge in the first event and a T1 in the StateLine Tour Championship. Greg played in nine events this year and finished six of those events inside the Top 5. His low NET score for the year came in round one of the StateLine Tour Championship when he fired off a 4 under, 67. Congratulations to Greg on winning the 2014 Player Net Division Player of the Year.
Senior Division: Steve Groom
Steve Groom awaiting his putt on #9 at The Country Club at Loch Lloyd for the 2014 Camaraderie Cup. Steve would go on to win six points for team amateurs.
Anyone who knows golf in Kansas City knows who Steve Groom is. This year in the Senior Division Steve played in seven total events and won five of those events. He finished in second place in the other two events. He finished the year strong with a victory at the StateLine Tour Championship at Shoal Creek Golf Course. It has been an impressive year for Steve on the StateLine Tour and outside of the tour as well. Steve started his year out strong after finishing in 6th place against the best professionals and amateurs in Kansas City at the Watson Challenge at Loch Lloyd. He continued his great year with Top Five finishes in both the Missouri Senior Am and the Missouri Mid-Am. Steve finally broke into the winners circle with a victory at the Kansas City Amateur Championship in the Senior Division with a 7 under finish after three rounds. Congratulations to Steve Groom the 2014 Senior Player of the Year.
Legends Division: Ron Brewer
Ron Brewer speaking with Rod Wray from Wolf Creek prior to the Semi-Final KC Cup match at Milburn Country Club. Wolf Creek would go on to win that match and the next one to become the 2014 Kansas City Cup Champions.
The most consistent player from 2014 goes to Ron Brewer who is the 2014 Legends Division Player of the Year. Ron competed in ten events on the year and finished outside the Top 5 just once. He added two victories to that and finished second in three events including the Tour Championship. His low score for the year came at Creekmoor Golf Course where he shot a remarkable +1, 73. He went on to finish second in that event. Mr. Consistent never found himself in trouble on the course this year which helped him to finish on top of the points list. Outside of the StateLine Tour Ron helped to captain the 2014 Kansas City Cup Champions from Wolf Creek. Ron also was a semi-finalist in the 53rd Heart of America Four Ball, and finished tied for Second in the Kansas City Amateur Championship Legends Division. When Ron is not playing golf he is volunteering with the KCGA as a rules official. Thanks again Ron for all that you do to support the KCGA, and congrats on winning the 2014 Legends Player of the Year award.
Legends Division (Net): John Pawsat
John Pawsat with his putt from just off the green on #5 on the Posse at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex.
John is another one of the most consistent golfers on the tour this year. He might not hit it the farthest but it always goes straight and stays out of trouble. John competed in eight events this year and finished outside the Top 5 just once. He had one victory of the year at The Nicklaus Club at Lionsgate and added two second place and two third places finishes to that. His low of the year came at The Nicklaus Club where he shot a NET score of 7 under, 65. He finished the year strong with a T3 at the Tour Championship at Shoal Creek Golf Course. Congrats to John for becoming the 2014 Legends Net Player of the Year.
Thanks again for everyone who competed this year. Keep your eyes on the website for the 2015 schedule coming out soon. Be sure to check out the photos from this year Below is Tournament Results from the 2014 Season:
Sycamore Ridge Golf Course – April 9th
• Open Division: Michael Greene (-1,71)
• Players Division: Jamie Lyndes and Greg Hillman (+6,78)
• Players Net Division: Greg Hillman (-3,69)
• Senior Division: Charlie Schorgl (+2,74)
• Legends Division: Grant Renne (+5,76)
• Legends Net Division: Ron Brewer and Pat Goeke (-2,69)
• Women’s Division: Audrey Judd (+8,77)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
Staley Farms Golf Club – April 23rd
• Open Division: Dave Cunningham (+3,75)
• Players Division: Matt Barberich (+2,74)
• Players Net Division: Matt Barberich and Brett Ricky (+1,73)
• Senior Division: Charlie Schorgl and Ernie Swart (+5,77)
• Legends Division: Ronnie Walters (+2,74)
• Legends Net Division: Bob Hunter (-6,66)
• Women’s Division: Jettie Bezek (+15,87)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
Paradise Pointe Golf Complex – May 15th
• Open Division: Derek Nicholson, Don Walsworth, Jon Troutman (+5,77)
• Players Division: Mark Worthey (+4,76)
• Players Net Division: Mark Worthey and Dale Hotop (-1,71)
• Senior Division: Ed Walsworth and Charlie Schorgl (+3,75)
• Legends Division: Ronnie Walters (+7,79)
• Legends Net Division: Ronnie Walters (+1,73)
• Women’s Division: Jettie Bezek (+15,87)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
The Nicklaus Club at Lionsgate – May 27th
• Open Division: Phil Bartimus (-4,68)
• Players Division: Matt Barberich (E, 72)
• Players Net Division: Josh Williams (-5,67)
• Senior Division: Frank Booth (-4,68)
• Legends Division: Bob McKinney and Richard Landon (+3,75)
• Legends Net Division: John Pawsat (-7,65)
• Women’s Players Division: Addie Chapin (+7,79)
• Women’s Open Division: Audrey Judd (+3,75)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
Ironhorse Golf Club – June 25th
• Open Division: Mark Terranova (40)
• Players Division: Marko Ungashick (34)
• Players Net Division: Brian Moeller (45)
• Senior Division: Ed Walsworth (41)
• Legends Division: David Hornaday (35)
• Legends Net Division: Pat Goeke (42)
• Women’s Division: Pat Seber-Bradley (22)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club – July 21st
• Open Division: Brent Mertz (+3,74)
• Players Division: Mark Worthey, Wes Lowe, and Chris Meyer (+6,77)
• Players Net Division: Dale Hotop (-5,66)
• Senior Division: Andy Smith and Rob Gleissner (+1,72)
• Legends Division: Ron Brewer (+3,74)
• Legends Net Division: Frank Muehlbach (-3,68)
• Women’s Division: Lindsey Mateer (+7, 78)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
The Golf Club at Creekmoor – August 14th
• Open Division: Michael Greene (-4,68)
• Players Division: Matt Barberich (-2,70)
• Players Net Division: Matt Barberich and Michael Buckhouse (-3,69)
• Senior Division: Greg Loteckie and Steve Groom (-3,69)
• Legends Division: David Hornaday (-2,70)
• Legends Net Division: David Hornaday (-6,66)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
Hillcrest Golf and Country Club – August 26th
• Open Division: Brent Mertz (-2,70)
• Players Division: Addie Chapin (+1,73)
• Players Net Division: Addie Chapin (-8,64)
• Senior Division: Steve Groom (-6,66)
• Legends Division: Jim Lodes and Bob McKinney (+2,74)
• Legends Net Division: Pat Goeke (-6,66)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
St. Joseph Country Club – September 8th
• Open Division: Don Walsworth and Michael Greene (E,71)
• Players Division: Michael Buckhouse (+3,74)
• Players Net Division: Michael Buckhouse (-1,70)
• Senior Division: Steve Groom (+1,72)
• Legends Division: Ron Brewer (+6,77)
• Legends Net Division: Mike Findley (-2,69)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
St. Andrew’s Golf Course – September 26th
• Open Division: Michael Greene (-3,68)
• Players Division: Rich Nigh (-1,70)
• Players Net Division: Dale Hotop (-6,65)
• Senior Division: Steve Groom (-1,70)
• Legends Division: Jim Lodes (+2,73)
• Legends Net Division: John Breau (-4,67)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
StateLine Tour Championship at Shoal Creek Golf Course – October 3rd-4th
• Open Division: Mark Terranova (+5,147)
• Players Division: Michael Buckhouse (+7,149)
• Players Net Division: Greg Hillman (-1,141)
• Senior Division: Steve Groom (+1,143)
• Legends Division: Fran Ferns (+8,150)
• Legends Net Division: Ron Brewer (-1,141)
To see the full results from the event Click Here!
The inaugural U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship in May 2015 will be hosted at The Olympic Club in San Francisco. The first inaugural qualifier was held today at Kansas City Country Club. The course was in championship condition, and the KCGA staff would like to thank Andy Fisher and the members at Kansas City Country Club for the use of their club.
Tyler Shelton and his caddie stare down his birdie putt on the short Par 3, #2. He would go on to make the putt and secure a spot in the Four-Ball Championship.
The qualifier had 45 teams competing for three qualifier spots and two alternates. With some of the best players in Kansas City playing together; the competitive was going to be tough.
After 18-holes of competition six teams finished T1 with a 4 under, 66. The six teams that were left would compete in a playoff for the three qualifying positions.
The team of Chelle/Fiscus would come out on fire on the first hole at KCCC. After an incredible drive and second shot Cole Chelle sank his 5ft birdie putt on the first hole to secure the first qualifier position.
In the second playoff group Jon Troutman had an amazing second shot from the rough to put the ball with 15ft of the hole. He would then proceed to sink his birdie putt to secure the team of Walsworth/Troutman as the second qualifier position.
The third and final spot would have to wait until the second hole. With all of the pressure on him Tyler Shelton hit his tee shot on the short Par 3 to within 3 feet. Then after watching all of the birdie attempts from the competitors fail to find the hole, Tyler sank his birdie putt.
The final qualifier spot would go to the team of Albers/Shelton. After the putt we asked Tyler how he handled the pressure in the playoff, and he replied, “I did not feel that much pressure on the hole. The distance really set up nicely for me so I knew what shot I needed to hit. The competitors’ concentration was really on there on the green but I knew the putt was straight and all I have to do was give it a little push.”
The last two teams left competed on the uphill 9th hole for the first and second alternate position. After a missed birdie attempt from the team of Amundson/Martin, the team of Englander/Healer sunk their short birdie putt to become the first alternate.
Thank you everyone who came out to compete in the first qualifier for the inaugural USGA Four-Ball Championship and good luck to those teams that qualified.
Steve Groom, of Raytown, MO fired an even par 71 today on a tough day at Shoal Creek Golf Club to take home the title in the Senior division of the Stateline Tour Championship. Groom was the first round leader after a 72 in round one. Tom Leonard, Greg Loteckie and Ed Walsworth were all close behind and within striking distance, but Groom never faltered and cruised to a four shot victory.
In the Legends division, Fran Ferns, of Leawood, KS won his first Stateline Tour championship with an 8-over 150 total. Ferns shot a 2-over 73 the first day, which gave him a lead of two shots over Ron Brewer and three shots over Jim Lodes and Brad Robinson. Fern’s led by only one with two holes remaining, but was able to hold on for the victory. Ron Brewer took home the title in the net competition with a 141.
In the Players division, first round leader Michael Buckhouse, of Lawrence, KS struggled a bit down the stretch, but was able to secure the championship. Buckhouse, who shot a 1-under 70 in round one got off to a great start and looked like he would cruise to an easy victory, but a few bad holes made things interesting. Ultimately, Buckhouse’s total of 149 would win by 2 over runner-up Ritch Nigh. Greg Hillman took home the net championship with a 141.
Finally, in the Open division, Mark Terranova, of Overland Park, KS, came from behind to secure the title with a 5-over 147. Terranova trailed first round leader Josh Weems by one shot after the opening round, but quickly made up that deficit in round two and played a solid back nine to clinch the win.
Cold weather, rain, and windy conditions made the first round of the StateLine Tour Championship a tough one. Weather did start to
Michael Buckhouse was not effected by the cold or the rain at Shoal Creek today; he fired off a -1, 70.
warm up when skies cleared up after a 1 hour and 10 minute rain delay in the morning.
The Legends Division was first out this morning and they were bundled up for warmth. The cold did not seem to bother Fran Ferns who is the leader after 18-holes. Fran shot a +2, 73. Fran struggled in the weather early in the morning but played much better on the back nine when the weather cleared. Fran was -1 on the back nine.
In the Senior Division Steve Groom continued his dominating run in 2014 with a +1, 72. He is followed closely by Tom Leonard who is two strokes back after a first round 74. Tom finished off his impressive round with a birdie on 18.
There is a close battle for first in the Open Division. Josh Weems leads after round one with a +1, 72 but is followed closely by a pack of great players. One shot back in second is Mark Terranova with a 73, and behind him is a two way tie for third between Don Walsworth and Brent Mertz. It will be a tight race in tomorrow’s round.
And finally in the Players Division saw an outstanding first round from Michael Buckhouse. He shot the low score for the day with a -1, 70. He had four birdies on the day and missed a three footer on the 7th hole for another birdie.
The second round is tomorrow starting at 8:00am. Make sure to follow the action online.
KCGA Offices — After three seasons with the Kansas City Golf Association, KCGA Executive Director Matt Williams announced he will be leaving the KCGA. Matt will be taking the Executive Director position of the Georgia State Golf Association.
“Today is a day of mixed emotions for my family and I,” explained Williams. “We are so grateful of the opportunity afforded us by the Kansas City Golf Association and so very thankful for the friendships and relationships we have forged here in Kansas City. Honestly, when I took this position, I thought I would be here for a long time.” Williams continued by saying, “I inherited a gem of a golf association when I came to Kansas City and I hope to leave it in just a little better shape than where I found it. I would like to thank the board and executive committee for their leadership over the past three season as well as the volunteers and staff for their tireless efforts in improving the game of golf in Kansas City.”
The Kansas City Golf Association is already working on finding the next leader for amateur golf in the region. Current KCGA president, Taylor McCann, had this to say about the KCGA’s transition plan.
“From my discussions with Matt, the Georgia State Golf Association is a wonderful opportunity for him and his family. The KCGA appreciates Matt’s hard work and dedication over the past three seasons and we wish him and his family the very best. Matt will be with us through the middle of November to ensure that we will be able to fulfill all of this season’s competitive obligations.
The Executive Committee has already begun discussions regarding the future of our organization. In my opinion, our association is in a great position to attract a talented leader. The KCGA is widely known for its professionalism and remarkable support team of volunteers. The association is healthy financially and has a strong competition program in place. I am extremely confident that we will be able to attract an excellent leader for our organization and remain very excited about the KCGA’s future. Thank you all for your continued support and service to the game in our area.”
St. Andrew’s Golf Course – It was a beautiful Friday morning at St. Andrew’s Golf Course for the StateLine players in their final regular tour event. Sunny skies and light winds made a short but tight course play a little easier for the players.
In the open division Michael Greene struck again with another huge round. He shot a 3 under, 68. Michael took advantage of the short front nine with three birdies. Right behind Michael was Mark Terranova. Mark took advantage of the great conditions shooting a 2 under, 69. Mark had a rough start on the front nine but came out on fire on the back nine with birdies on holes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8.
In the players division Rich Nigh came out on top with a 1 under, 70. Rich had three birdies on the day and eliminated mistakes with only two bogeys. Marko Ungashick fired off a +1, 72 to come in second. Marko had a colorful scorecard today but came up big with a total of four birdies. He was one under after nine but a double bogey on 13 would change that. This is Marko first victory of the year.
Close behind Marko in third was Kyle Kindler who shot a +2, 73. Kyle played consistent on the tight course and added two birdies on the back nine to finish.
The senior division saw excellent play once again from Steve Groom. This is Steve’s fourth victory of the year. Steve had consistent play all day and added three birdies to shot a 1 under, 70. After the round we asked Steve what he thought about the course, he replied, “I have not played the course since the redesign and the course is a great design and a fun to play. I am glad I decided to play today.”
Behind Steve in the Senior Division was Don Kuehn with a +3, 74. Don struggled at the start with a bogey, double bogey, and bogey start. He bounced back from that with two birdies and consistent play to stay at +3.
And finally in the legends division Jim Lodes shot a +2, 73. After the round we asked Jim what he thought about his round, he replied, “I just tried to play smart golf today. I did not find myself in trouble today and most of the putts were falling.” Jim finished with three birdies on the day.
Second place saw a tight battle between Ronnie Walters and Brad Robinson. Both played consistent throughout the round. They tied for 1st with a +5, 76. Brad had big birdies on holes 17, and 5 to stay in contention.
This is the last regular StateLine Event of 2014. The Tour Championship is October 3rd – 4th at Shoal Creek Golf Course. The deadline for signup is Monday at noon.
Ironhorse Golf Course – Another Kansas City Cup trophy found its way into Captain Ron Brewer’s hand on Tuesday night at Ironhorse Golf Course. Wolf Creek held off Stone Canyon in a close match on Tuesday at Ironhorse to become the 2014 Kansas City Cup Champions.
This is multiple Kansas City Cup wins for Wolf Creek in recent years. Wolf Creek won the match 6 to 3 but it was a lot closer than on paper.
Match number one was back and forth on the front nine. Stone Canyon started to pull away in on holes 10 and 11 but Mark Addington and Mark Terranova would not go away. They made a roaring comeback after winning holes 14 and 15 to bring the match to all square. Hole 16 would be the turning point in the match when Mark Terranova chipped in for birdie to go 1 up. Wolf Creek would go on to win that match 2 up after a par on 18.
Wolf Creek dominated in the single matches with Brent Mertz winning 6 and 5 and Fred Rowland holding off Mike Craddock with a 3 and 2 victory.
The professionals from Wolf Creek also dominated their match against Stone Canyon. An injury to Rick Holtcamp made it tough to play on the challenging Ironhorse course, and ultimately the Stone Canyon team fell to far behind. Wolf Creek would take a four to zero lead after match number four ended 5 and 4 in favor of Wolf.
Down four points and only five groups left on the course, Stone Canyon had a tough road to comeback. Match number five fell to Stone Canyon in a 2 up victory for Steve Bush and Denny Limbach. This gave Stone Canyon some life and put a point on the board making it 4 to 1.
That life would soon be taken from Stone Canyon when match number would finish in favor of Wolf Creek on the 18 green. Mike Bowersock and Chris Williams would hold off Bobby Jones and Alan Jessup in a 2 up win that would secure the Kansas City Cup for Wolf Creek.
Thanks again for Ironhorse for hosting the event and to all the clubs that competed this year.
Final Results per match
Wolf Creek Golf Links Result Stone Canyon Golf Course
Mark Addington/Mark Terranova 2 Up Shane Collins/Derek Hileman Brent Mertz 6 & 5 Kris Casburn Fred Rowland 3 & 2 Mike Craddock Rodney Wray/Wes Nichols 5 & 4 Joe Bauer/Rick Holtcamp
John Devaney/Greg Mealy 2 Up Steve Bush/Denny Limbach Mike Bowersock/Chris Williams 2 Up Bobby Jones/Alan Jessup
Ned Eddy/Taylor Nedrow 2 & 1 Gregg Morrison/Craig Roberts
Mason Jones/Steve Purdum AS Justin Stroud/Lee Anderson
Nate Sprague/Ryan Barauskas AS Kyle Sinclair/Steve Johnson Total Points 6 to 3 Total Points
For the second time in three years, the women of Blue Hills Country Club are the Kansas City Cup champions. It was a cool, gray day at Meadowbrook, but Blue Hills played great and cruised to a 3-0 victory over The Golf Club of Kansas. For the Golf Club of Kansas, it was their third straight trip to the finals, but they’re still in search of that elusive first victory.
In match #1, Toni Zink and Missy Giocondo of Blue Hills defeated Debbie Henderson and Veda Landon of the Golf Club of Kansas 3&2. Landon and Henderson squared the match when Landon made an ace on the par 3 2nd hole. It was Landon’s third career hole in one. That would be the highlight of the day for the Golf Club of Kansas, as Blue Hills would soon take the lead and hold the lead for the rest of the day. Zink and Giocondo led 2-up on the 16th hole when Zink made a 50 foot net eagler putt to clinch a 3&2 victory.
In match #2, Diane Easley and Carol McLerran of Blue Hills defeated Mary Kolich and Paula Sowell of the Golf Club of Kansas 4&3. Easley and McLerran jumped out to an early lead and looked liked they might have an easy victory, but Kolich and Sowell made a run at them in the middle of the round to cut the lead to 2-up. Easley and McLerran would pull away and clinch the match with a long par putt on the 16th hole.
In match #3, Shelley Whipps and Liz Kryger of Blue Hills defeated Sydney Tucker and JoAnne Bridgnell of the Golf Club of Kansas 5&4. Whipps and Kryger played a stellar round of golf and led from wire-to-wire to clinch the final point for Blue Hills.
Congratulations to Captain Diane Sparks and Blue Hills Country Club!
