Tournament Recaps

The WPGA Four Player Pro-Am Series made its second appearance in the month of June on Monday. A solid turnout of twenty-eight teams from throughout the section would make their way to The Bull at Pinehurst Farms. It turned out to be another fantastic weather day and the field was greeted with superb course conditions at the Jack Nicklaus layout. Although the players had those two factors in their favor they still would have their hands full with one of the toughest courses in the state. Add in the fact that they were playing the one net / one gross best ball format, the field had their work cut out for them.

High-level tournament golf is as much a test of players’ mental abilities as it is physical, as the one-two finishers at this week’s Sentry Wisconsin State Women’s Open Championship can attest. In one corner stood 26-year-old Tess Hackworthy, who shot a disappointing round of 79 in the second round Tuesday. But Hackworthy went home and got her thoughts in order after shooting that score, and she came out firing Wednesday morning in round three, leading to a superb round of 68.

One of the best Wisconsin PGA traditions made its annual appearance on the WPGA calendar of events on Monday. Over 70 WPGA professionals would travel to South Hills G&CC for the 52nd playing of the Hornung’s Classic. Once again the day was filled with plenty of camaraderie and competition.

The 18-hole stroke play would be another tightly contested event. With breezy and sunny conditions an emphasis would be on solid ball striking.

For the third year in a row the WPGA would kick off the month of June with a pro-am stop at The Club at Strawberry Creek. The site has gained in popularity quickly and established itself as a must play for the regulars on the pro-am circuit. This year’s X Golf Strawberry Creek Pro-Am would sell out in just four minutes after registration opened on April 1. For those that were lucky enough to gain a spot in the field, the day would feature some terrific weather and pristine course conditions. The course played firm and fast, exactly the way it was designed.

The WPGA Pro-Ladies #1 – Spring Event made its annual appearance on the calendar of events on Tuesday.  With summer just another the corner a sold out field of twenty-four fivesomes would venture to Bishops Bay CC to enjoy the day. It would mark the second time that the club has hosted a pro-ladies event, with the first coming in 2017. The participants would be greeted with a terrific spring day along the shores of Lake Mendota. A light breeze, temperatures in the mid 80s, and plenty of sunshine would accompany the players during their round.

Tuesday marked the fifteenth playing of The Legend Challenge – Two Person Scratch Pro-Am. The annual event always draws some of the top playing professionals and amateurs from throughout the state. This year’s edition would again feature a sold-out field of fifty-six teams. The Legend at Merrill Hills was hosting for the fourth time overall, and the first since 2018. The day gave the amateurs in the field a great glimpse of what the players will face at the 2024 Wisconsin State Amateur Championship.

The always fun Double Dip Pro-Am kicked off the 2023 four-player pro-am series on Monday. It was a delayed start to the pro-am season after the weather got in the way of the first scheduled event in early May, but the waiting paid off. The field of twenty-eight teams enjoyed a fantastic spring day at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa. Jumping on board to enhance and title sponsor this year’s Double Dip Pro-Am was XXIO Golf. The Dunlop Sports brand along with Under Armour and the WSGA, helped to provide all the support that was needed to present a great event.

It was another busy Monday for the Wisconsin PGA, as The Oaks GC played host to the next two events on the WPGA tournament calendar. For the sixth straight year the action packed day would feature both the Assistant Professional Stroke Play and Memorial Classic. The annual stroke play events would again take place simultaneously, while proudly being supported by the Wisconsin Golf Salespersons Association and Rolex.

The 57th playing of the StrackaLine WPGA Match Play Championship kicked off this past Monday, as the championship visited Glen Erin GC in Janesville for the first time. The field of WPGA members battled some wet and cool conditions throughout Monday, before they were greeted with sunny and warm weather on Tuesday. Over the course of the two days the seeding/qualifying round and first three rounds of Match Play would take place.

The Wisconsin PGA tournament schedule wrapped up the month of April on Wednesday, as the Section teamed up with the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association. The successful partnership once again produced the Premier Golf & Utility Vehicles Super-Pro. This year’s edition traveled just north of last year’s site as it visited the always well conditioned Washington County GC.