Brute Force: Ringelstetter and Perry Power Through at Grand Geneva

Jeffrey Perry and Drew Ringelstetter

Drew Ringelstetter captured the WPGA / WIGSA Memorial Classic Monday with a 3-under-par 69 at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, leading a full day of competition on the Brute Course that also featured the WPGA/WIGSA Assistant Stroke Play and a team better-ball event.

The Brute Course once again delivered a demanding championship test, with gusty conditions throughout the day rewarding precision, patience, and disciplined course management.

Ringelstetter, the head PGA professional at Grand Geneva, opened his round on the first tee and delivered a steady performance on the demanding par-72 layout. He turned at even-par 36 before closing with a strong 3-under 33 on the back nine to secure the title.

He recorded birdies on Nos. 6, 11, 13, and 14, before finishing with four consecutive pars, navigating some of the Brute Course’s most demanding holes to seal the victory.

Joe Leonard, director of instruction at The Oaks Golf Course, finished runner-up at 1-under-par 71, while David Roesch claimed the senior division title and third place overall in the regular division with an even-par 72.

In the team better-ball competition, the group of Pat Gorman, Leonard, Matt Morin, and Mike Makowski posted a 9-under-par 63 to tie for the top spot before winning a scorecard playoff to claim the team prize.

In the WPGA/WIGSA Assistant Stroke Play, Jeffrey Perry, an assistant professional at Whistling Straits, matched Steven Young with both players posting 3-under-par 69s in regulation. Perry then prevailed in a marathon six-hole playoff to claim the title. In regulation his round was highlighted by birdieing all four par 5s. With the victory, he earned his first individual WPGA title and the No. 1 seed for the Assistant Match Play bracket. He carried that momentum into the afternoon, where a decisive first round match win advanced him into the round of 16 matches.

Beyond the competition, the day carried special meaning as players and organizers gathered to remember members of the WPGA and Wisconsin Golf Salespersons Association communities who were lost over the past year, adding reflection and purpose alongside the competition.

A sincere thank you goes out to all members of the Wisconsin Golf Salespersons Association for their sponsorship and participation, as well as to Rolex for their generous monetary contribution. Appreciation is also extended to the entire staff at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa for their hospitality and for serving as gracious hosts of the event.