WPGA SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
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Write-Up Provided by Rick Pledl of Wisconsin.Golf

David Roesch has forged a reputation as one of Wisconsin’s top golf instructors over the last 15 years. But with his win Tuesday in the Wisconsin Senior PGA Professional Championship he also reminded his many students what a talented player he has always been.

Roesch recorded twin rounds of 69 Monday and Tuesday at The Bog in Saukville to shoot 138 and win the title by four strokes over a trio of competitors. He held a one-stroke lead after Monday’s opening round, and he stretched it to a comfortable margin by the end.

Roesch’s two rounds were remarkably similar, as he went out in par-36 both days before shooting 33 on the back nine. He got off to strong starts both days, birdieing his first hole both times – and also No. 10 in both rounds.

When asked about that, Roesch suggested it was just him getting off to a slowish start in both rounds as he shook off some tournament rust that has built up. He admitted that playing golf has taken a backseat to teaching the game in recent years.

“It kind of takes me a little while to get going and get a feel for the swing,” Roesch said. “Both days I didn’t hit it that good on the front, and then I found something and got some momentum going on the back nine.

“I managed my game. I hit it good, not great.”

To be clear, Roesch is a state golf hall-of-famer, and he was elected (in 2016) due to his success as a player. But now, Roesch teaches golf at Storm’s Golf Range and through The Legend Clubs, as well as operating his own indoor facility. He also has two talented daughters playing junior golf in addition to his usual stable of players. So he’s busy all season long.

A resident of Menomonee Falls, Roesch said his competitive efforts are usually limited to the occasional pro-am these days.

At 51 years old, Roesch won the Wisconsin Senior PGA Professional Championship this week in his first attempt. He was eligible last year but didn’t play due to scheduling issues.

“It feels really good to win,” Roesch said. “I would say my game doesn’t get a lot of attention now because of the teaching. To be honest, I’m a little surprised on my end, but I know it’s in there. I just don’t use as much anymore.”

In Monday’s opening round, Roesch reeled off four straight birdies around the turn to right himself after hitting a ball out of bounds on the third hole, leading to a double bogey.

Finishing second at 142 were PGA Life Member Eddie Terasa (75-67), Ryan Helminen of Ridgeway CC (73-69) and Jim Schuman of Blue Mound G&CC (70-72).

Terasa’s second-round 67 was the low round of the tournament. He recorded seven birdies, offset by a lone double bogey.

Three berths were also on the line this week for the National Senior PGA Professional Championship, which will be held Oct. 23-26 at PGA GC in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Roesch earned one of those, and he will make his first appearance in the national event this fall. Although he wants to enjoy the opportunity, he’s got much to do between now and then.

“It’s not until October,” he said. “I think I have to survive through the summer first and then make it through the girls high school season. Then I’ll look forward to going down there and playing some more golf.”

A three-for-two playoff for the final spots was held Tuesday afternoon pitting Terasa, Helminen and Schuman. This time it was Schuman, a seven-time qualifier for the National Senior PGA Professional Championship, who was the odd man out.

Schuman missed his par putt from about 8 feet on the first playoff hole – No. 18 at The Bog – after Terasa rolled in a clutch 15-footer for his par. Meantime, Helminen also made a par after hitting the fairway and the green and two-putting from about 35 feet.

Four alternates for the national championship were also selected this week behind the three qualifiers, led by first-alternate Schuman.

The others, in order, who all finished at 2-over 146, are Michael Crowley of Morningstar GC (71-75), Brad Lanning of Rise-Up Golf (74-72) and Mark Voeller of Golf Galaxy-Brookfield (71-75).

Additionally, Mick Smith of Mick Smith Golf is exempt for the National Senior PGA Professional Championship thanks to his play at the Senior PGA Championship in May. As the two-time defending champion this week at The Bog, Smith finished fifth on rounds of 71-72-143.

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The WPGA would like to thank Hornung’s Golf Products, The PGA Tour, PXG Golf and The Golf Channel for their great support of the Wisconsin Senior PGA Professional Championship.

The WPGA would also like to recognize and thank The Bog for taking the opportunity to host the senior and assistant championships the past few days.

Wisconsin Senior PGA Professional Championship Results Summary