The WPGA Pro-Am Series was back at it on Monday as the sixth four-player pro-am of the season took place at the National Golf Graphics Pro-Am. A sold out field of 32 foursomes made the trip to Hawks Landing GC on the west side of Madison to enjoy another beautiful summer day.
Making the short drive down the road to earn the win was the foursome of Erik Stenseth, Ryan Smith, Jeff Sanger and Eric Hansen of University Ridge GC. The group was able to earn an impressive 172 points in the team net stableford format. Helping pile up those points were 13 natural birdies by the group, four of which came when the entire group swept the par 5, 18th hole with birdies.
The winning score actually turned out to be the very same point total that won the event the last time it was held at Hawks Landing GC in 2015.
The format for the modified point system counted all four balls and awarded 1 point for a net bogey. 2 points for a net par, 4 points for a net birdie, 6 points for a net eagle and 8 points for a net double eagle or better. The winning mark was able to hold off the Matt Kersten led Janesville CC squad by four points.
With Stenseth already on his way to the Oliphant Golf Management Pro-Am Championship in October by way of his team’s play at the SentryWorld Double Dip Pro-Am in late June, it meant the three available championship spots were all up for grabs. One of which was grabbed by Kersten while the other two were snagged by the Tim Grogan and Mark Voeller led teams.
Sweeping the low professional and low senior professional stableford competitions was Paul LoCicero of The Legend at Bristlecone. He was able to lead the way with 46 stableford points. When translated to a gross score the points totaled a 4-under-par 68, which was highlighted by six birdies.
For the fourth straight year the event also featured the only individual amateur contest in a WPGA pro-am. Winning the amateur net competition was John Grey of Old Hickory GC with an impressive 51 points.
Last but not least the day also featured some fun closest to the pin competitions. Earning a dozen TaylorMade TP5’s in the amateur contests were Dan Wubbels (#4), Ryan Smith (#8), Jesse Malsom (#13) and Sam Van Galder (#16). In the two professional on course events it was Matt Hartmann (#4) and Craig Czerniejewski (#8) taking home an additional $100 for their efforts.
The WPGA would like to thank National Golf Graphics and Peter Meyer for teaming up with the Section for the fourth straight year. Peter once again did a great job of dressing up the event and making sure all the attendees had a fun day.
A big thank you also goes out to Hawks Landing Golf Club and its staff for hosting the WPGA once again. As always the club rolled out another well-conditioned golf course for all the players to enjoy.