The Far Oaks Classic
The first of four Classic Tournaments was held at Far Oaks on June 16 & 17. Far Oaks had had approximately 8” of rain the week before the tournament so the course was very wet. Amidst soft rain and threatening sky, tee times began right on time. When the lead group was on hole # 5, lightening made a vivid entry and the course was cleared for a two hour rain delay which added greatly to the wet conditions that prevailed during the tournament!
Rick Weber, 18, from Weldon Spring, Missouri claimed first place in the Boys 16-19 Division with a 75-72-147. Rick graduated from DeSmet this spring and will go to Missouri State this fall where he hopes to be a walk-on for the golf team. He is a member at Whitmoor Country Club where he has shot 65 on both the North and South courses for his career low scores. Rick says his short game is the best part of his game which makes sense since his 50° wedge his favorite club and he only had 28 putts in his final round of the Classic. He is quoted as saying, “It is a good course, but really wet. I liked the greens a lot, I putted well”.
Second and third place was decided in a two hole playoff where Tucker Guisewite edged out Justin Vogt for second place. Tucker had 73-75-148 and Justin had 79-69-148.
Tucker, 16, plays on the golf team at Mt. Carmel High School where he will be a junior this fall. He shot his career low score of 67 at the Mt. Carmel Golf Course where he usually plays golf with his friends. Tucker says his putting is the best part of his game. He stated that Far Oaks is a really nice golf course and was in good shape considering all of the rain…just played long because it was so wet.
Justin, 16, will be a junior at MaterDei High School in Breese, Illinois this fall. He usually plays golf at Governors Run Golf Course with anyone who will play with him…usually his Grandma & Grandpa or Mom and Dad. Putting was his favorite part of the game today but usually his driver is his favorite club. The course was great but long…there were a lot of birdies to be made!
Mitchell Rutledge shot 73-69-142 to win first place in the Boys 13-15 Division. Mitchell is 15 and plays on the golf team at Whitfield where he will be a sophomore this fall. He is a member at St. Albans but shot his record low score of 66 at the Spirit Landings Golf Course. Putting is the best part of his game. He said Far Oaks is really nice but was just too wet…it has some pretty awesome hills!
Second and third place in the Boys 13-15 Division was decided in a one hole play-off between Seth Smith and Nathan Nottrott. Seth edged Nathan into third with an eagle over Nathan’s birdie!! It was quite an exciting finish!! Seth is 14 and will be a freshman at Ladue High School where he plans to try out for the golf team. He usually plays golf with his dad at Ruth Park. He’s played in the Gateway Junior programs for four years.
Nathan is 15 and will be a junior at Collinsville High School this fall. His home course is Arlington Greens in Collinsville where he usually plays golf with his dad or friend. Nathan won first place in the Callaway Junior World Qualifier two weeks ago. The first day of the Classic was very wet and course played really long but played easier the second day and seemed to have easier pin placements.
The Girls 16-19 Division was won by Ali Arends with a 93-82-175. Ali, 18, graduated from Viz and plans to attend Butler University where she has a scholarship for the golf team this fall. She usually plays golf at St. Albans with her Dad or friends. She said the first day of the tournament was pretty rough but she did better the second day. Her short game is her favorite part because she doesn’t hit a long ball.
Ann Govern took second place with 90-88-178. Ann, 16, will be a junior at Marquette High School this fall and is a member of the golf team. The best part of her game is driving and her fairway irons. Her career high score is 81 and this is her third year playing in the Gateway PGA program.
Stephanie Gouldin took third place with 84-96-189. She was available for interview.
Mary Fran Hillow 83-76-159 won first place. Mary Fran, 15, is a member at Sunset Country Club and usually plays golf with her dad. Mary Fran will be a sophomore at Viz this fall. With Mary Fran a member of the golf team, last year Viz won the state golf tournament and she individually placed 10th at state and won the districts. Last Sunday, Mary Fran won The Premier Tour event for Girls age 13-15 held at the Reunion Golf Course in Orlando, Florida.
Shawn Rennegarbe of Addieville, Illinois won second place with 91-89-180. Shawn will be in 8th grade this fall. She usually plays golf with her dad and older sister at Ronald Barkau Memorial Golf Course. Shawn won her age division in the Callaway Junior World Qualifier two weeks ago. She said the course was very wet and she tried to concentrate on her score rather than the outcome of others.
Nichole Johnson came in third place with 93-88-181. Nichole, 15, will be a sophomore at Althoff High School in Belleville. She plays a variety of courses with her Dad, brother or uncle. This is her fourth year playing in the Gateway Junior program. She took first place in the Orchards Classic, Spencer T. Olin and Clinton Hills.
The Gateway PGA thanks all of the participants, parents, family and friends for your support and patience with the wet conditions during the Classic Tournament at Far Oaks. Please check out the slideshow photo gallery!
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