Broin Breaks Tournament Record on Final Day to Win Minnesota Boys' Junior PGA Championship

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  DEERWOOD, Minn. – With the help of six birdies during his front nine Thursday, Gunnar Broin posted a tournament-record 6-under par 66 to come from behind and claim the 44^th Minnesota Boys’ Junior PGA Championship at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge.
 
The soon-to-be senior at Minnetonka High School entered the final round two shots off the lead and carded a 6-under 30 during the outward nine and played his final nine holes at even par, despite carding bogey on the final hole, to earn a two-stroke victory over first-round leader Nate Stevens at 8-under par 136.
 
Broin and Stevens both advance to the national championship at Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, Conn., July 30-Aug. 2.
 
Carding birdie on each of his first two holes Thursday, Broin quickly moved up the leaderboard before rolling in three straight birdies beginning at the fifth hole, moving to 7-under for the championship.
 
After sinking his birdie opportunity at the ninth, Broin made his final birdie at the par-5 14^th hole before carding an inconsequential bogey on the final hole to finish the championship two shots clear of the field at 8-under 136.
 
Stevens, who will begin his sophomore year at Northfield High School this fall, posted a 4-under 68 Wednesday to take the early lead before playing his front nine in 1-over Thursday. Finding his rhythm over the final nine holes, Stevens carded three birdies through seven holes but would fall two strokes short of Broin at 6-under 138, earning the second qualifying spot to the national event next month.
 
Leo Gellert, from North Mankato, Minn., fired a final-round 69 Thursday to finish in third place at 2-under 142, while 2017 champion Caleb VanArragon placed fourth at even par 144.
 
 
 
THE 44^TH MINNESOTA BOYS’ JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
RUTTGER’S BAY LAKE LODGE
DEERWOOD, MINN.
6,595 YARDS, PAR 72
 
 
THURSDAY’S FINAL RESULTS
1. Gunnar Broin, Chanhassen, Minn., 70-66—136
2. Nate Stevens, Northfield, 68-70—138
3. Leo Gellert, North Mankato, Minn., 73-69—142
4. Caleb VanArragon, Blaine, Minn., 72-72—144
5. Jack Olson, Fargo, N.D., 69-76—145
T6. Jordan Slagle, New Hope, Minn., 74-72—146
T6. Jake Birdwell, Blaine, Minn., 73-73—146
T8. Carter Doose, St. Peter, Minn., 73-74—147
T8. William Freeman, St. Cloud, Minn., 70-77—147
T10. Joseph Thomas, Lakeville, Minn., 75-73—148
T10. Andrew Ramos, Blaine, Minn., 75-73—148
 
 
For complete tournament results go to:  https://mnpgajr.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/mnpgajr19/event/mnpgajr1926/contest/1/leaderboard.htm