Pontinen Survives Playoff Against Anderson to Win First State Win at Twin Cities Senior Championship

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  HAM LAKE, Minn. – Making par on the second playoff hole Wednesday at Majestic Oaks Golf Club, Ray Pontinen prevailed to claim medalist honors after finishing 18 holes at the 28^th Twin Cities Senior Championship tied atop the leaderboard with John Anderson, earning his first state victory.
 
Pontinen played his opening nine in even par before rolling in a birdie at the 14^th. Carding double-bogey at the par-5 17^th Wednesday, Pontinen fell back to 1-over for the championship, but finished with a birdie at the 17^th to earn a share of the lead with Anderson at even par 72.
 
Anderson, a winner of eight championships in the state since 2002 and named Minnesota Golf Association Men’s Senior Player of the Year in 2016, carded three bogeys against one birdie during his opening nine before playing his final nine holes in 2-under to finish in a tie for first with a round of 72.
 
Mark Thompson posted a 1-over 73 Wednesday to finish alone in third place, while 2016 Minnesota Public Golf Association Senior Public Links champion Scott Hogan placed fourth at 2-over 74.

 
Schultz Outduels McCook to Win Masters Division at Twin Cities Senior Championship
In similar fashion to the Senior Division, Skip Schultz outlasted David McCook in a two-hole playoff Wednesday at Majestic Oaks Golf Club to claim his third title in four seasons in the Masters Division.
 
Schultz got off to a bumpy start Wednesday, carding one birdie against four bogeys to turn in 3-over before finding his footing over the final nine holes. Carding birdies at the third and sixth holes, Schultz moved back to 1-over for the round before a bogey on his final hole put him into a share of the lead with McCook at 2-over 74.

Schultz made par on the second playoff hole to down McCook and claim his third victory at the event.
 
McCook carded three birdies and two bogeys over the first nine holes Wednesday before playing his back nine in 3-over par to post a 2-over 74 and force a playoff with Schultz.
 
Larry Noble fired an 8-over par 80 to finish in a tie for third with Tom Smith.
 
 
 
THE 28^TH TWIN CITIES SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
MAJESTIC OAKS GOLF CLUB
HAM LAKE, MINN.
6,426 YARDS, PAR 72
 
 
WEDNESDAY’S FINAL RESULTS
1. Ray Pontinen, Dr. Krebs’ Golf Hacks, 36-36—72 (won playoff)
2. John Anderson, Bunker Hills GC, 38-34—72
3. Mark Thompson, Prestwick GC, 35-38—73
4. Scott Hogan, Cannon GC, 38-36—74
T5. Steve Whittaker, Pebble Creek GC, 36-39—75
T5. Mark Sperling, Heritage Links GC, 38-37—75
T5. Tom Nordstrom, Eagle Valley GC, 37-38—75
T5. Bill Tadewald, Bunker Hills GC, 36-39—75
T5. Scott Thul, Bunker Hills GC, 36-39—75
T10. Leif Carlson, Keller GC, 40-37—77
T10. Tim Gordon, Elk River GC, 39-38—77
 
 
For complete tournament results go to:  www.golfgenius.com/leagues/120588/rounds/368707/v2tournaments