After a Bumpy Start, Berry Defeats Jones for Fourth MN PGA Senior Match Play Title

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WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. – Overcoming a rocky start to the final match of the 30^th Minnesota PGA Senior Match Play Championship Tuesday at White Bear Yacht Club, Don Berry carded three late birdies to pull away from Dale Jones to earn his fourth tournament victory, 3 and 1.
 
Berry, who won the Minnesota PGA Match Play Championship at Mendakota Country Club late last month, becomes the first player in state history to win both Minnesota Section match play events in the same season.
 
Despite carding three bogeys during his first five holes, Berry trailed two-time champion Jones by one before pulling even with Jones by converting his birdie opportunity at the par-3 sixth.
 
Taking advantage of Jones bogey at the seventh, Berry took his first lead of the championship match, and extended his lead to two by rolling in a short birdie chance at the 10^th.
 
Unable to save par at the par-5 13^th, Berry conceded Jones’ birdie putt to remain up by one, but would grab a 2-up lead by converting his sixth birdie opportunity of the day. A Jones bogey at the 15^th saw Berry take a 3-up lead, but Jones would convert his eagle chance at the 16^th to pull within two.
 
In for par, Jones conceded Berry’s short birdie chance at the 17^th and Berry would clinch the championship for his fourth tournament win and first since 2015.
 
Berry won the Minnesota PGA Match Play Championship his first year of eligibility at the 50-and-over event, defeating Steve Whillock at Elk River Golf Club. Berry successfully defended his title a year later with a victory over Bill Israelson at Deer Run Golf Club.
 
His most recent win at the championship came in 2015, downing Mike Flaherty at Edina Country Club.
 

THE 30^TH MINNESOTA PGA SENIOR MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
WHITE BEAR YACHT CLUB
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINN.
6,396 YARDS, PAR 72
 
 
TUESDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Don Berry, Edinburgh USA, def. Dale Jones, Mendakota CC, 3 and 1
 
 
SEMIFINAL MATCHES
Don Berry, Edinburgh USA, def. Ty Armstrong, GolfTEC, 1-up
Dale Jones, Mendakota CC, def. Craig Brischke, Tanners Brook GC, 4 and 3
 
 
For complete tournament results go to:  https://mnpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/mnpga21/event/mnpga2154/contest/21/leaderboard.htm