Gladney Pulls out Late Victory at MGA Net Amateur Championship; Rathmanner Claims Women's Championship

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By Nick Hunter
nick@mngolf.org
 
 
  MEDINA, Minn. – After getting off to a hot start Sunday during the opening round of the inaugural Minnesota Golf Association Net Amateur Championship, Mike Gladney rolled in his putt on the final hole for a net par to hang on and claim a one-point victory over Rich Loeber Monday at Baker National Golf Course.
 
A field of 35 men and 12 women, each separated into two divisions, played a 36-hole net stroke play tournament using a Stableford scoring system.
 
Entering Monday’s final round with a three-point advantage, Gladney once again started quickly with a net eagle before carding three straight net birdies and appeared on his way to a clear victory at the inaugural event, but Gladney would struggle over his final nine holes, needing par on his final hole to secure a one-point victory by posting a net round of 74 on the final day.

"I had some great moments during the tournament and some rough spots. Ultimately I was able to hit enough quality shots to piece together a win," Gladney said. "I couldn't be more proud to have brought home the championship and represent the [Minnesota Golf Association] and all mid-level players who just truly enjoy the game."
 
Loeber began the final round Monday in eighth place following a net round of 94 to earn 32 points during the first 18 holes of competition. Loeber found a groove early, carding three net birdies and a net eagle to quickly move up the leaderboard, posting 23 points during his opening nine.
 
Carding five net birdies, including one on his final hole, Loeber took the overall lead with a tournament-best 45 points during the final round before Gladney’s net birdie on the final hole cemented a slim victory.
 
In the Senior Men’s Division, Brad Freeman posted an opening-round net score of 73 Sunday and entered the final round in fourth place before quickly making up ground with four net birdies during his opening nine Monday. After carding back-to-back net eagles to begin his back nine, Freeman posted four net birdies over his final five holes to cruise to a six-point victory.
 
 
RATHMANNER CRUISES TO WIRE-TO-WIRE VICTORY
Building on momentum from a third-place finish in the First Flight at the Women’s State Amateur at White Bear Yacht Club last month, Jo Rathmanner cruised to a six-point victory over Randy Glasmann Tuesday, helped by a pair of net birdies early on her inward nine. Rathmanner bettered her opening net round of 76 by one stroke during the final round to win the third installment of the women’s championship.
 
“I played a little riskier on Day One and found that some risks paid off. I knew that I had to keep playing hard on Day Two, even though I was in the lead and it’s a great lesson for someone who is just getting into tournament golf,” Rathmanner said Monday. “Going for greens, hitting solid approach shots and making sure I was giving my first putt a chance was my goal for Day Two.”
 
“I’m thrilled to win the inaugural Net Women’s Amateur Championship. It was a fun format and a challenging course. Having played in the State Amateur a month ago, I learned that once you have the lead, it’s quite a challenge to maintain it.”
 
Colleen Boerboom jumped out to an early lead in the Senior Women’s Division Sunday and carded a net round of 70 Monday to earn a 10-point victory over Molly Baker. Finishing the opening round with a five-point lead Sunday, Boerboom continued her strong play early Monday by carding five net birdies on her outward nine to extend her lead.
 
 
 
2018 MGA AMATEUR NET CHAMPIONSHIP
BAKER NATIONAL GOLF COURSE
MEDINA, MINN.
6,294 YARDS, PAR 72
 
 
FINAL RESULTS
MEN’S DIVISION (STABLEFORD SCORING)
1. Mike Gladney, Chaska TC, 44-34—78
2. Rich Loeber, Chaska TC, 32-45—77
3. Andrew Lamott, Sundance GC, 38-37—75
4. Nathan Noble, Chaska TC, 41-32—74
5. Carter Doose, MN Youth on Course, 36-33—69
T6. Andrew Meyer, Travelers GC, 33-33—66
T6. Perry Wilkinson, Chaska TC, 31-35—66
8. Jason McGovern, Inver Wood GC, 33-32—65
9. Scott Wood, Chaska TC, 28-36—64
10. Nick Hunter, MN Golf Assoc., 31-32—63
 
 
SENIOR MEN’S DIVISION
1. Brad Freeman, Baker Nat’l GC, 36-46—82
2. Daniel Mullins, TPC Twin Cities, 39-37—76
3. Phil Link, Pebble Creek GC, 38-37—75
T4. Larry Hahka, Brookview GC, 34-39—73
T4. Ronnie Benford, Twin Cities GC, 38-35—73
6. Dean Cocchiarella, Valleywood GC, 34-36—70  
7. Jerome Theis, Bunker Hills GC, 28-41—69
8. Tom Sojak, Minikahda Club, 32-36—68
T9. Bill Gamble, Emily Greens GC, 35-31—66
T9. Tony Hanlin, Rush Creek GC, 28-38—66
 
 
WOMEN’S DIVISION
1. Jo Rathmanner, White Bear YC, 34-35—69
2. Randy Glassman, Keller GC, 30-33—63
3. Denise Weiss, Pebble Creek GC, 26-34—60
 
 
SENIOR WOMEN’S DIVISION
1. Colleen Boerboom, Minnewaska GC, 45-40—85
2. Molly Baker, Bent Creek GC, 37-38—75
3. Ellie Layton, Rochester G&CC, 40-29—69
T4. Denell Lindquist, 32-33—65
T4. Betsy Aldrich, Woodhill CC, 33-32—65
6. Audrey Richmond, Bent Creek GC, 28-34—62
T7. Marilyn Doyle, Gross Nat’l GC, 29-27—56
T7. Sara Schliesing, Pebble Creek GC, 30-26—56
9. Carol Dennis, Baker Nat’l GC, 31-22—53