Holtz Outduels Baynes in Playoff to Win MN Junior PGA Tournament of Champions

MNPGA

  LAKE ELMO, Minn. – Carrying a one-stroke lead into the final round of the 2022 Minnesota Junior PGA ‘Sota Series Players Tour Tournament of Champions at Royal Golf Club Tuesday, Jack Holtz carded four bogeys over his first 10 holes, but rallied by sinking three birdies over his final eight holes and survived a one-hole playoff to win his first state title.

Holtz carded consecutive rounds of 1-over 73 before fending off Brady Baynes, who carded a 2-under 70 Tuesday for the championship’s only round below par, to earn the victory.

Following a smooth start to the final round with three consecutive pars, Holtz carded his first bogey at the par-3 fourth and added two more to his scorecard over the next five holes to turn in 3-over for the round.

Starting his back nine with a bogey at the 10th, Holtz slipped to 5-over for the tournament, but would regain his rhythm over the next five holes, sinking back-to-back birdie chances at the 14th and 15th to get back to 3-over for the championship.

Taking advantage of the par-5 18th for a second straight day, Holtz carded one final birdie to join Baynes in the clubhouse at 2-over 146 to force a playoff.

Baynes, who carded an opening-round 76 Monday, played his first 11 holes in 2-over par during the final round Wednesday before tallying four birdies over his final seven holes to post a final-round 70 to tie Holtz at 146.

Playing the par-3 16th during the playoff, Baynes carded bogey while Holtz made sank his par putt to secure the victory.


THE 24TH MINNESOTA JR. PGA PLAYERS TOUR TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
ROYAL GOLF CLUB
LAKE ELMO, MINN.
6,684 YARDS, PAR 72


TUESDAY’S FINAL RESULTS
1. Jack Holtz, Alexandria, Minn., 73-73—146**
2. Brady Baynes, Eden Prairie, Minn., 76-70—146
3. Arthur Ylitalo, Buffalo, Minn., 74-73—147
4. Blake Forrest, Maple Grove, Minn., 75-73—148
5. Kagan Kollar, Maple Grove, Minn., 76-73—149
6. Luke Maas, Watertown, Minn., 77-73—150
7. Benjamin Mertz, Duluth, Minn., 76-75—151
T8. Finnian McLaughlin, Andover, Minn., 79-73—152
T8. Max Wolf, Hopkins, Minn., 78-74—152
T8. Peyton Savageau, Oak Grove, Minn., 78-74—152
T8. Luke Thompson, St. Louis Park, Minn., 77-75—152
T8. Drew Teeter, Albert Lea, Minn., 76-76—152

** - won playoff


For complete tournament results go to:  https://mnpgajr.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/mnpgajr22/event/mnpgajr2215/contest/1/leaderboard.htm