TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Sudden-death victory

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Mark Stockeland celebrates after making a birdie on the 17th hole during Sunday's final round of the Bill Jarrett golf tournament at River Greens golf course.

ADVERTISEMENT

By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 30, 2009

Updated:

AVON PARK - After not touching a golf club for four months, Mark Stockeland showed little rust as he defeated Greg Knowles on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the Bill Jarrett golf tournament on Sunday at River Greens golf course.

Stockeland, who began the final round five shots out of the lead after an opening 76 on Saturday, shot a 73 on Sunday to earn a spot in the playoff with Knowles, who carded rounds of 74-75-149.

Both players made a par on the par 5, 18th on the first hole of the playoff, but the second time the duo played the 18th, Knowles 3-putted for a bogey, while Stockeland made a par to secure the prestigious title.

"It means so much to me to win this tournament," the 28-year-old Stockeland said. "I've played in this tournament for ten years and I've got a bunch of friends that have won it.

"I've finished second a few times, but to finally win it is a great feeling."

Paul McCormac just missed getting into the playoff and finished third with a two-day total of 150, while Greg Gentry, who led after a first-round 71, came in fourth at 152.

Stockeland, who is doing missionary work in Haiti, is back in the Heartland for a couple of weeks and made the most of his visit.

"I am so busy doing God's work in Haiti that I don't have time to practice or play golf," said Stockeland. "I want to thank Him for giving me the ability to play this game and I give God all the credit for my win.

"I never expected to be in contention because I haven't had a chance to practice, but I played pretty well and I want to thank my dad who caddied for me and helped to keep me calm and was so supportive."

Andrew Katsanis won the Championship 'B' Flight with a 151, Ben Norris placed second at 153, Jody Pelfrey came in third with a 156 and Mark Hopkins claimed fourth at 158.

Gary Williams won the First Flight 'A' division with a 151, Russ Trombley placed second at 154, Larry Roy claimed third with a 155 and Clay Davis finished fourth at 160.

In the First Flight 'B' division, Kirk Perkins won with a 160, Rodney Davis was runner-up at 166, Ron Flotow took third with a 168 and Dennis Dunn finished fourth at 170.

Charlie Walden won the Second Flight 'A' division with a 165 after a match of cards with Don Delaney, while Craig Martin was third with a 166 and Ron Smith came in fourth at 170.

The Second Flight 'B' division was won by Greg Miles with a 182, Bill McKown placed second at 183, Jim Steele came third with a 184 and Terry Hancock finished fourth at 186.

Jim Wilson won the Third Flight 'A' division with a 177, Rich Banko was second at 180, Tim Thomas finished third with a 181 after a match of cards with Roger Wetherington.

The Third Flight 'B' division was won by Scott Bradley with a 186, Larry Jackson placed second at 188, Jady Prescott came in third with a 193 and David Jahna finished fourth at 195.

The Fourth Flight 'A' division was won by Wayne Benson with a 194, Tom Stewart came in a close second with a 195, Dan Pelfrey took third with a 196 and Andy Peck finished fourth at 203.

Joe Graf won the Fourth Flight 'B' division with a 204, Buddy Richards placed second with a 212, while Joe Craigo finished third at 214 after a match of cards with Cliff Martin.

The prestigious tournament attracted a field of 100 players, including some of the top amateurs in the Heartland.

"I'm real happy with the way the tournament went," said River Greens golf pro Jason Beatty. "We had a little bit of rain on Saturday, but other than that everything seemed to go well.

"This tournament always attracts a good field of players and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves."

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT