Brad Nurski captured his 2nd Missouri Mid-Amateur Championship on Sunday with final round 69 to finish the championship 6-under par. Nurski won his first Missouri Mid-Amateur at WingHaven Country Club in 2011. Four players finished 5 shots off the pace at 143 including Brent Mertz, Brian Haskell, Dan Frost and Van Pierce.
Nurski’s final round was highlighted by an eagle 2 on the par 4, 8th hole. The Missouri Golf Association moved the teeing area up approximately 60 yards enticing the longer hitters to go for the green on the 305 yard par 4.
Players in the final pairing struggled to get anything going on a blustery day at Silo Ridge Golf Club. Van Pierce started his final round with consecutive double bogeys after beginning the day at 4 under par for the tournament. Brian Haskell and Dan Frost turned at 37, 1 over par for the final round and couldn’t mount a charge on the back nine.
A subplot circulating among the players was the points race to earn a spot on their respective Hieronymus Cup squad. Bobby Godwin and Bob Trittler will captain the East Team which will compete against Antonio Serrano and BJ Curry’s team from the West side of the state. The Hieronymus Cup matches are scheduled for October 4-6 at Jefferson City Country Club. The West currently leads the East 10-9 in the annual Cup Matches.
Captain Bobby Godwin will look to square up the historical standings but will attempt to do so without several of his top players. Skip Berkmeyer, Patrick Britt and Phil Caravia who are ranked 1, 2 and 3 on the points standings, will miss the Cup Matches as they are competing in the US Mid Amateur Championship.
Several players competing at Silo Ridge vying for a spot on Godwin’s East Cup team included Chad Niezing, Dustin Ashby, Don Bliss, Tom Barry, David Johnson and Chris Dale. Niezing entered the championship in 5th place on the points standings and with his T6 finish ensured his position on this year’s team. Ashby entered in 10th position on the points list and finished T13 at Silo Ridge. Don Bliss locked up a spot on the Senior squad after posting 71-76 for a 10th place finish.
A stronger representation of the West Team was on hand at Silo Ridge with the current top ranked player, Jamie Hathcock in the field along with Brian Haskell and Billy Wynn. Wynn made a big move on Sunday with a final round 69 to finish 9th. Top ranked Senior Player, Steve Groom also improved on his first round performance with a final round 69. Groom finished T11 at Silo Ridge.
Harry Roberts entered the tournament 5th on the points standings and ensured his spot on this year’s Hieronymus Cup team with a T13 finish. Tyler Stalker entered the weekend 11th and finished T16.
The top 8 players on the points standings in the regular division and senior division will be joined by two captain’s selections to represent their respective teams.
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