2023 St. Louis Local Finals Golf Tournament

The St. Louis chapter closed its 2023 regular season with the Local Finals at Annbriar Golf Course in Waterloo, IL.  Voted a perennial favorite by APT members, Annbriar features a challenging, yet fun layout that will test every part of your game, but allows for low scores in all divisions when things get clicking.  87 players teed it up for the 2-day final competing for over $10,000 in season-long rewards plus over $6,000 in the prize pool. 

In Division 1, Dylan Davidson got off to a hot start, shooting a 2-under round of 70 to tie the season-long points leader Ryan Eckelcamp, who matched Davidson’s 2-under 70.  Nate McCutcheon and John Todd were both lurking with opening rounds of 2-over 74.  Sunday’s round saw some back and forth as John Todd led the way with a 1-under par 71 to challenge, but Eckelcamp sank a 20-foot birdie put on the last hole to give himself the victory and clinching the Division 1 Player of the Year award.  John Todd and Dylan Davidson both tied for 2nd just one shot off of the lead.  John Todd would win the senior division, clinching the title and the Division 1 Senior Player of the Year award.  Both John Todd and Ryan Eckelcamp would take home the $1,000 USGA Max Prize package for their Player of the Year efforts. 

In Division 2, Kent Van Cleve and Dave Adams would need more than 36-holes to decide the tournament, as both players finished tied at 7-over par after regulation.  The playoff started on the 10th hole, where both players showed poise under pressure hitting solid golf shots that would set up good birdie looks.  On the 13th hole, Dave Adams’s approach found the greenside bunker and after a good shot, his 15-foot par putt lipped out in the most dramatic fashion, setting up a 2-putt for Kent Van Cleve to win the title in both the open and senior divisions.  With the victory, Van Cleve earns the title of Division 2 Senior Player of the Year.  The round of the weekend came to Mike Lingenfelter, who shot a 1-over par 73 to move up the leaderboard into a tie for 2nd with Billy Davis, with the pair finishing tied for 3rd at +8.  Lingenfelter led the Player of the Year standings for most of the year, and his T-3 would be good enough to get it done and claim the title of Player of the Year.  Lance Davidson and Mike Mervis both capped off solid seasons finishing tied for 5th at 12-over par. 

In Division 3, Ron Polillo jumped out to the early lead, firing a 6-over par 78 to lead by one over Mary Kolda, who shot a steady 79.  Kolda would prove to be consistent, firing a 2nd round 80 to finish at 15-over par and earn a 3-shot victory over Darrell VankyGrifka, who had the round of the day on Sunday to climb up the leaderboard and finish in solo 2nd at +18.  Scott Kleine would finish 3rd at +19, while Simay Souvannarath and Ron Polillo would tie for 4th at +21.  With the victory, Mary Kolda would secure Player of the Year honors, in a season that featured 2 victories – the APT University Series at Purdue and the Local Finals at Annbriar.  After a season of consistent play, Simay Souvannarath would earn the Senior Player of the Year honors. 

In Division 4, Eric Willingham would get off to a sizzling start, firing a first round 80 to take a one-shot lead over Jesse Baumann (81) and two-shot lead over Michael Adkins (82).  Willingham would put up another strong effort on Sunday, shooting an 81 to earn a 3-shot victory over Matt Hall, who made a move up the leaderboard with a 79 on Sunday to finish 3-shots back at 20-over par.  Shannon Brooks would make the biggest move on Sunday, firing an exceptional and personal-best 76 to finish tied 3rd with Jesse Baumann at 22-over par.  George Albers would round out the top-5 with a 2-day total of 24-over par.  With the consistent play over the season, Dolly Buenavetura earned Division 4 Local Player of the Year honors, while Dave Draucker took home Player of the Year honors for the Senior Division.  Both players earned the $1,000 USGA Max Prize package for their achievements. 

In Division 5, the closest Player of the Year race would unfold, with a lot on the line for the leaders as the 2023 Player of the Year race would certainly be decided at Annbriar.  After Round 1, Selena Droce would earn a 4-shot lead with a round of 89 over Esther Flora, who was in 2nd place with a 93.  Chris Brockmeyer trailed in 3rd place with a 95.  Sunday would belong to Selena Droce, whose 93 was good enough to hold on for the victory and jump her in the standings to earn the Local Player of the Year by 111 points!  Chris Brockmeyer fired a 2nd round 88 to move into 2nd place in the Open Division and earn the Senior title and Senior Player of the Year award!  Roger Eberlein has been steadily improving as of late and finished in 3rd position, while Bill McMahan and Esther Flora tied for 4th place respectfully. 

With her rookie season highlighted by a win at the Independence Open at Big Cedar Lodge, Stevie Frank takes home the 2023 Rookie of the Year Award.  Dauffus Jackson was honored as this year’s Most Improved Player.  Dauffus started the year with a 20 USGA GHIN, working his way up through D5 to D4, and then continuing to improve and earned another promotion to Division 3.  In Division 3, Dauffus continued to work hard and has become competitive each and every week in D3.  Congrats Dauffus on a great season of continuous improvement! 

The 2024 season is quickly approaching in St. Louis.  2024 membership registration is open now, and players will have the opportunity to play the 2024 season opener at Crown Pointe Golf Club in Farmington on Sunday, October 8th!  Stay tuned for an announcement for a 2nd fall event coming soon!  Thank you for all of your support this season.  2023 was the best season yet for the St. Louis chapter, and we look forward to continuing to improve and grow in 2024!  Thank you!