Fireworks in 4th of July tourney

Bang up 4th of July

Joey Moore of Billings overcame a three shot lead by Ryggs Johnson to capture the 2017 4th of July Tournament. Two very talented young golfers displayed their exceptional talent for all three days with two rounds on the South Course and one on the North. Ryggs Johnson, the 16-year-old from Libby, was the only player in the field to shoot in the 60s all three days as he was close to breaking his own course record for a junior player on the North Course on Friday. The championship was determined by a sudden victory playoff after the two players were tied after three days of competition. In the playoff Ryggs hooked his tee shot out of bounds, which allowed Joey to take the title in his first appearance.

Local players Shawn Tucker and Conor Rooney finished in the top 10 in the championship flight. Brad Grattan and Authur Doorn finished with final scores of 223 over the three day event.

In the ladies division Hailey Hoagland prevailed after trailing Maggie Crippen on day one of the tournament. Hailey, a current University of Montana golfer, won by a comfortable 8 shot margin after trailing by three after the opening day. Local standout, Coral Schultz, who is a current MSU Bobcat player, finished in fifth place in the championship flight with a strong showing on her home course.

Jeanette Cheney won the ladies second flight by a margin of 11 shots as she shot in the 80s all three days.

Carroll Lilly repeated as the reigning Senior Division champion defeating Gary Holt of Spokane by four shots. Lilly railed from five down after the first day shooting back to back 70s on Friday and Saturday. Rod Brady won the senior first flight by four shots with his steady play.

Coming events at WLGC

The next big event at Whitefish Lake Golf Club is the Ladies Invitational scheduled for Monday, July 17.

On July 27, 28 and 29 Whitefish Lake Golf Club will co-host the Annual Governor’s Cup with teams coming from all around the region to help support the Montana Chamber of Commerce and all their programs.

The WLGC Club Championship is set for Saturday and Sunday of Aug. 4-5 and is open to all members.