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Tommy O'Neill shot two sub-40 nines including a chip in eagle to lead the West Team of Jeff Pasz, Tim Markel and Rick Floyd back to the Division Bell Title.  The West Division gets a record 7th Bell after losing in playoffs the last 2 years. Commissioner Rich Dunmore had 6 birdies to lead the East Team to 2nd. David Martin led a Central squad that came up 3rd. O'Neill led with 28 putts. Markel hit 12 greens to Scott Wilsey's 10. Martin hit 11 fairways and Chris Dunmore also had a chip in.


Markel is Champ of Champs

Tim Markel hung on against his challengers on the final holes at Links of Novi Sunday.  He faded at the end a little less than the rest, taking the title at 3 over par 74. Thomas Mulhern was 2nd at 4 over 75 and Bill Gordon tied Paul Parent for 3rd at 5 over 76.  Eric Birkle led with 29 putts. Chuck Withey had 7 birdies while Gordon and Paul Parent had 6. Scott Wilsey hit 10 greens. Ned Loving had 2 chip ins and Gordon, Kevin Gregoire, Ken Westerman and Ryan Doak all had 1.  This is Markel's first Tournament of Champions title.

Day 3 at CC Goes Wet

Team West takes Commissioner's Cup in a rain-shortened final. After a 5-5 draw on Day 1, Team West took control with an 8-2 performance on day 2 to lead the match 13-7. Sunday morning greeted the players with an increasing rain that eventually required the match to be called after 9 holes.  Rookie Stewart Levine capped his first Commissioner's Cup with a half point in his singles match to give West the Cup for the 6th year in a row. Commissioner Tyler Floyd led his team with a perfect 5 points for the weekend. Brian Lardin and Scott Wilsey tallied 3 points for the losing Central Team.




Day 2 at CC Goes West

Speaks for itself.


Day 1 Commisioner's Cup is a Draw

Commissioner Floyd and Papa Floyd get 2 points for West while Brian Larding and Chuck Withey get 2 points for Central. Jeff Pasz wins the Cooley Flop Shot Contest. No half swings!


Management Corrections Take Cup

Management took a slim lead into the final round of the President's Cup. But turned to veteran Tom W. Litzler out of the Bullpen to jumpstart a final scramble round sweep and take the Cup.  Labor started strong with the teams of Ned Loving / Chris Dunmore and Captain Theunissen / Mike Geisser taking the first two matches in Best Ball 2&1 and 3&1 to stake them to a lead. Greg Kline and Rich Dunmore salvaged a point 2 up for Management.  In round 2 Alternate Shot management rallied to a 1 point lead with Captain Withey and Brian Lardin taking match one 2 up.  Bill Gordon and Tyler Floyd halved with 'Tuna' and Geisser in match two and Kline and Dunmore took the third 1 up. In the final Scramble round, Litzler and Lardin got out front early and finished the match at 3&2. That gave Withey and Floyd the boost they needed to clinch the cup at 2&1.  Kline and Rich made it a 3 point day taking the final match 1-up. Captain 'Tuna' and Mike Geisser led with 1 1/2 points for Labor. Loving and Floyd both got points in their rookie President's Cup appearances.



Puffenberger Takes Money Title

Bob Delorey opened his round with an Albatross, then closed with 3 birdies and an eagle in this last 6 holes. Meanwhile, Ron Hiestand strung 4 birdies in a row on his front nine. The two finished tied for first at 2 over par 74 on a sloppy wet track.  In the playoff, the pair traded bogeys on the first two holes, then Hiestand ran his birdie put long on the 3rd while Delorey nestled his in for a 2 foot breaking par.  Delorey parred the 4th hole and Hiestand's birdie effort to extend the playoff just missed to give Bob his 1st win of the year. Ryan Doak took 3rd at 3 over par 75 and Ned Loving, 'Tuna' Theunissen and Brian 'Pizza' Pieszchala all tied for 4th at 4 over 76. On course prizes went to Nancy Hiestand, Kurt Klinker, 'Pizza' and Don Ward, eh. Notables: Dave Oliver made his 100th start and Ron Hiestand did well in his 150th start on Tour. Ned Loving moved with 5th in all-time Canadian Open winnings while 'Tuna' moved to 4th. Ron Hiestand and Loving had 6 birdies. Ward led with 29 putts. Greg Kline had 9 greens and Host Kevin Gregoire hit 9 fairways. For Bob Delorey, this is his 2nd Tour win in his 54th start. He wins his first playoff appearance, while Hiestand falls to 1-3 in playoff finishes.


The money title next week will come down to whether Helen Puffenberger or Scott Wilsey win more money as Puffenberger has a slim $4.75 lead. If both are shut out of the money, the door opens for Kevin Gregoire or Chris Stalo to snatch the $ title with a victory.


Loving Squeezes in a Record Score
August 25, 2024 Farmington Hills GC

Ned Loving played the whole course in the early going including his neighbors fairways. But  a decision to park the Driver on the front nine led to a tear on the back nine. He played 9 under over his last 11 holes to take the BCA in a record 8 under par 63. His Score ties Tommy O'Neill for the best score to par in a regular stroke play event this year, and sets the Breast Cancer Awareness Open event record. Helen Puffenberger led the chasers with a 3 under par 68 for 2nd. Kevin Gregoire and Rich Dunmore tied for 3rd at 2 under 69. On course prize also went to Rich. Greg Kline led with 32 putts. Gregoire led with 13 greens while winner Loving hit 11 and Puff and Scott Wilsey hit 10. Wilsey also hit 11 fairways along with Bill Gordon and Puff. Dunmore and Loving had a remarkable 9 birdies. Loving, Puffenberger and Gordon had chip ins. Phil Parent made his 50th Tour start and Dunmore was 3rd for the 20th time in his career. Paul Parent moved to #5 in all-time winnings for the event, just ahead of Samantha Kellstrom.  Loving jumps 9 spots to #17 in the World Rankings with his 6th Tour win in 182 starts and 2nd of the season, taking the East Side Charity Classic earlier in the year.


Breast Cancer Awareness Open Charity donation to Susan G. Komen Foundation




Division Money Titles
Kevin Gregoire rode his Players Title to the top spot in the Central Division money list.  Tommy O'Neill made the most of his 8 season starts to win the West Division money title and Helen Puffenberger won her 2nd East Division money title and 3rd overall.


Wilsey Takes 2nd Major this Year
August 18, 2024 Rochester at Pine Trace

Scott Wilsey made 'the shot' when he had to, to overtake Tom Moran and take his 2nd Major title of the year along with his match play win. Wilsey confidently stood up and lofted a 183 yard 5 wood to 10 feet on the 18th hole to get birdie and a 1 shot win. Moran led most of the day, but adrenaline got the best of him on 18 and he flew the green.  Wilsey finished at 2 under par to Moran's 1 under 71. Grant Goodspeed took 3rd at Even par 72 and Chris Stalo was 4th at 1 over par. Wilsey had a 3 eagle round while Moran had 7 birdies. Goodspeed led with 29 putts and Stalo hit 11 greens. Thomas Mulhern had 6 birdies.  Wilsey gets his 2nd Major title of the year and moves to 4th in all-time East Division Championship winnings. He moves into 1st place in the year's money standings with his 9th career win in his 236th start.


Markel Claims 4th Western in 5 years
August 17, 2024 Hartland at The Majestic at Waldenwood

It took a playoff this time, but Tim 'Major' Markel secured his 4th West Division Championship in 5 years.  Markel appeared on his way to easy victory, but a late stumble enabled Tommy 'Two Gloves' O'Neill to catch him and tie at 1 over par 73.  In the playoff Markel held solid at par to take the title. Corey McCue took 3rd at 4 over par and Brian Lardin tied with Tom W Litzler and Jeff Pasz at 6 over par 78.  Markel led with 11 greens hit and 6 birdies. O'Neill led with 30 putts and also had a chip in. McCue hit 10 greens and Elizabeth Jolliffe hit 10 fairways.  Lardin finishes 4th for the 10th time in his career. Markel moves to #1 in all-time West Division Championship winnings. This is his 12th career win in 318 starts and his 8th Major, tying him with Rick Persichetti for 2nd in all-time Major wins behind Greg Kline.


Gregoire Gets 2nd Players Title
August 17, 2024 Canton at Pheasant Run

Kevin Gregoire birdied the 15th hole and then parred out for a 2 under 70 score. He then waited as Helen Puffenberger came back to him and Dave Oliver birdied the 18th to make for a 3-way Players playoff.  Kevin made par thru the 4-hole playoff, while Oliver and Puffenberger bogeyed the very tough 2nd hole. Scott Wilsey and Bill Gordon tied for 4th at 2 over par.  Notables: Commissioner Kline led with 27 putts. Oliver hit 10 greens and made 7 birdies while Jeff Graunke had 6 birdies. Gordon led with 13 of 14 fairways hit, while Puffenberger hit 11 and David Martin hit 10.  Puff also made 7 birdies. Ryan Doak had a chip in and Mike Geisser made an albatross on the 16th hole. Greg Kline and David Martin both finished in the money to hold on to #1 and #2 on the Players money list. Gregoire moves to 5th on the that money list, passing Bob White.  Gregoire leads the Tour with 3 wins this year by getting his 18th win in his 236th Tour start. His 6th Major victory moves him to T-6 in Majors with Mike Prieskorn and Kelly Arnold.



Rookie Jolliffe Gets Blue in Playoff

Elizabeth Jolliffe birdied her 12th hole (15th on course) to take the lead in the Go Blue Classic and appeared to be hanging on to it until Eric Birkle eagled his 18th hole (the 1st) to tie Jolliffe in regulation play.  But in the 4-hole aggregate playoff, Jolliffe birdied the 1st hole while Birkle bogeyed the 2nd and Elizabeth parred out to take her 1st Tour win in only her 8th start of her rookie season. Jolliffe joins Stewart Levine as rookie winners this season. Phillip Parent took 3rd at 2 under par 70 and Levine tied Chuck Withey for 4th at 1 under par 71. On course prizes went to Commissioner Floyd and Tom Moran.  Notables: Jeff Pasz completed his 250th career start.  Tim Markel posted 3 eagles for the day. Birkle led with 25 putts, helped by 2 chip ins. He now leads the West Division money standings.  Helen Puffenberger hit 11 fairways. Don Ward posted 3 chip ins. Levine and Brian Pieszchala had 7 birdies and Levine tied Corey McCue with 10 greens hit. Brian finished in the money to move to solo 4th in the all-time Go Blue money list. Jolliffe had a 6 birdie round and a chip in.

Jolliffe was the lone player to play-in to the Western Division Championship.


Corey McCue Takes Home the Salsa
August 10, 2024 Brighton at Huntmore GC

Corey McCue used 3 eagles and 3 birdies to build a solid lead thru 15 holes, then held on for a 1 shot win at 1 under Par 71. Bill Gordon finished 1 back at Even par 72. Eric Birkle, Jeff Klipa, Brian Pieszchala, and Chris Dunmore all tied for 3rd at 73, 1 over Par.  On course prizes went to Ned Loving and the Klipster. Notables: Birkle led with 28 putts. New Rookie Jonathan Barnes led with 11 greens while McCue, Loving, Tommy O'Neill, Brian Lardin all 10. Ken Westerman, Helen Puffenberger, Elizabeth Jolliffe and Barnes hit 10 fairways. Jeff Graunke logged 4 back nine birdies in a row to finish in the money. Gordon had 7 birdies and Jolliffe 6. Gordon, Chris Dunmore, Birkle and Tom Moran all had chip ins. Gordon earned his 40th career Top-4 Finish.  Corey gets his 14th career win in his 155th start.

Bill Gordon and Brian Pieszchala played their way into the Players Championship.


Another charity check for English Springer Rescue



Gregoire a Two Time Winner
August 4, 2024 Royal Oak at Rackham GC

Kevin Gregoire took his 2nd Caddyshack title and 2nd of the year.  Two back nine birdies and a lot of patience got him to 2 under par 69 and outlasted the other top contenders who struggled on the last Rackham holes. Sponsor and defending champ Helen Puffenberger tied Mike Lee at 1 under par for 2nd and Mike Geisser finished 4th at Even par.  On course prizes went to Don Ward, Tim Markel and Puffenberger. Helen also earned the final East Skins Game invitation. Off course non playing donors were Barb Hoelzle, Greg Kline, Ned Loving, Bryan Wessel. and Jeff Pasz. Prizes went to Ryan Kiekbusch, Rich Dunmore, Erika Fitzpatrick, Chuck Withey, Joe Brandenburg, Paul Parent, Mike Giesser and Tom Moran. 

Notables: Ward led with 13 Greens hit. Ken Westerman led with 28 putts highlighted by a chip in. Markel and Geisser also had chip ins while Mike Prieskorn had a hole out for eagle.  Puffenberger led with 13 fairways, 6 birdies and moved to #1 in all-time CaddyShack winnings. Corey McCue retakes the #1 World Ranking from Brian Lardin who held it for one week.  Kevin Gregoire is the 6th player to win the Caddyshack event twice. He moves to #5 in CaddyShack winnings with his 17th Tour win in 235 starts.

4 players were able to play their way into the Western Championship in the final East Division event.  Gregoire, Lee, Geisser and Ward all made it.



Chuck presents sponsor Helen check for Pompe Disease Research


This Month's Hook & Slice



Another Crazy Dunmore
July 28, 2024 Livonia at Whispering Willows

For the 2nd Week in row, a family member captured a titled being defended by another. This time Rich Dunmore took the Crazy Brit trophy held by brother Chris. In a fitting crazy finish, Dunmore and Don Ward negotiated to settle their regulation tie with a sudden death playoff, won with a Par by Rich. Both finished with 39 points. Helen Puffenberger took 3rd with 36 points and Mike Attard, Jeff Klipa, and Brian Scherrer all tied for 4th at 35 points.  On course prize went to Attard and the Skins Game invitation was earned by the Klipster. Notables: Brian Lardin reassumes the #1 World Ranking and Chris Stalo takes the 2024 Money Lead.  Puffenberger and Attard led the filed with 7 birdies while Klipa and Tim Markel had 6. Puff notched her 20th 3rd place finish of her career.  Ward led with 28 putts. Ward eagled the 18th hole to gain the tie with Dunmore. Rich moved to 4th in all-time Crazy Brit winnings. It is his 18th Tour win in 351 starts. 




Gordon Backs Up His Pro for Big Dog
July 27, 2024 Waterford Twp at Pontiac Country Club

Bill Gordon kept his nerves in check almost all day, playing near par golf while the challengers gradually faded. His eventual 1 over par round combined with his pro Taylor Pendrith for a 6 under par (138) winning score. Commissioner Dunmore tied rookie Lance Evert for 2nd at 2 under par combined score (142). Chuck Withey took 4th at 1 under par (143).  On course prizes went to Jeff Kipa and Withey.  Eric Birkle led with 29 putts. Nancy Hiestand hit 12 fairways to John Ferlito's 10. Evert had 6 birdies on the day. Withey got his 90th career Top-4 finish and Dunmore moved to 4th in all-time Big Dog winnings in his 350th career start. Gordon held off a back nine charge from Dunmore to take his 8th win in 226 starts. 


Gordon's Pro Leads the Day 1 field

Paul Parent Aced the 3rd hole over the cattails at Brae Burn to build momentum. A birdie / eagle turn gave him a margin to coast home to the Ugly (Pants) title. His 3 over par 73 topped Don Ward and Eric Birkle by 2 shots. Jeff Pasz, Rich Dunmore and Jeff Cubel all tied for 4th at 6 over par 76.
Paul's ace also collected the on course prize while Tim Markel earned the Skins Game invitation.  Greg Kline led with fewest putts for the 2nd day in a row at 28. Don Ward hit 10 greens. Tom W Litzler and Kline remained 3rd and 4th in all-time Ugly Pants winnings by finishing in the money. Paul Parent secured his 2nd Tour win in his 57th start.



Paul Parent snags his Ace from the hole.
Brae Burn #3, 127 yards with a 9 iron.



A Kline Takes Carrington Again
July 20, 2024 Monroe at Carrington GC

Not to be out-done by son Noah, Greg Kline succeded Noah as the Carrington Classic Champ. Greg shot a 3 under par 69 and the only round under par. His consistency won out with nines of 34-35 and putts on those nines of 13 and 12. HIs 25 putts easily led the field. Scott Wilsey, Chris Stalo and Eric Birkle all tied for 2nd at 1 Over Par. Birkle made his 200th career start and got his 50th Top-4 Finish. On course prizes went to Ken Westerman, Brian Lardin, Mike Attard, and Jeff Klipa. Low Gross went to Kline with a 76 as well as the mentioned fewest putts. Notables: Jeff Pasz, Tom Moran and Brian Pieszchala all had 7 birdies. Pieszchala in his 100th career start. The top contenders all had 6 birdies along with rookie Jeff Feikens. Feikens and fellow rookie Elizabeth Jolliffe finished in the money for the first time in their 6th starts. Westerman hit 11 fairways to 10 by Lardin and Tom W Litzler. Kline moves to 3rd in all-time Carrington winnings behind Chuck
Withey and long time event sponsor Jason Rectenwald. Greg gets his 27th Tour win in his 354th start.

Wilsey Jumpstarts Major Run with ACE
July 13/14, 2024 Brighton at Huron Meadows

Scott Wilsey broke open the momentum in a close 1st round match with #1 Seed Brian Lardin with an Ace on the 15th hole.  Scott won that match 1 Up and then rolled to a 5 & 4 win in the Quarterfinals over Chuck Withey. On Day 2 he took Rick Floyd 4 & 3 in the Semis and the title match 4 & 2 from Erika Fitzpatrick, who made the final for the 2nd year in row. The first round matches were evenly matched with all but one making the 17th hole or farther. Floyd had a good run with upset wins over Greg Kline and David Martin, the 2 winningest players in Match Play history.  Martin did win his opening match to get his 20th win in Match Play. The 3rd place match went to extra holes with Floyd prevailing over Chris Stalo. Stalo took Bill Gordon and former champ Kevin Gregoire to get to the semis before losing to Fitzpatrick. Gordon did top Willi Hesse in the consolation match to break the longest running Match Play losing streak at 10. Tim Markel lost in the Quarterfinals to Fitzpatrick but did manage to move to #5 in the all-time Match Play money list.  Wilsey came in as a 16th Seed for the 2nd year in a row and knocked off the #1 seed. He is the 3rd #16 to win the Match Play and first since Helen Puffenberger in 2016. Scotty moves to #1 on the Tour money list for 2024 with his 8th win and 1st Major win in 228 starts.




Match Play final four
Scott Wilsey, Rick Floyd, Erika Fitzpatrick, Chris Stalo



Scott Wilsey doing his lineman impression after his hole in one.
One hop 8 iron from 120.


This Month's Hook & Slice



Match Play Bracket




Withey Patriotic as an Eagle at RWB

Chuck 'The Closer' Withey captured his 3rd Eagle of the day on the 16th hole to out duel Chris Stalo to the finish.  Chuck shot a 6 under par 66 to Stalo's 5 under 67. Ken Westerman took 3rd at 4 under 68 and Kevin Gregoire tied Chris Dunmore for 4th at 3 under par 69. On course prizes went to Dunmore, Rick Floyd, Thomas Mulhern and Gary Thomas. The greens (and maybe the chipping?) were hot as 7 players scored 30 or less putts. Stalo led with 25 and Withey had 27. Both leaders had 11 putt nines, Withey on the front to build a lead and Stalo on the back to mount a charge. Westerman and David Martin hit 11 fairways and Westerman also tied Sponsor Greg Kline and Mulhern with 11 greens hit. Phillip Parent hit 10 greens. Mike Attard led with 7 birides and 5 players had 6. Dunmore scored his 30th Tour Top-4 finish. Stalo climbed to 5th in all-time RWB winnings while Chuck took the all-time lead in RWB winnings with his 17th Tour victory in his 331st start.


Closest to the Pin Winners Floyd, Thomas, C. Dumore and Mulhern


O'Neill Gets a Cool 2nd in a Row

Tommy Two-Gloves O'Neill won a horse race finish, shooting 6 under on the last 6 holes at Huron Meadows and edging out Tim Markel with an 18th hole eagle. Tommy shot and 8 under 64 to match the events lowest round shot by Brian Pieszchala in 2020.  Eric Birkle, Jeff Pasz, and Phil Parent tied for 3rd at 2 under par.  On course prizes went to Dave Oliver, Eric 'Smiley' Kiekbusch and Ryan Kiekbusch.  Birkle moved to #1 in all-time C Cool winnings while Market moved into 5th. Phil Parent got the season's first Albatross on the 18th hole to catapult into a Top-4 finish. Markel led with 28 putts and 8 birdies. Rod Theunissen had 7 birds and Stewart Levine 6.  O'Neill had 3 eagles for the day and cracks into the top 50 of the World Rankings with his 2nd Career Win in a week and his 6th start.  He shot his personal best round again, bettering his last week's total by 1 shot.


Big check in more ways than one goes to cancer research in honor of Chris Cooley.



Floyd a Few Cents Better
June 29, 2024 Shelby Twp at Stony Creek Metropark

Rick Floyd birdied the watery 17th hole, where many a golfer's hopes have drowned, to take the lead in the Fifty Cent Classic Saturday. His final Even Par 72 topped Chuck Withey by one shot. Tom Moran and Rich Dunmore tied for 3rd.  On course prizes went to Withey and Puffy.  Notables: Dunmore extended his all-time winnings lead in the event while Joe Brandenburg finished in the money to hold at 2nd all-time. Dunmore led with 30 putts and Tom Moran led with 12 fairways hit to Helen Puffenberger's 11.  Rick Floyd coins his 5th Tour win in 109 starts. 


O'Neill Shoots Best Round for Grail
June 23, 2024 Monroe at Sandy Creek

Tommy O'Neill shot a lifetime best round at Sandy Creek to win the Holy Grail with a record 9 under par 63. O'Neill bogeyed the first hole and then tossed a clean round the rest of the way including 4 birdies in his last 5 holes. Phillip Parent shot 5 under par 67 for 2nd, his 10th Top-4 finish on Tour. A tie for 3rd included Ryan Kiekbusch, Chris Stalo, Chuck Withey and Brian Pieszchala.  On course prizes went to Ryan Kiekbusch and Scott Wilsey, and Jeff Cubel earned the West Skins Game invitation. This is O'Neill's first Tour win in only his 5th start.



Attard Backs Up His Pros for 1st Win
June 22, 2024 Livonia at Fox Creek

Mike Attard played the best round of the field to and topped runner up Scott Wilsey by 1 shot, finishing with 2 birdies to Scott's 1.  Attard and his pros finished at 11 under par to Wilsey's 10 under. Corey McCue tied Chris Stalo for 3rd at 8 under par.  On course prizes went to Willi Hesse and Ned Loving.  Notables: Eric Kiekbusch hit 12 fairways. Greg Kline led with 32 putts and notched his 350th career start. Jeff Klipa and Kline both finished in the money to maintain their all-time #1 and #2 spots in Quad Tour winnings.  Mike gets his 1st Tour win in his 18th Tour start. 



Pro Day Standings of Quad Tour

Eric Kiekbusch Out Putts Puffenberger
June 21, 2024 Madison Heights at Red Oaks

Eric Kiekbusch sank a birdie putt on the 3rd playoff hole to take home the "Coolest Trophy in Golf". He and Helen Puffenberger tied at 14 points in the 5 hole 'shootout', 1 point ahead of John Ferlito and Scott Wilsey who tied for third. In the 94 degree heat, the preliminary round shootout qualifier ended with Puffenberger tied with Ferlito for medalist at even par 31 while Kiekbusch shot 2 over par 33 and Wilsey got the last spot at 3 over par 34. Puffenberger suffered a loss in her first career playoff, while Eric K has won 4 of his 5 victories (91 starts) in playoffs. Puff and Wilsey moved to a 3rd place tie in all-time Red Oaks winnings.


Westerman in God Father's Footsteps

Brian Lardin played steady for 2 rounds and got a key birdie on the water surrounded 17th in round 2 to out-duel Don Ward for a 2 under par(142) one shot win. Stewart Levine rode a 6 birdie-1 eagle 2nd round into 2nd place 1 under par (143). Don Ward took 3rd at Even par (144) and Chuck Withey was 4th with 1 over par (145). Helen Puffenberger led day 1 with a fine 5 under par round, but fell victim to two bad holes on day 2. She led round 1 with 9 birdies and Levine had 7.  Ken Westerman hit 13 fairways in round 1, followed by rookie Jeff Feikens with 12.  In round 2 Jeff Pasz led with 27 putts ahead of Lardin's remarkable 28.  Erika Fitzpatrick had 13 fairways and Eric Kiekbusch hit 12.  Lardin and Levine led with 6 birdies. Withey moved to 2nd in all-time HPO winnings, behind... Brian Lardin. Interestingly, Brian shot the same 2 under par score that won for him in 2018 at Lakes of Taylor by 12 shots in miserable weather.  Lardin got his 3rd HPO title and 4th major win and 11th Tour win in 151 starts.


Puffenberger Gets Strategic Sweep
June 7, 2024  Salem Twp at The Strategic Fox

Loving Edges Out Puffenberger at ESCC
June 2, 2024 Troy at Sylvan Glen

Ned Loving rode 5 back nine birdies, including the 18th hole, to a 2 under Par 69 and 1 shot win over Helen Puffenberger. Willi Hesse took 3rd at Even Par 71 and Ron Hiestand tied Chuck Withey for 4th at 1 over par 72. On course prize went to Puffenberger and Erika Fitzpatrick earned the Skins Game invitation. Hiestand, Commissioner Dunmore and Grant Goodspeed all had 30 putts. Scott Wilsey hit 10 fairways. Jeff Pasz, Fitzpatrick and Loving all had 6 birdies. Fitzpatrick notched a 50th Tour start milestone. Puffenberger moved to 5th in the all-time ESCC winnings list. Ned got his 5th Tour win in 171 starts.


The Charity Classic raised $307 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.



Doak Closes Strong at AAO
June 1, 2024 Farmington Hills

Ryan Doak got 2 of his 6 birdies on 16 & 17 to outrun Mike Geisser to the finish. Ryan took the first Alzheimer's Awareness Open with a 6 under Par 65. Geisser also recorded 6 birdies and 2 eagles on the way to 2nd place with 4 under par 67.  David Martin, event sponsor T. R. Litzler and a hard charging Jeff Cubel took 3rd at 3 under par 68. Cubel shot 28 on the back nine to come out of the field to a Top-4 finish. On course prizes went to Brian Pieszchala, Lance Evert, Mike Bidigare and Martin took 2. Other prizes included low putts (30) Martin, Greg Kline and Jeff Feikens. High putts to John Ferlito and low gross score David Martin (74). Other notables: Martin and Jeff Klipa also made 6 birdies, Young Tom Litzler hit 12 greens with Martin and Ferlito hit 10. Geisser notches his 10th 2nd place finish on Tour and moved to 4th on the all-time winnings list for the combined Farmington Hills events. On a course that is known for giving up low scores, Ryan shot a personal best 79 gross. Doak moves into the top 50 of the World Rankings with his 2nd win in his 23rd start. Interestingly Ryan has 2 Top-4 Finishes - both wins.


First Depost for the New Sponsors!

May 25, 2024 South Lyon at Cattails GC

Jeff Pasz earned his first Strokes on a Rope title Saturday with a birdie one-putt on the 4th playoff hole.  He beat Rich Dunmore 7 to 8 in the playoff after each player finished at 3-over 75 at Cattails Golf Club - home to the SoaR since 2000.  

Helen Puffenberger birdied the tough 17th hole to get to a record 5 under Par 49 and hold off former champ Kevin Gregoire at the Par 54. Puff has dominated the decade of the '20's in the event, this giving her 3 of the last 4 titles.

Mark Lindeman strung 4 birdies in a row on the back nine to pull away from the field and get his 1st Tour win in the inaugural Irish Open.  His 5 under par 66 topped the 1 under par 70's of Grant Goodspeed, Ron Hiestand and Helen Puffenberger who tied for 2nd. The event included a Pot o' Gold of prizes that included: Closest-to-Pin Goodspeed, Jeff Klipa, Puffenberger, Hiestand and Don Jones; Chip-ins Hiestand, Stewart Levine, and Kurt Klinker; Low-Putts Hiestand; Low Gross Goodspeed; Long Drive Greg Paddison; High Gross Klinder and 2nd low net to Hiestand, Puffenberger and Goodspeed.  Puffenberger notched her 250th start on Tour. Don Ward hit 12 greens and Goodspeed 10.  Joe Brandenburg and Puffenberger logged 6 birdies and Lindeman sunk 9 birdies for the win, his 1st in his 18th start.



Gregoire Gets 2nd Dudlee's Win

Like a dog with a bone, Kevin Gregoire birdied 3 of the last 4 holes to win the dog race to the finish with Chris Stalo at Dudlee's Plymouth Open. Kevin finished with 4 under par 66 to Chris' 2 under 68.  Old Dog Tom Litizler took 3rd at 1 under par. Greg Kline, Tim Markel and host Jeff Graunke took 4th at Even par.  On Course prizes went to Ryan Kiekbusch, with a fine 200 yd+ shot, Rick Floyd, Rod "The Tuna" Theunissen and Rookie Brian Scherrer. Ken Westerman led the field with 28 putts, Chuck Withey carded 6 birdies and Mike Prieskorn hit 10 greens. Kline moved to 2nd in the all-time Dudlee's winnings list behind Rich Dunmore.  Both Markel and Gregoire posted milestones of their 50th Top 4 Finish on Tour. Gregoire moved into the top 16 in the World Rankings by getting his 16th Tour win in 225 starts.


A record $660 donated to Leader Dogs for the Blind.  Dudlee has raised $4655 for Leader Dogs and a total of over $7000 for animal friendly groups since 2010.


Mulhern Ties to Win

Thomas Mulhern birdied the 17th hole to gain a tie with Mark Lindeman at Cherry Creek.  It turned out that was enough for victory as Lindeman was unable to stay for the playoff. Though the hearty souls in the gallery were disappointed at missing out on a thrilling competition, they were also happy to be inside drinking beer. Everybody wins!  Thomas and Mark shot 1 under Par 71.  3rd place tie went to Chris Dunmore, Bill Gordon and Joe Brandenburg at 2 over par. On course prizes went to Gordon and Mulhern. Notables: Rich Dunmore led with 29 putts to finish in the money. Mike Geisser had 3 eagles to also finish in the money. Greg Paddison had 7 birdies (in the money) and Lindeman had 6. Helen Puffenberger hit 11 fairways while Gregg Nothdurft and Mulhern hit 10. Paddison and Mulhern hit 11 greens. Tim Markel made his 300th career start, the 8th player in Tour history to make that milestone. Gordon and Nothdurft moved to 4th and 5th in all-time Cherry Creek winnings. Scott Wilsey still leads.  Mulhern moved up 11 spots in the World Rankings to #31.  This is his 5th Tour win in 60 starts.


Cubel and Stalo Bust out to Major Win

Chris Stalo and Jeff Cubel broke fast from the gate(way) on derby weekend. They birdied 6 of the first 7 holes and kept a clean card on the back nine, then sweated out final hole challengers for the Major victory. The winners posted a record tying 8 under par 64.  After finishing 3rd for 3 years in a row, Paul and Phil Parent were able to move up to 2nd this year with a 7 under par 65.  3 teams posted 6 under par 66 to tie for 3rd place including Scott Wilsey and Brian Lardin, Gregg Nothdurft and Rod Theunissen, and Chris Dunmore and Erika Fitzpatrick. Tommy O'Neill and Bryan Wessel Jr. finished in the money for the first time in their budding careers in only their 3rd and 4th starts. On course prizes went to John Ferlito and Justin McCue. Last year's winner Willi Hesse achieved the milestone of 250 Tour starts. Brian Lardin got his 10th 3rd Place finish of his career. This year's field set a tournament record with 19 teams finishing in red numbers.  Jeff Cubel moves up 22 spots in the World Rankings and is in contention for a Match Play Championship berth. He also takes back the season money list lead.  The winner's tied the record low score set by Chuck Withey and Chris Cooley in 2015 and tied by Jeff Klipa and Mike Prieskorn in 2016.  It is Cubel's 2nd win and 1st Major win in his 66th start. Stalo validates with his 2nd Major Title and 4th Tour win in 48 starts.





Rookie Levine Gets 1st Tour Win

Rookie Stewart Levine birdied his final hole, the 16th, to take the Chelsea Classic by 1 stroke at Even Par. Helen Puffenberger tied Scott Wilsey and Paul Parent for 2nd place at 1 over Par 73. On course prizes went to Mike Bidigare and Bill Gordon, the clear highlight of their days as both were playing their first rounds of the year. Rick Floyd hit a milestone of his 100th Tour start.  Tom W Litzler moved to #2 in all-time Chelsea $ won and Eric Birkle moves to #3. Birkle also led the field with 28 putts while Ryan Kiekbusch, Wilsey, yesterday's winner Corey McCue, and Erika Fitzpatrick all hit 10 greens. Eric Kiekbusch and Dave Oliver each hit 10 fairways.  Levine credited his win to knowing the course from many rounds there with his company's events.  Levine moved up 18 spots in the World Rankings to #61 with his 1st win in only 5 starts on Tour.


Corey McCue Gets 2nd Sparty

Young Tom Litzler made his 2024 Tour debut at the Sparty in mid-season form. He birdied his final hole, the 15th, to gain a regulation tie with Corey McCue at 1 under Par 71.  But in the playoff, McCue prevailed by 1 shot to take his 2nd Sparty Classic Title. This is the 3rd straight year the Sparty has been decided by a playoff. Eric Birikle took 3rd at Even par and Erika Fitzpatrick took 4th at 2 over par 74.  Tom W. Litzler took the on course prize and Connor Duncan earned the Skins Game invite.  This is the 10th time  T. R. Litzler has finished 2nd on Tour. Greg Paddison led the field with 28 putts. McCue, T.R., Don Jones and Zach Palmer led with 11 greens hit and Chuck Withey hit 10.  Scott Wilsey hit 10 fairways. McCue moves to #2 in the Sparty all-time money list behind Commissioner Dunmore. Corey's win also decisively retakes the #1 World Ranking spot, which he ceded to Erika Fitzpatrick last August.  This is his 13th Tour victory in his 146th start.   

Greg Kline Wins 4th Tin Cup Title

David Martin birdied 2 of his last 3 holes to gain a regulation tie at 2 over par 74 with Greg Kline, who had led most the Tin Cup back nine. In an eventful 4 hole aggregate playoff, Kline took the lead with a birdie on the 1st, only to give it back with bogey on the 2nd hole. But a bogey for Martin on the 3rd hole proved fatal and Kline was able to par the last for victory.  With the win Kline tied the Tour mark of 4 victories in the same event, matched only by...Greg Kline, also a 4 time winner of the Tour Championship.  This is also the 3rd Kline win of the Tin Cup in 4 years, with son Noah having won last year. Phillip Parent took 3rd at 3 over par 75 and Gregg Nothdurft, John Raymond and yesterday's winner Tom W Litzler all tied at 4 over par 76 for 4th place. On course prize went to Rich Dunmore while Paul Parent earned the 1st Skins Game invitation of the year.  Tim Markel and Mike Prieskorn led the field with 27 putts while Raymond had 28. Helen Puffenberger led with 13 fairways hit while Ken Westerman and Tom Carroll had 12.  Greg becomes the 2nd cagy veteran with over 300 Tour starts to win this weekend, posting his 26th win in his 341st start.


Charity donation to Gleaner's


Tom Litzler Tames the Animal House

Tom W Litzler gathered 2 birdies of his 3 on the day on the final two holes to post a 2 over par 74 and then outlast Greg Kline and Jeff Cubel who finished T-2 at 4 over par 76.  Commissioner Tyler Floyd finished 4th at 5 over par 77.  On course prizes went to new rookies Connor Duncan and Stewart Levine. Gregg Nothdurft finished in the money to pad his all-time money winnings lead at the Animal House Classic. Litzler and Kline moved up in the Animal House all-time ranks to 4th and 5th in money won. Kline led the field with 29 putts. Helen Puffenberger led with 12 fairways while Kevin Gregoire and Eric Kiekbusch had 11.  In the traditional Zoo Animal Playoff, Chuck Withey outlasted Mike Geisser after 3 extra holes. Litzler and Jeff Cubel also made the Zoo putt off but bowed out after the regulation 4 holes.  Litzler gets his 11th Tour win in his 303rd career start. He jumps 10 spots in the World Rankings to #25.



Hesse Takes Candy from a Baby

Willi Hesse dominated the field at the Sweet Sixteen Sunday. Willi opened with 4 birdies in the first 5 holes and then went birdie-birdie-eagle on 9, 10 and 11 to pull away for a 7-Under Par 16 hole score. Ron Hiestand took 2nd at Even Par and Chris Stalo tied Chuck Withey for 3rd at 1-over Par.  On course prizes went to Hiestand and Gregg Nothdurft. Nancy Hiestand reached a milestone of 50 Tour starts. Eric Birkle led with 30 putts and Don Ward hit 11 greens.  For Willi this is his 8th Tour win in his 248th start. He also logged his 40th Top-4 Finish on Tour.


Pine View Won by a 2nd McCue!

Justin McCue got his 2nd Tour win and became the 2nd McCue to win at Pine View.  Justin played a Scheffler-like steady round, staying within one shot up or down of his final Even Par score, and watched his challengers fade. Jeff Cubel fell victim to the Pines and finished 2nd at 4 over Par, with Don Ward and Rick Floyd tying for 3rd at 5 over Par.  On Course prizes went to Erika Fitzpatrick, Cubel, Scott Wilsey and Tyler Floyd who also made his debut as West Division Commissioner. Ward led with 30 putts, Rick Floyd and Erik Kiekbusch let with 11 fairways and Ryan Kiekbusch had 11 Greens.  For Justin McCue, his 2nd Tour win came in his 26th start.  Justin may be the farthest traveling member of the Tour. He plays 6 to 7 events a year out of Midland Michigan.


Charity check presentation.


Q-School 2 Cool and Successful

Tyler Floyd is the new West Division Commissioner.  He replaces Corey who did a great job for the last 4 years. We appreciate all that Corey did.   Congratulate Tyler next time you see him.  We are glad to have Tyler as commissioner. 

We have also added Erika Fitzpatrick to the MT Marketing and Blogger Team. She has created an InstaGram site and the QRS Code will direct you to the page so you can follow it and interact with the MT.  She will talk about upcoming events and offer “Look back in History” during the season.

This next weekend is Easter weekend starting with Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.   Thursday night is the deadline to register for Q School event on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday April 7.  These are good events for new member to get 2 of their 3 rounds needed to get a temporary handicap.  They are also good events for the returning members to knock some winter rust off the game and get back out and swing clubs in a competitive environment. 

I will all who sign up for Q School and look forward to seeing everyone. 

We are down to 3 weeks until the start of the 2024 season with Q School 1 and 2 on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7.  Those of you looking to knock some rust off the game from a winter layover and new members looking to kick start you handicap process the Q School events are a great to build on your 2024 season.  Several ways to register Entry@mulligantour.com and via Mulligantour.golfclub.net as Brian starts adding the schedule into the software website. 

Several changes in the schedule this year due to conflicts and an extra weekend between Memorial Day and July 4^th based on July 4^th falling on a Thursday.  Par 54 is on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend as Strategic Fox has an outing on Friday, May 31.  So, Fox Hunt moved up to Friday, June 7 and Par 54 moved back to Friday, May 24.  We are also going to play the Sr Open on the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend so Father’s can spend Sunday with the Family.

Fifty Cent was moved up in the schedule so that we can hold Match play the weekend after RWB which is on Sunday, July 7^th.   A lot of the schedule is booked and course are increasing prices again in 2024.  The course continue to see more people playing since the 2020 season.  

Reminder that the 2024 annual membership fees are due and if you register and pay by March 25 the annual membership fee is only $120.  After March 25 the fee is $140.  Please send in your membership application and pay your 2024 membership fee.

I will send out another notice next week to remind everyone of the registration deadline for Q School is Thursday, March 28.

Thanks

Chuck

We are quickly approaching the start of the 2024 Season.  It is time to register for the 2024 Season.  Attached is the 2024 application and you can also find a copy on the MT website.  Please fill it out and return.

chaswithey@outlook.com

The Annual Dues remain the same for 2024.  The deadline for early registration and discounted Membership dues is March 25^th.   Payments can be made via Check to our PO Box, Zelle or PayPal.  If you need help setting up Zelle or PayPal reach to me and I will assist.

I will be sending out a Start of the Season email in the next 2 weeks. 

Looking forward to seeing all of you during season. 

Thanks,  Chuck