Advertisement
Williamson, a veteran left-handed golfer from Holmen, Wis., shot even-par 70 to grab first place in Championship Flight in the Three Rivers Golf Association Fox Hollow Open at Fox Hollow Golf Course in Barre Mills, Wis.
 |
Paul Williamson |
Tyler Leis of Eau Claire, Wis., and Randy Burkhardt, a pro from Oanlaska, Wis., shared second place at 71. Defending champion Joe Hightower of La Crosse finished far down the list at 78.
“I had issues today,” said the affable Hightower. “I had three good birdie putts on the first three holes — from five feet, five feet and 10 feet — and missed all three of them.”
The TRGA opener was originally scheduled on Saturday, but rain and unplayable course conditions forced the one-day postponement. However, the 24-hour delay had little effect on Williamson.
“I played pretty well,” said Williamson, who shot 1-under 34 on the front side and 1-over 36 on the back nine.
Williamson collected eight pars and one birdie, a 6-foot putt on the par-5, sixth hole, on the front nine. He birdied the 11th hole with a 30-foot putt and almost had an eagle on the par-4, 13th when he came within one inch thanks to an almost perfect lob wedge shot.
“There was no break in that one-inch birdie putt,” Williamson said, laughing moments after his round.
However, Williamson wasn’t laughing or smiling after the 17th and 18th holes, his only bogeys of the day.
“Hit ’em in the water on both holes,” he said, shaking his head.
Williamson and Hightower both praised the Fox Hollow course.
“There’s lots of grass and the greens have good speed,” Williamson said. “The course was really good.”
Other scores
Men’s first flight: Don Nontelle, La Crosse, 38-35— 73
Men’s second flight: Daniel Von Ruden, La Farge, 36-39—75
Men’s third flight: Tim Peterson, Onalaska, 42-36—78
Men’s fourth flight: Paul Finch, Genoa, 41-43—84
Men’s fifth flight: Patrick Rice, Fountain City, 40-47—87
Women’s championship flight: Linda Mills, Onalaska, 39-44—83
Women’s flighted: Sue Rieland, Onalaska, 47-46—93 67
