This year’s Roy Wilson District Challenge was played at the beautiful Persimmon Woods Golf
Club. The weather was great and the course was in great shape as well. Twenty-four of the
twenty-five District teams teed it up for this year’s event for some great competition, playing at
about 6150 yards, par 70.
The Professionals played a scratch Stableford method in their competition. Eric Ratzlaff, from
the Host facility, Persimmon Woods Golf Club, came out victorious in the championship, scoring
46 points and shooting a sizzling 65, (5 under par). (Home field advantage paid off today!!)
Quincy’s Jon Roberson, finished second with 42 points and Jimmy Bals from Forest Hills
Country Club finished 3rd with 41 points.
In the Superintendent Division, the competitors played a Net Stableford competition, based on
80% of their playing handicap. Chad Fetter from Bogey Hills Country Club captured this year’s
title, scoring 41 points, just beating Quincy’s Tim Salazar at 38 points and St. Louis Country
Club’s Tim Burch with 37 points.
In the Team Competition, St. Clair Country Club captured their first Challenge
Championship. This year’s team consisted of Head Golf Professional Dennis Bierdentein,
District Rep Russ Hogue, Paul Lowery and Rick Crosby. The team shot a two best ball (net)
score of 124.
The second place team, Old Hickory Golf Club was 2 shots back with 126 points.
Old Hickory’s team consisted of Head Golf Professional Kyle Williams (who won the
Professional event in last year’s Challenge), Superintendent Matt Hedges, new District Rep Joe
Richardson, and Steve Mitchell. The 3rd Place team was from Algonquin Golf Club. They
finished 4 shots behind with 128 points. The Algonquin team consisted of Director of Golf Brett
Moomey, Superintendent Wayne Viers, District Rep and current District President Tom Moore,
and Randy Graham.
On a side note, Round of the Day goes to Scotty McClellan, District Rep Winghaven Country
Club, with a 6 under par 64. Great Round Scotty!
Many thanks to Partner/GM/Director of Golf Ben Kent, Head Golf Professional Eric Ratzlaff,
Superintendent Nick Scheible and the entire Persimmon Woods staff for hosting this year’s
event, The appetizers following play were excellent, as was the course and the service
provided. And thanks to all who participated.