Petersen claims first city title

Published 8:34 am Tuesday, August 12, 2008

There wasn’t much that was going to stop Andy Petersen Sunday at Green Lea Golf Course in the city championship.

Petersen won his first championship with the help of four eagles on the day. Petersen carded eagles on Nos. 3, 10, 12 and 17 to deny Phil Schimdt a chance of winning four consecutive titles.

“It was a lot of fun,” Petersen said. “Any time you can beat him, you know it was a good day.”

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Petersen held a two-shot advantage over Schmidt with two holes to play. Schmidt made a birdie on No. 17, but Peterson trumped him with an eagle on the 26th hole of the competition. Peterson finished with 27-hole total of 102 while Schmidt shot 106 with Mike Nelson and Chris Baas finishing tied for third with 111.

“It feels great,” Petersen said. “There are a lot of good players in this town, there are a lot of other guys that are great players.”

Petersen had a solid day around the green, sinking a few 15-footers that allowed him to score and distance himself from the field.

“Just one of those day where I hit the ball well,” Petersen said. “It was a real relaxed round of golf.”

Up next for Petersen is the MPGA Publinks tournament this weekend at Chaska Town Course. Following that he will play in the MGA Four-Ball Championship at Hillcrest Golf Club Aug. 18-20.

Kelli Hanson won the women’s championship with a round of 82, edging out Val Nicolaus by one stroke. Jill Westney finished third with an 84.

Hanson, Nicolaus and Westney all shot 43 on the front, before Hanson pulled away down the stretch.

Hanson gave herself a two stroke lead after No. 11 and she was able to weather a comeback effort from both Nicolaus and Westney. After giving up a stroke on No. 12 Hanson responded with a with a par on No. 13 while her competitors had bogeys.

Hanson maintained a one stroke lead for the win.