With division races winding down, the Premier Bank Classic at the Meadows Golf Club always marks a pivotal point in the DAJT season. Located at one of the toughest courses in the state, only the best and most improved players are able to secure victories in their respective age groups. Conditions were perfect for scoring, but the difficult crown greens were rendered even more treacherous due to the recently dry conditions.
Max Naumann regained his early season form with a terrific round of 76. He won the Boys 16-18 division, edging Jax and Davis Stelzer’s rounds of 77. The top three was comprised exclusively of West Dubuque players, a telling sign of what’s ahead for the Bobcats. Naumann springs back into contention for the points lead with the win. He spoke of his strengths fitting well with the course. “My driver wasn’t great today, but I was dialed 100 yards and in and putted it well. The greens are difficult here but I play here quite a bit so I knew what to expect,” said the West Dubuque product.
Hannah Fangmann won the Girls 16-18 division with a solid round of 85. Just behind were Maddy Streicher’s 89 and Parker Stout’s 98. Fangmann was flanked by each of her competitors after the round after Streicher and Stout had to leave before final results were totaled. “My wedges were on point today and that really helped with the tough day putting,” said Fangmann of her round. “Honestly, I’m happy I get to share it with these girls because it’s one of our last few tournaments and it’s so much fun being out here.”
Will Coohey won by a stroke in the Boys 14-15 division, shooting a 79. He edged Brock Wilson’s 80 and Jackson Webber’s 82. Coohey spoke of the tough conditions and his hopes for the uncertain high school season. “Conditions were definitely against my high ball flight, but I found a way to score when things aren’t always going my way,” said Coohey. “For the high school season, I know we’ve progressed since last year, but we just need four solid scores to make a push at state,” said the Wahlert standout.
Katelyn Vaassen edged out McKenna Stackis and Ava Kalb in the Girls 14-15 division. Her round of 88 cleared Stackis’ 89 and Kalb’s 99. “Today wasn’t my best but I’m always happy to get the win,” said the Wahlert product. “Going forward, I just need to focus on having more fun with it and relaxing during tournaments. That’s when I play my best.” The win puts Vaassen in control in the points race.
Ben Dolter captured victory in the Boys 12-13 division with his 42, all but clinching the overall points lead. He was followed by Tyler Skritich’s 44 and Bock Mueller’s 46. All three place winners voiced their delight in playing challenging courses and competing with friends. “The pins were tough today, but it’s fun to play a difficult course and do your best,” said Mueller. “I thought conditions were great today and we just had to go out and play well,” said Dolter. “I think the best part of the tour overall is trying to win and playing with my friends,” said Skritich.
Cece Ball won the Girls 12-13 division with a round of 48. She was followed by Natalie Fangmann’s 55. The duo has played in nearly every event together, and they have cultivated a friendship both on and off the course. “It’s fun to know that you’re going to laugh and have a good time during the tournament,” said Fangmann. “The wind was tough and putting was more difficult today, but it was nice being able to play with Natalie,” said Ball.
Callan Martineau picked up a victory at his home course in the Boys 10-11 division. His 38 bested Reid Herrig’s 49 and Bryce Carroll’s 51. “It’s definitely nice to win here because this is where I practice and it shows that the hard work is paying off. Even when I made a double-bogey, I never got down and kept playing,” said Martineau.
Addie Splinter captured yet another win in the Girls 10-11 division with her round of 48. She edged Kayleigh Smith’s 49 and Elin Mueller’s 52. Splinter has shown great improvement all summer, capturing multiple DAJT victories. “I spend a lot of time on it, and I practice almost every day. My putting is better and I’m seeing what hard work can do,” said the determined Splinter.
Regular season DAJT play wraps up with the rescheduled Eagle Ridge North Course event on August 4th. After its conclusion, points standings will be finalized, and the field will be set for the Fidelity Ryder Cup event at Thunder Hills Country Club. Follow our website and Facebook page for additional updates!