BOYNE FALLS – Joe Juszczyk of Dearborn Heights made a six-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a three-way sudden-death playoff to win the 32nd Tournament of Champions at Boyne Mountain Resort Wednesday.
The 2023 Hall Financial Michigan Open champion and PGA Tour Americas player shot a final 4-under 68 on the Alpine course for 11-under 205 and was tied at the end of regulation play with Michigan Golf Hall of Fame member Tom Werkmeister of Hudsonville, who closed with a 69, and the 2022 and ’23 Michigan PGA Professional champion Kyle Martin of Grosse Pointe Woods and the Lochmoor Club, who shot a final 67.
The playoff was conducted on the par 5 18th hole, and each of three had birdie putts after reaching the green in three shots. Martin missed from about 15 feet, Werkmeister from nine feet and Juszczyk made his to win.
He earned $11,000 from the $75,000 purse, will have his name added to the Al Watrous Trophy, and was awarded a traditional green dinner jacket as a new lifetime member of the Country Club of Boyne, all in his first visit to the unique championship that brings together men, women, professionals, amateurs, seniors and juniors – all who have won significant Michigan championships – playing for the same title from different tee positions.
His win in the 2023 Hall Financial Michigan Opened earned him the spot in the field of 110 champions.
“This is a tournament I wanted to play in for so long, and to finally get the opportunity and then to win my first time, I just feel super fortunate and excited about it,” he said.
Juszczyk just missed an eagle-putt on 18 to win in regulation, but the resulting tap-in birdie put him in the playoff.
Werkmeister, who shot 64 in the first round and was tied for the lead through two rounds, just missed an eight-foot birdie putt in regulation play on 18 to win.
And Martin, like Werkmeister, had a collection of close-call birdie putts over the last few holes that might have won the tournament.
“I had my chances,” Martin said. “I played really well, got in front for a while, but Joe played great all day and in the middle of the round he got hot and made some really great shots.”
Werkmeister lamented missing birdie putts inside 10 feet on 16 and 18 in regulation play, and again missing in the playoff.
“Bad strokes, nerves, I just didn’t handle the pressure,” he said. “This is a tough one to swallow. Pretty bummed. I had some easy chances and didn’t do it. Joe handled the pressure and made the putt at the end.”
James Piot, most recently an LIV Tour player who is headed to the Asian Tour, had his chances to make the playoff, too. He shot a final 69 for 206, one shot out of the mix.
Mini-tour player Grant Haefner of Bloomfield Hills shot 68 for 207 to finish fifth.
The 2024 Hall Financial Michigan Open champion, Eric Lilleboe of Okemos, shot 69 for 208, and also finishing at 208 was Tim Pearce, the head golf professional at Birmingham Country Club, who shot a closing 72.
Juszczyk, who doesn’t watch scoreboards to avoid distraction, said he was surprised to have the playoff chance.
“I got a great opportunity, and it feels great to come through and execute shots,” he said. “Everybody here is a champion. They’ve won something to earn their way here. Tom (Werkmeister), you know he’s won a million things, and Kyle (Martin) is probably the best player in the (Michigan Section PGA). Winning in a playoff feels great. It was definitely nerve-wracking but I’m so excited I was able to execute down the stretch and in the playoff.”
Juszczyk, 37 and a 14-year touring pro, is headed back to the PGA Tour of Americas and Korn Ferry Qualifying this winter and is now engaged to Lynnsey Nagy. He said he was not playing well coming into the week but was happy that he made the trip.
“Hopefully this will be some momentum for the rest of the year,” he said.
Three players tied for low amateur honors at 210 and tied for 10th place overall. They were Charles DeLong of DeWitt and Texas Tech, who shot a final 68, recent Michigan Amateur champion McCoy Biagioli of White Lake and Ferris State, who shot 68, and John Quigley of Sterling Heights, who shot 70.
The top finishing female player in the field was Epson Tour player Sarah White of Caledonia, who shot a final 68 for 213 and a tie for 21st. Mike Raymond of Jackson was the low senior amateur in the field. He shot 73 for 218 and a tie for 37th.
ABOUT BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT: Boyne Mountain has been a favorite Midwest destination since 1948. The family-owned, four-season resort has earned Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor, and has been recognized by Conde Nast Traveler readers as being among the top 50 Best Places to Ski and Stay in North America. The water park is listed among Budget Travel’s Top 10 Indoor facilities and the resort is a readers’ choice favorite of Spa Magazine. Boyne Mountain recently added Skybridge Michigan to their list of attractions, the world’s longest timber suspension bridge spanning over 1100 feet sitting 120 feet over the valley floor. Boyne Mountain is home to The Alpine and The Monument golf courses, as well as 60 runs on 415 skiable acres. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, Solace Spa, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, Zipline Adventures, disc golf facilities, lift-serviced mountain biking, beach activities, kids’ programs, lodging, meeting, and wedding facilities as well as real estate are offered at the resort.
BOYNE Golf includes a collection of 10 courses at Michigan three resorts, The Highlands, Boyne Mountain Resort and the Inn at Bay Harbor, located within 15 miles of Petoskey. Beyond the world-class golf, BOYNE Golf is centered amid one of America’s most beautiful vacation spots. The scenic Lake Michigan beach towns of Charlevoix, Harbor Springs and Petoskey are minutes away, and a side trip to Mackinac Island is easily managed. Guests can enjoy award-winning spas, waterfront dining, sandy beaches, watersports, gaming, microbreweries, wineries, hiking, biking, tennis, zip-lining, shopping and more capped by the spectacular northern Michigan sunsets. For more information on BOYNE Golf, visit www.BOYNEgolf.com.
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