BOYNE FALLS – One charged, and one stayed the same.
The charger was Tim Pearce, an assistant professional at Birmingham Country Club, and staying the same was Michigan Golf Hall of Famer Tom Werkmeister of Hudsonville.
They were tied for the lead through two rounds of the 32nd Tournament of Champions on the Alpine course at Boyne Mountain Resort Tuesday after Pearce shot a 5-under 67 for 8-under 137, and Werkmeister shot even-par 72 on the heels of a first-round 64 for 137.
“I thought I played well yesterday, except for a few mistakes, so I just went with the same game plan today and played a solid round,” Pearce said. “It’s great to be tied for the lead and I’m looking forward to tomorrow and trying my best to win.”
Werkmeister, 56 and both a Michigan Open and two-time Michigan Amateur winner, said he felt like he threw away an opportunity.
“I’m not happy because I thought I could have at least shot under par,” he said. “I just wasn’t sharp. I had four lip-outs, one a 360 lip-out. I got some good breaks yesterday, but none today, and I opened the door for everybody.”
Among the everybody getting into the mix at one shot off the lead was James Piot of Canton, the 2021 U.S. Amateur winner and former LIV Tour player, who shot 66 for 137.
He was joined there by 2023 Hall Financial Michigan Open champion Joe Juszczyk of Dearborn, who shot 67, and Bradley Smithson of Grand Rapids, a former teammate of Piot’s at Michigan State University and the 2021 Michigan Open champion, who shot 68.
Kyle Martin of Lochmoor Club, the 2022 and 2023 Michigan PGA Professional Champion, shot 69 and was at 138, two shots off the lead.
And an impressive foursome was also at 139, including 2024 Hall Financial Michigan Open champion Eric Lilleboe of Okemos, who shot 71, Grant Haefner of Bloomfield Hills, who shot 68, Connor Jones of Shelby Township, who shot 71 and amateur Dan Ellis of South Bend, Ind., a former Michigan State University assistant golf coach and Piot’s former LIV caddie, who tied Piot for the low round of the day with a 66.
Pearce said saving a par from behind the green at No. 11, a par 3 with a sloping green, saved his round.
“That was the biggest shot of the day,” he said. “I made some good swings and some good putts coming in and have a chance tomorrow. That’s what I wanted.”
Piot, who played the last two years the LIV Tour and has Asian Tour status, where he is headed next week, eagled the par 5 8th hole to key his round. He reached in two shots and made a 12-foot putt, and then climbed into the race on the back nine with birdies on five of the last seven holes. This is his first time ever playing the Alpine course.
“I caught fire a little bit and shot myself back into it,” he said. “I think I’ve done a good job of figuring the greens out, which is everyone’s issue out here. I definitely like how the course fits my game. I can hit a lot of wedges, so tomorrow I just want to give myself as many birdie looks as possible.”
A cut to the low 60 scores and ties was at 5-over 149 in the unique tournament 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.
A field of 61 golfers will play Wednesday’s final round. With a two-tee start (1 and 10) the leaders will tee off at 9:40 a.m. off No. 1. The purse is $75,000 with the winner taking home a check of $11,000.
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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