Hansen & Paddison Class of Field
David Hansen took his 2nd Memorial title in 3 years, this time with this year’s top rookie Gregg Paddison, who becomes the Tour’s 20th player to make a Major his first win. The pair started on the 10th hole and played their ‘front’ nine with 4 birdies and added 5 on the course’s front 9 including 4 in a row to pull away from the pack. Their 8 under 64 tied the event record set in 2015 by the defending champs Chuck Withey and Chris Cooley, and matched the following year by current World #1 Jeff Klipa and former #1 Mike Prieskorn. John Raymond and Helen Puffenberger finished 2nd with a 6 under 66. Eric Birkle and Joe Robar teamed for 3rd at 67 -5, and Ned Loving and Jeff Pasz were 4th at 4 under par 68. Paddison’s effort vaults him into the Top 50 of the Tour World Rankings after only 8 events, moving to 44th. For Hansen it is his 3 Tour win and 2nd Major in 31 starts. Paddison moves to #2 on the Money List. And in the fight for World #1 Jeff Kipa and Gregg Nothdurft fought to a draw on the course and Klipa remains #1 by decimals.