First Rookie Win Goes to Dad
Shelby Twp (Cherry Creek)
It is early in the season, but the Rookie of the Year competition is shaping up to be a father-son contest! Last week Son Ryan finished 2nd at the Chelsea Classic and this week Dad Erik Kiekbusch took the first rookie win of the year at Cherry Creek! Eric navigated the tricky Cherry Creek course with an eagle and 3 birdies, the most important one on the 18th hole to secure 1 shot victory with a 2 under par 70. Gregg Nothdurft and Mike Geisser both had hopes of a playoff after missing birdie putts on the 18th, but had to settle for a 2nd place tie at 71. Chuck Withey took 4th place at even par and kept his streak going, having finished ‘in the money’ in all 7 events this season. Eric tried not to Leaderboard watch, but knew his last putt was important because of the gallery gathered around the 18th hole to watch. Eric’s first win comes in only his 5th Tour start and vaults him up the World Rankings 22 spots to 54th. It was a good day for rookies as Grant Goodspeed and John Ferlito also finished in the money for their first Tour winnings. On course prize went to Chris Cooley and Ron Hiestand nipped Bill Gordon by 7 feet for the first Skins Game qualifier in the East Division.
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