Strayer holds on to win
Logan County Open
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Matt Strayer watches the flight of one of his shots Saturday during
the final round of the 2007 Logan County Open at Tree Links Golf
Course.
Matt Strayer, left, receives the trophy Saturday for winning the
2007 Logan County Open from last year’s winner, Jay Knight, at Tree
Links Golf Course.
EXAMINER PHOTOS | DOUG LOEHR
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By Aaron LaBatt
Bellefontaine Examiner Staff Writer
07/30/07
Broken hand and all, Matt Strayer gritted through the
pain to claim the Logan County Open championship Saturday.
Strayer, who led entering the final round with a two-shot
lead, shot a 73 Saturday at Tree Links Golf Course for a total score of
211.
The Riverside High School graduate and member of the
Malone College golf team shot a first-round score of 69 at Liberty Hills
Golf Club and followed it up with another 69 in the second round at Cherokee
Hills.
Strayer held a two-shot lead over defending champ Jay
Knight and Shawn Bechtel who both held 140s. Knight and Bechtel each went
on to score a 74 in Saturday’s final round and tied for second place with
final scores of 214.
“It feels like a lot of hard work paid off,” said Strayer.
“This tournament is a big deal to me. I’ve played with Perry (Kauppinen),
Jay and Shawn before and there are a lot of great golfers playing. So,
to be the champion is an amazing feeling.”
Winning the title was a great feeling for Strayer,
but not without a little bit of pain. Strayer broke his hand just prior
to beginning of the tournament. Despite the injury, he played through
the first two rounds and climbed atop the standings. He was then cleared
by his doctor to play the final round last week.
“I had to take a couple days off last week because it
was hurting,” said Strayer. “But after I took those days off and played,
it just got stronger. It did bother me a couple times while I was playing
Saturday. I just had to block out the pain because I knew if I thought
about it, it would affect me.”
Strayer shot an even par 36 on the front nine and 37
on the back nine.
“I didn’t get off to the best start,” said Strayer.
“We were deadlocked through six holes. But I think hole 7 was the biggest
turning point of the day. I hit a chip down the hill by the trees and
it just kind of trickled onto the green for an eagle. That really boosted
my confidence and I began to play solid.
“It was real close at times and it could have gone to
anyone. All the competitors did a great job and there were times when
Perry gave us a run for our money. I had a real great time playing with
Shawn and Jay. I really enjoyed their play and I wanted to commend them
on how they played.”
Kauppinen finished fourth overall with a final score
of 219 and Dave Linville was fifth with a 225.
Andy Garlock won A Flight with a final score of 235
in a playoff, Max Bixler won B Flight with a final score of 228 and Jessica
Haley won C Flight with a final score of 245.
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