Story Submitted by Travis Ingstad (NewsDakota.com)
The Valley City Town and Country Club, Club Championship Weekend has come and gone with Ben Sorenson adding championship number five to his resume!
Mr. Sorenson played beautifully all weekend long. In the first round he knocked out, Jacob Goeden, and in the semi’s he out dueled Travis Ingstad in 18 holes. The championship match featured two familiar names, Ben Sorenson and Jared Lentz (both past champions). The coveted Country Club Cup now resides in some of the most familiar hands that have hoisted it. Mr. Sorenson is now 3 (championships) back of tying the record of 8 wins – held by Mike Bresnahan.
The President’s Flight was one for the ages. A newcomer to the competitive side of golf, Ross Pritchert, found his game when it mattered most, winning all three of his matches on championship weekend. Taking down two board members in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively – Tom Glandt (former President’s Flight Champion) and Josh Holm (defending President’s Flight Champion) – then continued his quest for glory by beating Josh Kasowski in 16 holes for the President’s Flight Championship.
Ah, yes, the infamous Jamie Paurus First Flight – what a grind this was. Trevor Justesen took home the honor, winning his former college golf coach’s flight – an absolute blessing. Mr. Justesen took care of business in round one against John Stearns. Round two featured a bulldog in Chad Tangen but Trevor stood tall and continued his grind towards a championship. The championship match was between friends of JP – who we miss dearly – Nate Zerface and Trevor Justesen. Trevor would take a commanding 4 up through 7 lead early in the match to only see, Mr. Zerface, come roaring back to tie the match up with 5 to play. Trevor would close the match out a few holes later. Talk about a barn burner!
The Roger Ludwig Flight or should we call it “The Comeback Kid” Flight? Grab your popcorn and enjoy the show. It was the first round, friend vs friend, one of which had a birthday was celebrating a birthday. Braeden Kohn and Bryce Nelson – mono e mono – 1v1 – best buds going at it. Happy belated birthday to Bryce Nelson (8/23)! Bryce would jump out to a lead early on Braeden only to see it squandered and lose in extra holes. Round two was much of the same, Mr. Kohn was down early to Ryan Meyer but never gave up. Braeden would go on to win the championship match against Chris Tofsrud yet again coming from behind late in the round. This flight was an example of why we play the game of golf – you never know what can happen.
The Bob Davide Flight – this flight had to be wondering, “Are we really not going to be able to play 9 holes in 32 mins?” Most of the gentlemen who played this flight play a lot of golf in a short amount of time. A big thank you goes out to them for playing and enhancing our weekend. Durwin Berntson is our Bob Davide Flight Champion. He would go on to beat Lee Kruger in the quarterfinals, Todd Kohler in the Semis and finally, Bob Dahlen in the championship. Bob and Durwin probably play the most golf during the course of a year at the VCTCC. The club is lucky to have them.
The Lady’s Championship was a testament to grit, consistency and staying in the moment. Elizabeth Kruger and Alison Kasowski (former champions) have etched their names on the prestigious copper jug for the second time. They played beautifully – battling the strong NNW winds that are unfamiliar to tournament time at the VCTCC. They fired a 78 on day 1 and 83 on day 2 to take home championship honors by 5 shots over Tara Glandt and Liz Ryerson! Thank you to all the ladies that played in the club championship!
Tournament Champions:
- Championship Flight – Ben Sorenson
- President’s Flight – Ross Pritchert
- Jamie Paurus Flight – Trevor Justesen
- Roger Ludwig Flight – Braeden Kohn
- Bob Davide Flight – Durwin Berntson
- Ladies Champions – Elizabeth Kruger and Alison Kasowski
- Junior Champ – Gray Kasowski
Thank you to all who participated in the VCTCC Club Tournament and to all who came out and watched. As a member of the VCTCC, it is one of the best weekends of the year – if not, the best!
