Due to a lack of PGA status at last year’s Indiana PGA Assistant
Championship, Benjamin Engle was unable to qualify for the National Assistant
Championship despite his second place finish.
Not only did Engle bring his PGA status with him to this year’s event,
but he also brought his A game. Engle
posted a 54-hole total of 9-under-par, 207 at Brickyard Crossing GC to claim
his first Section win and a spot in the 38th National Car Rental PGA Assistant
Championship.
“Last year everybody gave me a hard time because I wasn’t in
the PGA program,” said Engle of Woodstock Club.
“I worked hard this winter, got my status, and 365 days later here I am
and I couldn’t be happier.”
Engle fired the low score of the tournament during round
two, carding a 9-under-par, 63 to put himself four shots ahead of Defending
Champion Michael Asbell and John Dalcorobbo heading to today’s final round.
“I hit my driver a little bit crooked today, but I recovered
really well,” Engle said. “16, 17, and 18
are demanding finishing holes with difficult tee shots. I had a four shot lead heading to 16 and knew
I just had to remain calm and I did what I had to do. I am very excited to participate in the
National Assistant Championship and this win gives me a lot of confidence.”
Engle and Michael Asbell of The Sagamore Club who finished
first and second this afternoon, claimed the two qualifying spots for the
National Assistant Championship. The
event will take place October 30-November 2, at PGA Golf Club, Wanamaker
Course, in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Asbell posted a 3-over-par, 75 during round one of the event
and needed to post a low score during round two to keep himself in contention.
“I knew I could shoot a low number if I could improve my
putting,” Asbell said. “I shot 65 and
just like that I was right where I needed to be. Today, my goal was definitely to win the
event and I am a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to accomplishment
that. At the same time, I get another
chance to play in the National Assistant Championship and I hope to go out
there and win. I’m feeling very
confident with my game and that would be an awesome accomplishment.”
Asbell finished with a tournament total of 4-under-par, 212.
John Dalcorobbo of Brickyard Crossing claimed the first alternate
spot, followed by Jon Jozefowski of Woodstock Club, and Jeff Marsh of Brookwood
GC.