After University of Oklahoma junior Brad Gehl fired a 63 in
the stroke play qualifier for the IGA Match Play at Wood Wind Golf Club, most
assumed it would be another collegiate shootout. After qualifying scores and the past success of collegiate players in the Match Play, it was a surprise to have a final
match that featured two senior players, Skip Runnels of Richmond and Bob
Stephens of Indianapolis.
Stephens came out on top with a 3 & 2 victory over
Runnels.
“It has been a good week,” said Stephens. “I played decent in the qualifier and stayed
around par in all my matches this week.”
Stephens, an eight seed, bested number one seed Gehl in the
semi-finals to earn his spot in the championship match.
Leading Runnels 4 up after nine holes, Bob gave back holes
10 and 12 with missed approach shots.
Stephens and Runnels took holes 13 and 14, respectively, before Stephens
closed out the match on 16 with a par.
“Match play is a different beast,” Stephens said. “A lot of pars and you will do well.”
Click here for full field results.