This month BMC members Mike Wangen, a multiple BMC Club Champion, and Cutter Tyllia, runner-up in last year’s Club Championship, have been showcasing some of the deep talent we have in the BMC.
For those not in the know, the Minnesota Golf Association (MGA) sponsors multiple golf championships each year. Earlier in June Mike competed in the MGA Mid-Players Championship, held at the Alexandria Golf Club. And both Mike and Cutter played in the MGA Players Championship, held at St. Cloud Country Club.
The Mid-Players is for golfers at least 30 years old and is played over three days. Players are initially grouped in pods and guaranteed at least three matches. Pod winners then advance to single elimination play. That’s a lot of golf in just a few days! The format requires players, first, to qualify, which Mike did after firing a one-under 71 at Oneka Ridge Golf Course. Mike then won all three of his pod matches and so moved on to the quarterfinals. Although Mike wasn’t able to prevail in his quarterfinals match, just getting to that point in the championship is something only eight players achieved. Congrats, Mike, on an awesome showing!
In contrast, the MGA Players Championship is for golfers of all ages and is a single elimination championship. Both Mike and Cutter qualified, Mike through his 71 at Oneka Ridge and Cutter through a solid 74 at Oneka.
Although neither Mike nor Cutter prevailed at the Players, it took excellent play on their part just to qualify. Kudos to these outstanding golfers!
And many thanks to BMC Board Member Tim Smith for following the action and reporting in.
Dick Helde
Past BMC President and Editor, The Virtual 19th Hole
612-306-3590
helde.richard@gmail.com