Benson wins 2023 Northwest Amateur in playoff
It was Brett Benson, of Bird Island, MN, who weathered the rain and came out on top at this year’s edition of the Northwest Amateur. A total of 18 birdies in regulation at the event didn’t hurt either for Benson
But it took a while at Spencer Golf & CC.
Benson needed five playoff holes to dispatch fellow Minnesota competitor, Conor Schubring, before capturing the rain-shortened 54-hole event with rounds of 68-68-70 (-10). Florida’s James Preston and Norwalk’s Dennis Bull finished in the tie for third place at 207 (-9), just a shot out of the playoff.
In the Senior Division (50-59), Chris Kramer, of West Des Moines, won by two shots over Johnston’s Jeffrey Johannsen, with scores of 70-71 (-3). Kramer, who cut his teeth at Spencer Golf & CC, made a total of nine birdies over 36 holes.
In the Super Senior Division (60+), Dave Gaer, of Des Moines, was the winner by a single shot over Omaha’s Jay Muller. Gear shot rounds of 73-75 for the win.