2024: Sinksen Prevails
Danny Sinksen E
Trent Peterson +1
Danny Amundson +3
Steve Friesen +3
2024 One Club Invitational Champion Sam Sutcliffe
2024 Mini-March
2024 Golden Tee Champion Nate Schrag
2024 Super Senior Silver Division Joe Carmody
2024 Senior Division Champion Todd Kolb
2024 Womens Champion Carrie Anderson
2024 Junior Champion Hayden Scott
2024 Putting Champion Lincoln Trasmar
2023: Cup goes home with Honner family
Luke Honner -7
Charlie Jacobson -4
Jacob Otto -3
Trent Peterson -2
2023 One Club Invitational Champion Ryan Trasmar
Mini March (total scores): Ryan Trasamar 34
2023 Golden Tee Champion Keegan Lane
2023 Senior Division Champion Todd Kolb
2023 Womens Champion Jean Casey
2023 Junior Champion Hayden Scott
2023 Putting Champion Michael Martin
2022: BJac Prevails: A Win For All of Our Hearts
Brad Jacobson -3
Bryce Hammer E
Ryan Trasamar E
Tom Carlson +1
Will Grevlos +2
2022 One Club Invitational Champion Jacob Otta
Mini March (total scores): Jacob Otta 33, Steve Friesen 34, Bryce Hammer 35, Matt Johnson 36, Teddy Krivarchka 36, Ryan Trasamar 37 , Scott Vander Woude 37
2022 Golden Tee Champion Matt Kayser
2022 Senior Division Champion Todd Kolb
2022 Womens Champion Kylie Brunick
2022 Junior Champion Radley Mauney
2022 Putting Champion Shannon’s Dad (Dan Ries)
2021: The BOSC GOAT Gallops Past Tour Pros
Trent Peterson -5
Steve Friesen -4
Wil Collins -4
Will Grevlos -2
Sam Sutcliffe -1
2021 One Club Invitational Champion Charlie Jacobson
Mini March (total scores): Charlie Jacobson 33, Brad Jacobson 34, Trent Peterson 34, Steve Friesen 34, Adam Wynia 35, Andrew Halloway 36
2021 Golden Tee Champion Charlie Swift
2021 Senior Division Champion Bert Olson
2021 Womens Champion Kylie Brunick
2021 Junior Champion Liam Sarmiento
2021 Putting Champion Lincoln Trasamar
2020: Grevlos Wins Summer Slam!
Will Grevlos -4
Steve Friesen -3
Bryce Hammer -3
Trent Peterson -3
Matt Johnson E
2020 One Club Invitational Champion Will Grevlos
Tournament Record (total 3 under par 30)
Mini March: Will Grevlos 25, Mark Anderson 29, Michael Martin 30, Nate Houser 30, Steve Friesen 30, Josh Aberson 30, Clay Koppin 30
2020 Golden Tee Champion Matt Kayser
2020 Senior Division Champion Bert Olson
2020 Womens Champion Mary Kroeze
2020 Junior Champion Nash Stenberg
2019: Trent wins third cup…BOSC GOAT?
Champions March Results:
Trent Peterson -4* (won in playoff)
Steve Friesen -4
Will Grevlos -4
Jacob Otta -3
Tim Kalil E
2019 One Club Invitational Champion Steve Friesen
Steve Friesen 33 (E)
Mini March: Steve Friesen 27, Brad Jacobsen 29, Sam Sutcliffe 30, Danny Sinksen 30, Andrew Bauer 30, Mike Zuidema 30
2019 Golden Tee Champion Matt Krivarchka
2019 Senior Division Champion Marty Mosher
2019 Junior Champion Alex Westra
2018: Victorious Vining
Champions March Results:
Tommy Vining -6* (won in playoff)
Danny Sinksen -6
Danny Amundson -4
Charlie Jacobson -3
2018 One Club Invitational Champion Nate Houser
Mini March Participants: Nate Houser 26, Bryce Hammer 27, Charlie Jacobson 27, Brad Jacobson 28
2018 Golden Tee Champion Matt Krivarchka
2018 Senior Division Champion Glenn Johnson
2018 Junior Champion Ryan Neff
2017: Dunsi wins 3rd Cup
Champions March Results:
Michael Martin -2* (won in playoff)
Trent Peterson -2
Tommy Vining -1
Ryan Jansa -1
James Green -1
Parker Klitzke E
Charlie Jacobson E
18 Hole Results:
2017 One-Club Invitational Champion Neil Carmody
Mini March Participants: Neil Carmody 29, Brad Jacobson 29, Jay Reynolds 29, Michael Zuidema 29
2017 Golden Tee Champion Greg Johnson
2017 Senior Division Champion Tom Koehler
2017 Junior Champion Tyler Westra
2016: Peterson Secures 2nd Cup
Champions March Results:
Peterson -4* (won in playoff)
Sinksen -4
Friesen -1
Drew Trautman E
Geoff Mead +1
18 hole results: Danny Sinksen 66, Steve Friesen 67, Trent Peterson 67, Drew Trautman 69, Geoff Mead 69, Charlie Jacobson 70, Holloway 71, Collins 71, John Trasamar 71, Michael Martin 71, Chris Knight 72, Ben Rinken 72, Tim Kalil 73
2016 One-Club Invitational Champion Parker Klitzke
Mini March Participants: Mike Martin 29, John Trasamar 29,Parker Klitzke 30, Charlie Jacobson 30, Tommy Vining 30, Mark Anderson 30
2016 Golden Tee Champion JR Fieldsend
2016 Senior Division Champion Thom Koehler
2016 Junior Champion Will Grevlos
2015: Anderson Repeats for 3rd Cup
Mark Anderson 2015 BOSC Champion
Champions March Results:
Mark Anderson -2
Geoff Mead -1
Tommy Vining -1
Danny Sinksen E
Matt Johnson +2
Aaron Tom +3
18 hole results: M. Anderson 68, Mead 69, T. Vining 70, Sinksen 71, Johnson 71, Tom 71, B. Wynia 72, C. Jacobson 72, Hammer 72, A. Wynia 73, Martin 73, T. Anderson 73, T. Pridey 74, M. Donohue 74, Hartzell 74
2015 One-Club Invitational Champion Geoff Mead
Geoff Mead 35 (+2)
Minni-March Participants Geoff Mead, Brett Egge, Dan Sova, Mark Anderson, Kenny Hartzell
2015 Golden Tee Champion JR Fieldsend
2015 Senior Division Champion Roger Legge
2014: Anderson Annihilates Field
Champions March Results
Mark Anderson -7
Kim Kaufman -4
Danny Sinksen -4
Charlie Jacobson -3
18 hole results: Mark Anderson 64, Danny Sinksen 66, Kim Kaufman 68, Charlie Jacobson 69, Michael Martin 70, Ryan Jansa 70, Chris Long 70
2014 One-Club Invitational Champion Charlie Jacobson
Charlie Jacobson, 31 (-2)
Mini-March Participants: Charlie Jacobson (25, -2), Brad Jacobson, Parker Klitzle, Brett Egge, Steve Eggebraaten, Mark Anderson
2014 Golden Tee Champion
2014 Senior Division Champion Roger Legge
2013: Trent Peterslam
Champions March Results
Trent Peterson -3
Tommy Vining Even
Brian Wynia Even
John Trasamar Even
18 hole results: Wynia, 69, Trasamar 69, T. Peterson 70, Vining 70, A. Wynia 71, G. Wynia 71, Sinksen 71, C. Peterson 71, C. Jacobson 71, R. Menke 72, Donohue 72, Egge 73, Sitter 74
2013 One-Club Invitational Champion Brad Jacobson
B. Jacobson 31 (-2)
Minni-March Participants: Max Donohue, Jeremy Eich, Charlie Jacobson, Adam Wynia, Brett Egge, Danny Sinksen, Dan Sova
2013 Golden Tee Champion Charles Quam
2013 Senior Division Champion Marty Mosher
2012: Sinksen’s Redemption
Champions March Results
Danny Sinksen -3
Ryan Medhaug -2
Ryan Jansa Even
Julien Michels Even
18 hole results: R. Medhaug 65, R. Jansa 69, Sinksen 70, Michels 70, C. Jacobson 71, Dubisar 71, J. Trasmar 72, T. Peterson 73, B. Wynia 74, K. Shock 74, M, Anderson 74, D. Amundson 74
2012 One-Club Invitation Champion Michael Martin
M. Martin 34 (+1)
Mini-March Participants: Greg Kendall, John Trasmar, Todd Kolb
2012 Golden Tee Champion
2012 Senior Division Champion Don Koster
2011: Tom Triumphs
Champions March Results
Aaron Tom -2
Adam Wynia -1
Mark Anderson -1
Ross Menke -1
Todd Kolb Even
18 hole results: A. Tom 70, A. Wynia 71, R. Menke 71, T. Kolb 71, M. Anderson 71, C. Jacobson 72, Egge 72, T. Carlson 72, M. Johnson 72, Michels 72, B. Jacobson 73, Sinksen 74, G. Wynia 75, Haeckel 75
2011 One-Club Invitational Champion Matt Pridey
M. Pridey 32 (-1)
Minni-March Participants: Tom Egan, Mark Anderson, Brett Egge, Brad Jacobson, Charlie Jacobson, Tom Carlson
2011 Golden Tee Champion Tom Sweetman
T. Sweetman 79
2011 Senior Division Champion Greg Kendall
G. Kendall 74
2010: Double Dunsi
Champions March Results
Michael Martin -4
Brett Egge -2
Adam Wynia Even
Danny Amundson Even
18 hole results:
2010 One-Club Invitational Champion Trent Peterson
2010 Golden Tee Champion
2010 Senior Division Champion
2009: Minnesota Mastery
Champions March Results
Parker Pemberton -7
Brett Egge -3
Chase Thomas -3
Brad Jacobson -1
Levi Pearson -1
18 hole results: Parker Pemberton 64, Levi Pearson 69, Brett Egge 69, Brad Jacobson 70, Chase Thomas 70
2009 One-Club Invitational Champion Brett Swedberg
2009 Golden Tee Champion Larry Larson 85
2009 Senior Division Champion Paul Shock 72
2008: Collins and Commando Trox Triumph
Champions March Results
18 hole results:
2008 One-Club Invitational Champion Wil Collins
2008 Golden Tee Champion
2008 Senior Division Champion
2007: Carmody Carries Claymaster to Victory
Champions March Results
18 hole results:
2007 One-Club Invitational Champion Brett Egge
2008 Golden Tee Champion
2008 Senior Division Champion
2006: Martin Moonwalks Past Pros
Champions March Results
18 hole results:
2006 One-Club Invitational Champion
2006 Golden Tee Champion
2006 Senior Division Champion
2005: Rain in the Morning. Rainmaker in the Evening
Champions March Results
Rob Bierbaum -8
Todd Kolb -1
Ross Menke E
Michael Martin +3
Tom Carlson +3
18 hole results: Rob Bierbaum 67, Todd Kolb 68, Tom Carlson 70, Michael Martin 71, Ross Menke 71, Danny Amundson 72, Elliot Hitt 72, Terry Brunken 72, Brett Egge 73, Danny Sinksen 73, Glenn Herrick 73, Greg Kendal 73, Ryan Jansa 74, Adam Wynia 74, John Campell 74, Terry Comstock 75, Steven Klock 75
2005 One-Club Invitational Champion Ross Menke
2005 Golden Tee Champion
2005 Senior Division Champion
2004: Bjac and the Broken Handle
Champions March Results
Brad Jacobson
Dan Sova
Michael Martin
Lawrence Larson
Bert Olson
Rob Bierbaum
18 hole results:
2004 One-Club Invitational Champion Adam Wynia
2004 Golden Tee Champion
Brian Hardy
2004 Senior Division Champion
2003: The Legend of Bethnoustie
Jim Anderson 2003 BOSC Champion
Champions March Results
Jim Anderson
Adam Wynia
Rob Bierbaum
Ross Menke
Jonathan Hewitt
18 hole results: (unknown)
2003 One-Club Invitational Champion Marty Vandemore
2003 Golden Tee Champion
2003 Senior Division Champion
2002: Wynja Prevails and Carmody Wakeboards
Champions March Results
Adam Wynia
Mark Anderson
Dan Sova
Robb Bierbaum
18 hole results: (unknown)
2002 One-Club Invitational Champion Joe Benidict
2002 Golden Tee Champion
Detailed History:
Bjac Prevails: A Win For All of Our Hearts 2022
Brad Jacobson and Dan Ries – “I think this one was meant to be.”
The 2022 Boys of Summer Cup was the most difficult to host of the previous 20. On July 11 we lost
Shannon Jacobson, a dear friend and wife of BOSC Committee Member Brad Jacobson. Shannon passed
away after a courageous battle with cancer. Even if you didn’t get the opportunity to know Shannon,
you likely would have recognized her smiling face and beautiful personality as she was always running
the show at the BOSC registration table on tournament day. Shannon was at the course before sunrise
each year organizing applications, donations, merchandise, scorecards, and explaining local rules. She
would direct player traffic and assist committee members with anything so everyone could have the
best BOSC experience.
Running an event is a large undertaking, but at the end of every BOSC, we’d reflect and recognize
that Shannon made it look easy and made a huge impact in running a smooth tournament.
Shannon was fierce, thoughtful, and determined. Her personality was abundant and her token saying to
each player at registration was, “Play Well.”
In her honor, the Shannon Jacobson Registration Area was officially named after her. Participants wore
yellow ribbons and a sizable donation was made to the Shannon Jacobson Memorial Scholarship, Bryant
State Bank. She will be missed and forever leaves an imprint on our entire BOSC family. We love you
Shannon.
The 21 st Boys of Summer Cup kicked off on July 29, 2022 at Elmwood Golf Course with the BOSC Junior
Clinic. Nearly 50 junior golfers received full swing and short game instruction and learned rules and
etiquette. The clinic was led by PGA Teaching Professional Danny Sinksen and several volunteers from
the First Tee of Sioux Falls. Thank You to all who continue to make this annual event an integral part of
BOSC week!
Following the Junior Clinic, preparations were made at the Country Club of Sioux Falls for the upcoming
afternoon of friendship, fellowship, and competition. Fresh cups were cut on the Short Course for the
One Club Invitational, a 6-hole putting loop was created for the BOSC Putting Championship, and food
and drink were prepared.
A One Club Invitational record 98 golfers selected one club to compete for the coveted Carmody Coat.
The Ace Pot swelled to over $4,000 but again, no one was able to break the jar. Defending Champion
Charlie Jacobson failed to execute the “clip” from his signature high tee and struggled to 4 over par 31.
2007 OCI Champion Brett Egge needed a par at the last to make the Mini March but a failed up and
down left him on the wrong side of the +3 cut line.
Scoring was led by 2019 OCI Champion Steve Friesen and Ryan Trasamar. The co-medalists matched
28’s. Jacob Otta secured his spot in the Mini March with a 29. 8-year-old Teddy Kirvarchka smashed the
previous record as the youngest golfer to make the Mini March selecting his Ping Hybrid en route to 30.
Rounding out the Mini March were Scott Vander Woude, Bryce Hammer, and Mojo (Matty Johnson).
Ryan Trasamar’s aspirations of slipping on the silk threads ended when his adrenaline got the best of
him on the first tee and his ball sailed over the green leading to double bogey. Steve Friesen found the
green but had to settle for a 2-putt par from 20 feet. Jacob Otta caught the leader with a slippery 15-
foot birdie putt and the race was down to two. Otta had the honor on the second and last hole of the
Mini March but he found the upper shelf on the 112 yard ninth; far from ideal with the traditional
lower-level hole location. Friesen’s ball found the front fringe and his birdie chip settled to near tap in
range. Otta now faced a 20-foot birdie putt down a shelf with a near 90-degree right hand turn. Make
it, and the Carmody Coat would dawn his shoulders. Miss it, and it would likely roll at least 5 feet past
the hole if not more. Jacob delicately stroked his Titleist AP2 8 iron and as his ball began its descent
down the tier, he followed its line and gave a simultaneous fist pump as it found the dead center of the
hole! The crowd let out a mighty cheer as he carded 2-2 to finish even par and claim his first Carmody
Coat. He thanked everyone in attendance and called the Boys of Summer Cup, “The tournament we
look forward to more than any other tournament in the summer.”
Following the Mini March, many participants made their way to the putting green for the BOSC Putting
Championship. Young people continued to stake their place in the event as scoring on the 6-hole loop
was led by 9-year-old George Wynia who posted 9 strokes. Shannon Jacobson’s father, Dan Ries was
just one stroke back at 10. Defending Champion Lincoln Trasamar was 2 off the pace with 11 strokes, as
was Neil Carmody and Mark Anderson. BOSC GOAT Trent Peterson missed out on the Putting Mini
March when his putt on the last caromed off the wooden flag stick.
The four finalists played the loop one more time and after 12 holes Ries and Trasamar were tied. Both
players 2-putted the first sudden death playoff hole and when Lincoln 3-putted the second playoff hole,
Ries calmly rolled in his 5-foot par putt and was awarded the Grider Growler. His victory speech was
humble, looking to the sky and stating, “I think this one was meant to be. That’s all I’m going to say.”
Little did most know the foreshadowing of the day to come.
A sold out 124 players teed it up at Prairie Green Golf Course on July 30, 2022 with the hopes of hoisting
the Boys of Summer Cup, Sova Chalice, Christensen Trophy, BOSC Junior Trophy, and Green Goblet.
Traditional BOSC hole locations and 20+ MPH southerly winds provided a difficult test of golf. Firm and
fast greens and Prairie Green’s signature native fescue added to the challenge of the day.
In the Golden Tee division, Matt Kayser’s par at the last bested Ty Wiley by 1 point and defending
champion Charlie Swift by 2 points. Matt’s victory earned him possession of the Christensen Trophy for
the ensuing year and $150. It also joined Kayser (2020, 2022) with J.R. Fieldsend (2015, 2016) and Matt
Krivarchka (2018, 2019) as the only two-time champions in Golden Tee history.
The Senior Division was dominated start to finish by long time Boys of Summer Cup golf instructor Todd
Kolb. His 37-point total was good enough for a 4-point victory over Chad Dubisar and 5-point victory
over defending champion Bert Olson and Tom Carson. Todd’s victory earned him possession of the Sova
Chalice for the ensuing year and $150.
The Women’s Division was won for the second straight year by Kylie Brunick. Her 29-point total earned
her possession of the Green Goblet for the ensuing year and $150.
Golfers 18 & under could choose to play from the Boys of Summer Cup tee markers and compete for
both the BOSC Junior Trophy and Boys of Summer Cup. O’Gorman High School senior Radley Mauney’s
4 over par 76 earned him possession of the BOSC Junior Trophy for the ensuing year and $150. It won’t
be long before Radley is competing in the Champion’s March.
The opening tee shot of the tournament was struck by Iowa State University graduate and University of
South Dakota grad transfer Bryce Hammer. He reached 3 under par twice during his round but a triple
bogey on the last left him with a disappointing even par 72.
Playing alongside Hammer was his ISU teammate Frank Lindwall. His 2 over par 74 was very respectable
for a first-time participant, but left him needing help to make the Low 4 & Ties Champion’s March cut.
Next to post near the top of the leaderboard was Augustana College sophomore Will Allen. An eagle on
13 and birdie on 15 got him to one over par on the day, but a bogey at the last left him with 74 and tied
with Lindwall, possibly on the outside looking in.
Also posting 74 was San Diego native and Dakotas Tour professional golfer Jesus Ojeda. He left his
putter at his host housing and was left scrambling for a loaner from the Prairie Green golf shop. He was
left to wonder What If?
Defending Champion and BOSC GOAT Trent Peterson was forced to WD after just 9 holes. His oblique
injury on the lake the week before only added to the history of the Boys of Summer Cup and lake
activities.
Quietly plodding along was 5-time SDGA Champion Tom Carlson. Tom opened with 15 pars, a bogey
and a birdie, but like many others bogeyed the last and had to settle for 73. His hopes of making his first
Champion’s March since 2005 would have to wait for more scores to post.
Also playing a quiet round of golf, perfect for difficult BOSC course set ups, was 2019 SDGA Mid Am
Champion Ryan Trasamar. Ryan opened with consecutive bogies but followed with 15 pars and a birdie
to match Carlson’s 73.
Tournament favorite and 2020 Summer Slam Champion Will Grevlos was competing in his final Boys of
Summer Cup as an amateur. His level par 72 matched Hammer and secured a spot in his record tying 4 th
straight Champion’s March (Robb Bierbaum BOSC I-IV).
Sentimental tournament favorite Brad Jacobson opened his tournament with 5 straight pars and a
bridie. After 2 more pars and a birdie for a front nine 34, something special, something “meant to be”
as his father-in-law had put it the night before seemed to be coming to fruition. Brad managed an even
par 36 on the inward nine and his two under par 70 was good enough for Medalist honors and
eliminated all of the 74’s.
The penultimate group of BOSC competitors had Danny Amundson clinging to the cut line at one over
par for most of the day. He stood on his final hole, the par four 9 th with not only his own fate in his
hands, but all of the 73’s fate as well. A birdie would knock them out, a bogey would knock himself out.
His hybrid (later questioned by DECADE Golf), found the fairway leaving him 154 yards to the back left
hole location. Amundson accounted for nearly 20 yards of helping wind and sent his 50-degree wedge
into the jet stream just right of the hole. When his cart approached the green and no balls were near
the hole, he knew he had gone long. Instead of a straight-faced wedge from a beautiful lie, Amundson
(a lefty) selected his right-handed Scotty Cameron to putt through the rough. The failed up and down
was all but inevitable, and when his 8-foot par attempt slid past the left edge of the hole, his dreams of
Marching for the third time in his career were dashed.
The Champion’s March field was now set:
Brad Jacobson 70 (-2)
Bryce Hammer 72 (E)
Will Grevlos 72 (E)
Tom Carlson 73 (+1)
Ryan Trasamar 73 (+1)
The ceremony prior to the Champion’s March paid tribute to Shannon Jacobson with kind words and a
tear-jerking rendition of Amazing Grace by the bag piper on site. Trophies were awarded, Eagle
engraved glasses and skins were handed out, and Dan Grider, Sr. provided a $500 scholarship for the 20 th
consecutive year, later awarded to Jack Kray of the University of Kansas. (Jack won the drawing the year
before as well!) Adam Wynia welcomed the Finalists as Baba O’Riley electrified the mood. All were
given Champion’s March BOSC mugs hand crafted by Travis Hinton. Adam’s final intro was saved for
Brad, “Playing out of Watertown Country Club, but today he’s playing for the hearts of us all.” Yes he
was. Was it “meant to be”?
Brad had the honor on the first hole and laced his drive right down the middle. All contestants took
similar lines and found various ways to make pars to the front left hole location, except for Grevlos who
made bogey. After one hole, the leaderboard read:
2 Jacobson 2
0 Hammer 0
0 Grevlos 1
1 Carlson 1
1 Trasamar 1
The tricky par 3 second was played from the back tee box for the first time in several years. Each Finalist
gauged the hurting left to right cross wind correctly and safely found the putting surface. Colin Hammer
lit up the crowd with a 40-foot birdie putt to climb within one. After two holes, the leaderboard read:
2 Jacobson 2 2
0 Hammer 0 1
0 Grevlos 1 1
1 Carlson 1 1
1 Trasamar 1 1
The Finalists walked to the third hole to find the tee markers on the red tee box and 301 yards from the
hole. Not since Robb Bierbaum brought his RainMaker to the 2005 Champion’s March had this tee box
been used. (Contestants were not required to hit driver this year.) Hammer found the front greenside
bunker but failed to get up and down for birdie. Jacobson’s tee ball landed on the cart path and bound
pin high but short sided to the middle-left hole location. His pitch from a muffy lie left him 10 feet short
of the hole but his birdie attempt failed as well. Carlson’s mid iron found the left rough and he was
unable to get his wedge shot near the hole and had to settle for par. Trasamar’s driver found the front
third of the green and his eagle attempt stopped, staring right over the front edge of the hole. Grevlos,
a lefty played a power fade off the right cattails to just in front of the green. He too hit a mediocre pitch
shot and couldn’t convert his birdie attempt. After three holes, the leaderboard read:
2 Jacobson 2 2 2
0 Hammer 0 1 1
1 Trasamar 1 1 0
0 Grevlos 1 1 1
1 Carlson 1 1 1
The tee markers on the par 5 fourth remained on the blue tee box giving Finalists an opportunity to go
for the green in two. Trasamar hit two great shots to just left of the green but drew a difficult lie and
was unable to get up and down for birdie. Hammer found the front greenside bunker in two, but was
left with a 30-yard bunker shot to the back left hole location. He was unable to force his ball far enough
up the green and had to settle for a disappointing par.
Jacobson played next and blocked his tee ball into the fescue right of the fairway. All hearts sank and
many wondered if the feel-good story was about to come to an end. Brad was later quoted as saying,
“The stressful part was walking to the ball hoping to find it. Once we did, the lie was perfect.” He
played an 8 iron back into the center of the fairway and wedged his ball to 20 feet, 2-putting for par.
Like Hammer, Carlson found the front greenside bunker in two, but he too failed to get up and down for
birdie. Grevlos played another power fade off the tee, this time with too much power and ended up in
the condos all but ending his dreams of his second Cup in four years. After four holes, the leaderboard
read:
2 Jacobson 2 2 2 2
0 Hammer 0 1 1 1
1 Trasamar 1 1 0 0
1 Carlson 1 1 1 1
0 Grevlos 1 1 1 3
The tee markers on the par 4 fifth hole remained on the back box and no golfers were able to reach the
green. Wedge shots behind the far-right tucked hole location left several nervy downhill birdie putts,
and subsequent par putts. When Jacobson calmly rolled in his 5-foot par putt that seemed to take 5
minutes to get to the hole, the crowd let out a mighty roar! After five holes, the leaderboard read:
2 Jacobson 2 2 2 2 2
0 Hammer 0 1 1 1 1
1 Trasamar 1 1 0 0 0
1 Carlson 1 1 1 1 1
0 Grevlos 1 1 1 3 4
The tee markers on the par 5 sixth and final hole were moved up to the blue tee box for the first time in
several years. Hammer had the honor and his tee ball found the left rough, 235 yards from the hole.
Trasamar played next, and his tee ball found the right fairway bunker. Jacobson was next and he laced a
driver up the right fairway cut line. Carlson and Grevlos were unable to create any last-minute magic
and carded fives.
Trasamar was forced to lay up from the fairway bunker and Jacobson also elected to lay up. When
Hammer’s 4 iron to the back right hole location found the water, it appeared this weekend really was,
“meant to be.”
Brad wedged his third to 25 feet right over the flag and the masterpiece was almost complete. Like a
line painted on the green from Heaven, Brad rolled his birdie putt right into the center of the hole with
angelic speed. He removed his cap and embraced his fellow Finalists and was presented with his second
Boys of Summer Cup from his youngest daughter Riley. He addressed the crowd saying, “I want to start
this for all the Moms, for all the Wives. You guys are important.” He thanked his BOSC brothers, calling
them family. He thanked his oldest daughter Reese for caddying for him. He told everyone they are all
special to him. He reminisced his first BOSC triumph 18 years prior on the same green stating, “this one
means way more. Slightly humbler…I think…More perspective on life.” He noted all the kids running
around. He thanked Chris Lane and his entire staff at Prairie Green. He thanked JFA for lunch. He
started to conclude with, “I don’t know guys, I love you all. I’m proud to be here today and I’m humbled
by all of you being here too, so thank you.”
As he went to embrace his family, he stopped and noted his father-in-law Dan Ries’ words at Shannon’s
service just two weeks before, “We were lucky, we were all so blessed to know her. We were both lucky
and blessed. And I woke up this morning and I saw cotton candy clouds and that’s her sign that she was
here. She was here. She was watching over us. She would be so happy that we are having fun. She
would be so happy that…I dunno…that I won I guess! She’d be happy!”
The final leaderboard read:
2 Jacobson 2 2 2 2 2 3
0 Hammer 0 1 1 1 1 0
1 Trasamar 1 1 0 0 0 0
1 Carlson 1 1 1 1 1 1
0 Grevlos 1 1 1 3 4 4
As is tradition, Don Henley serenaded the two-time champion with The Boys of Summer. This time
however, Henley’s words took on a new meaning.
In Loving Memory of Shannon Jacobson December 29, 1983 – July 11, 2022
Will Wins Summer Slam 2020
Fittingly, the 19th Boys of Summer Cup provided the committee their most difficult decisions yet, as COVID-19 caused hardships worldwide. As Spring came and went and July 25th quickly approached, the committee decided to move forward with conducting the event and hoping to give the community something to celebrate. Social distancing precautions were put in place and 93 men and women enjoyed a weekend of friendship, competition, and entertainment.
Although the annual Boys of Summer Cup Junior Clinic was postponed until next year due to COVID-19 concerns, the committee was excited to announce they had partnered with Danny Sinksen and the Sioux Falls Golf Junior Tour to support junior golf development in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area.
The One Club Invitational was again hosted by the Country Club of Sioux Falls as 50+ golfers competed for the Carmody Coat and hoped for that one magical swing that would win the Ace Pot and more than $3500. No holes-in-one were recorded, but a 9-hole scoring record of 2 under par 25 was established by Will Grevlos. His round was highlighted by a birdie 2 on arguably the most difficult hole in South Dakota, the 231 yard seventh. It is likely the only 2 ever recorded on the seventh in OCI history…and may never be matched! Grevlos also birdied holes five and nine with his lone bogey coming at the sixth. Joining Grevlos in the Mini March were OCI Champions Mark Anderson (29), Michael Martin (30), Nate Houser (30) and defending champion Steve Friesen (30). Also making the Mini March cut with scores of 30 were Clay Koppin and Josh Aberson (Mini March NS).
Despite Martin setting a Mini March record by recording consecutive birdies on 1 & 9 and Anderson recording a birdie and par to tie Martin for second, Grevlos’ par birdie Mini March solidified his place in One Club Invitational History with the greatest performance to date and his first Carmody Coat.
July 25, 2020 brought 90-degree heat and sunny skies to the pristine Prairie Green Golf Course. The traditional challenging set up and brisk south winds would prove to test all in the field and identify the best golfers. 2004 Champions March Finalist Bert Olson captured the first trophy by winning the Sova Senior Chalice. His stableford score of 36 bested the defending and two-time Senior Division Champion Marty Mosher who played alongside Olson and posted 29. The newly formed Ladies Division saw Mary Kroeze erase a 2-stroke front nine deficit to clip Megan Sage by 4 strokes to capture the Green Goblet. Two time defending Golden Tee Champion Matt Krivarchka’s handicap index dropped below 6.5 and forced him a tee box back to the BOSC Division. The Christensen Trophy was won on the final hole when Matt Kayser’s par gave him a 1-point victory over Matt Krivarchka’s brother, Joe Krivarchka. Lastly, Nash Stenberg’s 76 captured the Boys of Summer Cup Junior Trophy for the Lincoln High School junior to be. All champions received $150 Prairie Green pro shop gift cards.
For the 17th consecutive year, Dan Grider, Sr. awarded a $500 scholarship won by Augustana University Men’s Golf Team member Hunter Von Bergen. Hunter is majoring in Business Finance and Business Management. 2020 marked $15,000 in scholarships awarded.
The Boys of Summer Cup division continued to provide a strong field and competitive golf. Notables included the reigning SDGA Junior and Amateur champion Jack Lundin, the reigning SDGA Match Play champion Bryce Hammer, the reigning SDGA Mid-Amateur champion Ryan Trasamar, and the defending Boys of Summer Cup champion Trent Peterson.
The low 4 scores (and ties) qualified for the 19th Champion’s March. Medalist honors was shared by Bryce Hammer, 2019 One Club Invitational champion Steve Friesen, and last year’s Medalist and the reigning One Club Invitational champion Will Grevlos; all with a score of 3 under par, 69. Hammer was making his inaugural appearance in the March while both Friesen and Grevlos were trying to avenge playoff losses from the year before. Joining them in the March with scores of 2 under par, 70 was the defending champion Trent Peterson and Matt Johnson. Johnson was making his second appearance in the Champion’s March and Peterson was attempting to solidify himself as the greatest champion in Boys of Summer Cup history by winning his fourth Cup in six March appearances.
More than 30 carts and over 75 spectators watched as the pressure was ratchetted up. The first Finalist to crack was Matt Johnson. His wayward 7 iron on the 171-yard par 3 eleventh hit a wall of wind and found the hazard short and right of the green. After a wedge and 2 putts, his double bogey 5 dropped him to Even par. Bryce Hammer’s up and down par from the no-mow right of the green kept the Cup within grasp and appeared to possibly be the turning point of the championship.
Through 2 holes of the Champion’s March, the leaderboard read:
HAMMER 2 2
FRIESEN 3 2
GREVLOS 3 2
PETERSON 2 2
JOHNSON 2 E
The third and fourth holes of the Champion’s March did little more to space out the field other than the defending champion Peterson calmly rolling in a 10-footer for birdie on the Par 5 thirteenth to take a one stroke lead. Hammer, Friesen, Grevlos, and Johnson all found their balls greenside in two, but none could manage an up and down for birdie and all settled for pars.
Through 4 holes of the Champion’s March, the leaderboard read:
HAMMER 2 2 2 2
FRIESEN 3 2 2 2
GREVLOS 3 2 2 2
PETERSON 2 2 2 3
JOHNSON 2 E 1 1
The forward tee was again utilized by the Set Up Committee at the Par 4 fourteenth. 286 yards separated the Finalists from the possibility of an eagle two en route to the Cup and a bogey or worse and certain disappointment for the ensuing year. Peterson had the honor and his 3-wood found the rough short and right of the front left hole location, approximately 40 yards from the flagstick. Hammer was next to play and his tee ball covered the bunker and stopped on the back right portion of the green leaving him a tricky 50-footer down a shelf with 10+ feet of break. Third up, Friesen’s laser flew on a line just right of the pin and rolled through the green onto the back-left fringe. He was facing a similar putt to Hammer but would have the luxury of watching Hammer putt first. Grevlos pulled a hybrid from his bag and bounced it through the bunker onto the green leaving himself a 25-foot uphill putt with only a few feet of break. Last to play was Johnson and he too found the green, just atop the shelf that Hammer and Friesen would be putting down but far closer.
With a shot never seen by the Champion’s March gallery from the three-time champion, Peterson flubbed his pitch and failed to advance it, even to the bunker let alone onto the green. However, Greats do not qualify for six Champion’s Marches without overcoming adversity and Trent played his third over the bunker to near tap in range, saving par. He was left to watch, hoping he would have at least a share of the lead after the eagle attempts from his playing competitors.
Hammer navigated the shelf but underestimated the right to left break and was left with five feet for birdie and a share of the lead which he later converted. Friesen, learning from the putt that he just watched, nearly holed his eagle attempt, and also carded a birdie three. Grevlos had arguably the easiest putt of the group and his 25-footer peeked over the high lip but did not fall. The three competitors had to settle for birdie, but had also just caught the defending champion on the penultimate hole. Not since 2015 had four Finalists shared the lead on the final tee box.
HAMMER 2 2 2 2 3
FRIESEN 3 2 2 2 3
GREVLOS 3 2 2 2 3
PETERSON 2 2 2 3 3
JOHNSON 2 E 1 1 E
All four co-leaders managed to find the fairway or first cut of rough at the Par 5 fifteenth. Hammer, Friesen, and Peterson all laid up to varying wedge distances as only Grevlos had the length to challenge the Par 5 in two. He chose 4 iron from 245 yards and shaped a screaming draw around the water guarding the front of the green. His ball scooted past the front right hole location and settled on the back third of the green some 40 feet from the hole.
Peterson’s wedge shot flew beyond the hole and failed to check up quickly leaving him 25 feet for birdie. Friesen’s lay up found the left rough making his wedge shot more difficult to judge the proper distance and spin. His approach landed soft on the front fringe leaving him 20 feet for birdie. Hammer’s wedge landed just in front of the flag and took one big hop and grabbed immediately, 12 feet behind the hole.
Grevlos played first and lagged his downhill eagle putt to four feet. Peterson was next to putt and he tried to use some body English and a leg extension to coax his ball into the hole. Unfortunately, it was not to be and he was left to settle for par. Friesen putted third and his 20-footer grabbed the high lip and spun out to the right. Hammer’s 12-footer looked hearted for the entire roll until it dove left at the last second, grabbing the low lip taking a sharp turn right of the hole. This left Grevlos four feet away from his first Cup, four feet away from overcoming his playoff defeat a year before, and four feet away from matching Wil Collins in 2008 as the only person to capture the Summer Slam, hoisting the Boys of Summer Cup while wearing the Carmody Coat. With Don Henley ready to serenade the new champion, the lefty calmly rolled in his four-footer with an emphatic fist pump!
Grevlos took a moment to speak to gallery, “I just want to say Thank You to everybody who puts on this tournament. This is my favorite tournament of the summer. Last year was such a disappointment, not winning, and to get it done this year means a lot to me. So, thank you to everyone, thank you to Prairie Green for hosting, thank you!”
The final leaderboard read:
WELL PLAYED WILL! SEE YOU AT BOSC XX!
GREVLOS 3 2 2 2 3 4
HAMMER 2 2 2 2 3 3
FRIESEN 3 2 2 2 3 3
PETERSON 2 2 2 3 3 3
JOHNSON 2 E 1 1 E E
2014: Anderson Annihilates Field
Presidents’ Party-Carmody and ClayMaster Claim Another Cup
More than ten years prior, most doubted the Boys of Summer Cup would ever reach a thirteenth year, let alone a third. With all of the obstacles that life presented, these people had good reason to feel this way. However, the BOSC Committee had other ideas, and believed to the contrary. The thirteenth contesting of the Boys of Summer Cup saw change and tradition. After five successful years of leading the committee, President Neil W. Carmody stepped down from his position and on May 5, 2014 Mark Anderson was sworn in as the third president. His inauguration took place at Butler National Golf Course in Austin, Texas with the first Boys of Summer Cup champion Adam Wynia swearing him in. Witnesses included committee member Brett Egge along with William Bennett, Ryan Cromwell, and Sarah Ally.
First priority on the new president’s agenda was to tap into the younger generation of golfers. The committee felt it had lost touch with this group, as it had grown older and less directly connected to them. They immediately decided to create a Junior Division for golfers 18 years of age and younger. Also new to the 2014 Boys of Summer Cup was the creation of the 7-Up Putting Tournament to be contested throughout the day on Saturday. The bracketed tournament honored many of South Dakota’s golfing legends including Tom Byrum, Al Cooke, Phil Donohue, Dan Grider, Sr., Dave Hanten, Ray Laird III, and Kris Tschetter. Finally, the committee made it a priority to emphasize a more reasonable pace of play and made adjustments to aid in this; single tee start, ten minute intervals, Par 70 course set up, etc.
Keeping with tradition, BOSC week officially arrived on Thursday evening with the Champions’ Dinner. Trent Peterson was unable to attempt to become the first ever repeat champion due to a scheduling conflict, but he was present to host past champions and committee members at CJ Callaway’s. In attendance along with Trent were past champions Adam Wynia (I), Brad Jacobson (III), Michael Martin (V, IX), Mark Anderson (VI), and Danny Sinksen (XI), along with committee members Charlie Jacobson, Danny Amundson, Justin Christensen, and Neil Carmody. As is customary, following food and beverages guests made their way to the Prairie Green putting green for 7-Up. In a tragic accident, the handle on the Boys of Summer Cup trophy was displaced when it made contact with a putter. Facts are still being gathered, but some believe a former president may be responsible for his second Cup defecation. The trophy was later restored.
Thanks to the help of Jay and Jane Huizenga and the Boys of Summer Cup endowment, the BOSC committee teamed up with the Todd Kolb Golf Academy and hosted a free junior clinic at Willow Run Golf Course on Friday morning. More than thirty area junior golfers attended the clinic and learned full swing, chipping, putting, rules, and etiquette. All in attendance received prizes, including a BOSC t-shirt printed with the original rule of golf, “Play the ball as it lies. Play the course as you find it.” This marked the fourth consecutive year for the junior clinic and the committee remains determined to make it even better for future years.
That afternoon, participants, family, and friends made their way to Westward Ho Country Club for the One Club Invitational and Players’ Barbeque hosted by Paul and Jil Sova. The field of more than sixty golfers had aspirations of slipping on the Carmody Coat as champion of the OCI and completing the first half of the Summer Slam. The Ace Pot, created in 2007 and yet to be won with a hole in one, had grown to over $1200. With nearly all of the contestants buying in for $5 and their shot at the glass jar, the total amount topped out at $1525. Deuces were plentiful as some golfers recorded more than one birdie in their round, but no one managed to record a one and the Ace Pot went unclaimed for the eighth consecutive year.
One golfer who recorded more than one birdie in his round (three in fact) was BOSC Committee member Charlie Jacobson. Birdies on holes 4, 5, and 8 helped him set a new OCI scoring record with a two under par-25. President Mark Anderson also recorded three birdies, but four bogies left him three shots off the lead at 1 over par-28. The defending champion, Brad Jacobson was another shot behind at 29 and 2004 OCI Champion Brett Egge, along with OCI rookies Steve Eggebraaten and Parker Klitzke rounded out the six contestants who made the cut at four over par-31 and qualified for the Mini March.
Charlie Jacobson had the honor on the first tee and one hopped his ball over the green, short-sided to a back pin, momentarily giving life to his Mini March playing partners. Anderson played next and found the back fringe, as did Brad Jacobson, Klitzke, and Egge. Eggebraaten’s pitching wedge was not enough to carry the pond and his Mini March all but ended with a splash.
Behind the green, Jacobson and his experienced Champion’s March caddy Neil Carmody surveyed the situation and discussed shot selection. After much debate, Jacobson decided to open the face on his Mizuno MP-33 8 iron and hit a flop shot, as opposed to trying to bump the ball through the lush blue grass. His Titleist Pro V1x came off high and soft but landed directly on the edge of the apron and bound forward some forty feet past the hole. All four competitors on the back of the green saw a slight opening, but none were able to convert their birdie opportunities. When Charlie rolled his forty footer right into the center of the hole to save par, the gallery erupted and all knew who would be wearing the Coat this evening. Jacobson hit his tee shot on the final hole just short of the green and played a bump and run for his second to inside of three feet. When he converted his par there was no question who owned this night. His two under total was also a One Club Invitational scoring record.
Brad Jacobson presented Charlie with the Carmody Coat and with daughter Maya in arm, Charlie thanked the crowd. He was later quoted as saying, “I owe a great deal of thanks to my good friend Brad Jacobson. We had spent some time hitting balls earlier in the day and he advised I make a minor adjustment in my set up. His tip gave me a great deal of confidence and ultimately led me to the Carmody Coat. There are few sportsmen as classy as Brad. I am truly honored to have my name below his on the Carmody Coat and join the fraternity of players who have gone before me in winning the One Club Invitational.”
Many speculated on this “tip” that Brad offered to Charlie. The consensus idea seemed to deal with Charlie teeing his ball up to a driver height, not the traditional short iron height. Whatever the tip, it was certainly clear that Charlie was more than comfortable with the adjustment. The only speculation needed the remainder of the evening was if Charlie’s performance would ever be matched…And where his caddy Neil stands in BOSC History after becoming the first to complete the Career Caddy Slam!
The race for the thirteenth Boys of Summer Cup truly began with the opening tee shot. In the first group of the day, arguably one of the best golfers to never hoist the Cup, Ryan Jansa had the honor. He was paired with Mitch Brunik, Chris Long, and 2012 Champion Danny Sinksen. Sinksen’s title defense a year earlier was cut short after his 71 missed the Champion’s March by one shot. He was determined to not let his fate ride on a cut line this year and set the pace with a four under par-66. Jansa and Long matched level par-70’s and it was clear that anyone who wanted to March in 2014 would likely have to sign for even par, if not lower.
Playing in the very next group was 2012 March Finalist Ryan Medhaug. Just two years prior, Ryan raced to a four shot lead with an opening round 65, but stumbled in his first career Champion’s March losing to Sinksen on a final hole fifteen-foot par putt. Medhaug wanted back in the March, and who better to chase than Sinksen? He opened up with birdies on holes 1, 4, and 7 on his way to a front nine 32; but mistakes on the back nine, including a late bogey on 17 dropped him into a 3 way tie for second at 70.
The 8:30 AM start time featured a player who had registered for nearly every Boys of Summer Cup to date, but had yet to hit a shot in the event. South Dakota Golf Association Hall of Fame Member Roger Legge has supported the Boys of Summer Cup year after year by sending an entry fee to the committee, despite being unable to play. 2014 marked the first year that Legge could be present, and it was clear that he came ready to compete. Roger used the Stableford Scoring to his advantage accumulating a record 36 points, 9 better than the defending Senior Division Champion Marty Mosher, and hoisted the Sova Senior Chalice in his first ever Boys of Summer Cup.
Not far behind Legge was the new president and 2007 Champion Mark Anderson. Anderson made it no secret how badly he wanted to kiss the clay trophy again, but not since 2011 had he Marched, and never at Willow Run Golf Course. A bogey free front nine 32 put him right on pace with Sinksen. Two putt birdies on both par fives on the back nine, combined with birdies on holes twelve and seventeen gave Anderson matching 32’s and a six under par total of 64. This was the second 64 in Boys of Summer Cup history, tying Parker Pemberton’s seven under total on his way to hoisting the 2009 Boys of Summer Cup, also at Willow Run.
Washington High School senior Dayton Schumacher was next to put his name in the mix. His even par 70 was the sixth score at even or better, creating a logjam of golfers trying to get into the March. Directly behind Schumacher was the current One Club Invitational Champion Charlie Jacobson. Jacobson resumed his run for the second half of the Summer Slam with a bogey on the first, but bounced back with birdies on three and seven for a front nine 33. Playing alongside Charlie was the only two-time BOSC Champion Michael Martin. Martin started his chase for his third Cup with two birdies and seven pars for a front nine 32. As both players made the turn, they were aware of scores being posted, and the limited number of spots available in the Champion’s March. They matched birdies and bogies on holes twelve and thirteen respectively, but Martin was forced to take an unplayable lie when his ball buried in the greenside bunker on hole fifteen. He managed to save bogey, but dropped a critical shot. When his hybrid ran through the fairway and into the hazard on the short seventeenth, he fell back another stroke and was back at even par. Jacobson continued his steady play with four straight pars, and when he converted from six feet on the last to save par, his one under 69 bettered Martin by one, and put the now five competitors sitting at level par into a tie for the fourth and final spot in the March.
It didn’t take long for the slim hopes of all of the competitors clinging to even par to vanish. LPGA Tour member Kim Kaufman became the first woman to ever qualify for the Champion’s March with a two under par 68. Kim was also trying to make history by becoming the first person to win the Golden Tee Division and the Boys of Summer Cup. She claimed the Christensen trophy in 2006 with a record score of 67 at Prairie Green Golf Course and now had her sights on the ultimate prize.
In the Golden Tee Division, Van Carmody and Nick Howard matched 27-point totals playing in back to back groups. It appeared the division would be decided by a playoff for the second year in a row until, playing in the penultimate group, Brady Jacobsen posted 32 points and hoisted the Christensen Trophy.
The newly created Junior Division allowed golfers ages 18 and under to compete for the Boys of Summer Cup Junior Plaque. The juniors played from the BOSC tee markers, which gave them the rare chance to compete for the Boys of Summer Cup as well. Any golfer with a handicap index of 6.5 or higher could choose to play in the Golden Tee Division but would not be eligible to win the Junior Division. Soon to be Washington High School sophomore Hank Eggebraaten came within a playoff of winning the Christensen Trophy a year earlier. His 74 gave him the clubhouse lead with just one group of juniors left on the course. But when incoming freshman and Warrior teammate Will Grevlos saved par on 17 and 18 to shoot 73, Eggebraaten was left to settle for another close second. At the age of 14, Grevlos became the first and youngest champion of the Junior Division, a record that could stand for many years.
Following play, golfers competed in the first Boys of Summer Cup 7-Up Putting Tournament. The rules were simple: With your 4-some, putt to a hole. Whoever’s ball is closest to the hole earns one point. If the putt is holed for an ace, that person or persons earn 2 points. The first person to reach 7 points without going over wins. The tournament was bracketed with Tyler Pridey surviving three stages of play to beat Amy Christensen in a closely contested final. Pridey earned $50 in shop credit, a BOSC polo, BOSC putter cover, and a 2-liter of 7-Up for his victory.
It was now time to begin the 14th Boys of Summer Cup Champion’s March. With the familiar sound of The Who’s Baba O’Riley, Adam Wynia introduced the four Finalists and awarded them their Champion’s March yardage books. The traditional March set up of holes 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were again used and hole locations were changed for the second year in a row. Members of the gallery loaded into carts in anticipation of a dramatic March.
Sitting on a two shot lead, Anderson played conservatively on the first two holes and secured two putt pars on both. Jacobson’s tee shot on the first hole caromed off a cart and into the fescue and an opening double bogey derailed his chances of making a charge. Sinksen and Kaufman both parred the first, but when Sinksen failed to get down in two from beyond 40 feet on the second, Anderson’s lead was now three. Anderson’s lead grew to four on the third hole when he rolled in a fifteen foot putt for birdie, but was trimmed back to three when Kaufman lipped out an ace on the fourth March hole and tapped in for birdie. However, a routine par on the fifth left Anderson one hole away from his second career Cup and with a comfortable three shot cushion over both Kaufman and Sinksen. He played a 3 iron off the final tee and a pitching wedge into the green. Two putts later, he matched Michael Martin as the second person to hoist the Boys of Summer Cup twice and the first ever to play a bogey free BOSC. Don Henley whistled through the willows on the eighth green and the new champion fought back tears as he thanked so many important people who have supported him and the Boys of Summer Cup.
2013: Trent Peterslam
The Twelfth Boys of Summer Cup officially began with past champions and committee members gathering on CJ Callaway’s patio for the annual Champion’s Dinner. BOSC XI Champion Danny Sinksen selected the appropriate venue, overlooking the 1st tee and putting green at Prairie Green Golf Course, site of the inaugural Boys of Summer Cup. Danny arrived still beaming from his triumph a year prior. After breaking bread and imbibing, all guests in attendance proceeded to the putting green for 7-Up and night putting. The Two Ball Blade of Brett Egge proved to be too much for Danny Amundson, Mark Anderson, Neil Carmody, Justin Christensen, Brad Jacobson, Charlie Jacobson, Michael Martin, and Sinksen. Al “Cookie” Cooke would have been proud.
For the third consecutive year, the Boys of Summer Cup teamed up with Todd Kolb of Willow Run Golf Course to provide a free junior golf clinic for area junior golfers. The Boys of Summer Cup Endowment funded the clinic as more than thirty junior golfers participated in stations teaching short game, long game, and rules and etiquette. All participants received choices of prizes ranging from golf shirts to equipment to rules literature and more.
Following the Junior Clinic, the Competitions Committee conducted last minute course preparations and set up while the Hospitality Committee prepared for the One Club Invitational and Players’ BBQ presented by Paul and Jil Sova. After a mid morning thunderstorm, OCI participants arrived to Westward Ho Country Club and soft scoring conditions. Longtime friend (and BOSC II After Party host) Dave Medema introduced live mobile scoring on his prototype app. Although many roars were heard throughout the towering cottonwoods, no golfers recorded a hole in one and the Ace Pot swelled to over $1250. A One Club Invitational record eight golfers qualified for the Mini March highlighted by BOSC III Champion Brad Jacobson’s record tying 1 under par (26) and OCI rookie Max Donohue’s 1 over par (28). Also qualifying at 2 over par (29) were reigning Boys of Summer Cup Champion Danny Sinksen, 2007 OCI Champion Brett Egge, 2004 OCI Champion Adam Wynia, 2003 OCI Runner-up Dan Sova, Jeremy Eich, and Charlie Jacobson. With eight golfers still vying for the coveted Carmody Coat, many story lines were taking shape. Brad Jacobson was attempting to become the fifth golfer in Boys of Summer Cup history to win the Career Slam. Danny Sinksen was attempting to become just the second golfer along with Wil Collins (BOSC VII) to hoist the Boys of Summer Cup and wear the Carmody Coat simultaneously. Both Brett Egge and Adam Wynia were attempting to make One Club Invitational history by slipping on their second blazer. And finally, Dan Sova was still trying to avenge his historic collapse against Marty VanDeMore (2003 OCI Champion). Jacobson’s three-putt bogey on the first of the two hole Mini March opened the door for everyone, including Donohue, until he also three putted for bogey. Sadly for all, none could get closer than two shots with one to play. Jacobson, all but guaranteeing a par on the last would put two arms inside the Coat, methodically played his Ping Tour 47 degree wedge to the front fringe, perfectly below the steeply sloped hole. Donohue knew he would now need something special to catch Jacobson (and cash in a $1250 Ace Pot ticket). He took dead aim at the flag and nearly holed his Titleist MB 7 iron, landing the ball less than a foot short of the hole before it backed up a few inches leading to a certain birdie. Jacobson knew what he had to do. He put his Pro V1x back in his stance and calmly played a bump-n-run to about 12 inches. With his wife Shannon and daughter Reese fighting back tears of joy, Brad converted his par putt and completed the Career Slam. His family rushed to the green to celebrate their accomplishment.
That evening, participants and guests enjoyed Texas Style BBQ, perused a growing selection of official BOSC merchandise, and bid on many silent auction items including a Bushnell range finder, autographed Merion US Open flag, and a VIP tour of Boulevard Brewing Company along with four tickets to the Kansas City Royals. As always, the putting green was packed well after sunset. August 3rd arrived with beautiful weather conditions. Plentiful sunshine and soft breezes greeted competitors as they walked Champions’ Row on their way to the practice tee and putting green. Defending champion Danny Sinksen paused for a second and smiled, looking at the newest Champion Banner. He knew he couldn’t reminisce too long, for he had the honor in the opening group of BOSC XII. His level par round (71) set the pace and put him in position to become the first defending champion to make the Champion’s March since Adam Wynia in 2003. One Club Invitational Champion Brad Jacobson also began his quest for the Summer Slam with level par (71). His three-putt bogey on number seventeen appeared to derail his chances of making history until he bounced back with a birdie on the closing hole. Speaking of history, the 9:03 pairing of Adam, Brian, and Grant Wynia were trying to become the first brothers to March alongside one another. The youngest Wynia, Grant went out with nine straight pars (35), and came home with nine straight pars (36) and posted 71, likely becoming the first competitor in BOSC history to par eighteen consecutive holes. The elder Wynia, Adam closed with a tap in birdie on seventeen and a ten foot birdie on eighteen to equal Grant and the others at level par (71). But they were both out-staged by Brian, who eagled the second hole and never looked back on his way to medalist honors at three under par (68). University of Minnesota golf team member Jon Trasamar assured himself a spot in the March with a score of two under par (69). Reigning South Dakota Class AA State Champion Tommy Vining also came in under par (70) putting him in the March for the second time; the first being 2009 as a caddie for Brett Egge. With three golfers under par, and another four golfers tied for the final qualifying position (Low 4 and ties qualify) it appeared the 2013 Champion’s March might be the largest since the 4 Shot Rule. But it was not meant to be when 2010 OCI Champion Trent Peterson, playing in the final pairing of the day, ended the hopes of all players sitting on level par. Peterson matched Vining at one under par (70) and the Champion’s March was comprised of four first time Finalists. The Senior Division and Golden Tee saw a format change for the first time when Stableford Scoring was introduced. Players received points based on their score for each hole (bogey-1 point, par-2 points, birdie-4 points, etc.) and their points were totaled at the end of the round. This change seemed to be great for both divisions, as feedback was very positive on all accounts. Don Koster was attempting to join Paul Schock as the only golfers to win consecutive Sova Chalices and set the pace with 35 points. Making his fourth Boys of Summer Cup appearance from Blanco, Texas was Marty Mosher. Mosher had been close several times in the Senior Division, but had been unable to breakthrough. Marty scored 10 points on his final three holes with birdies on 16 and 18 and a fifteen foot par save on 17 to equal Koster’s total of 35 points. The Golden Tee Division was no less competitive. Charles Quam of Seattle, Washington and fourteen year old Hank Eggebraaten of Washington High School both posted totals of 33 points. However, as the final groups were finishing play, neither Koster nor Quam could be found anywhere on the grounds. The Tournament Committee was able to contact both golfers and unfortunately Koster had family obligations and could not make it back for a playoff. He handled the situation like a gentleman and a champion and agreed that Mosher would be declared champion. Quam was also spending time with his family, enjoying some more golf (miniature) at Thunder Road. He was fortunate enough to make it back to Willow Run just in time to join Eggebraaten in the first playoff in Golden Tee history. The playoff began just ahead of the Champion’s March on hole number one. Hank was first to play and found the fairway, while Charles pushed his drive into the right rough behind some trees. When Hank hit his approach shot just short of the green, Charles (with the advice of his caddie and daughter) decided to play a punch nine iron under the trees. His ball flew under the trees, short of the green, and ran just beyond the hole. When Eggebraaten was unable to get his ball up and down, Quam’s two-putt par earned him the Christensen Trophy. The twelfth Boys of Summer Cup Champion’s March proved to be just as exciting as many of the previous eleven. The now traditional March hole rotation was used:
#1-414 yards (4) #4-167 yards (3) #5-409 yards (4) #6-153 yards (3) #7-501 yards (5) #8-415 yards (4)
And for the first time in Champion’s March history, hole locations were changed compliments of Dave Hanten. The opening hole proved to be a warm up as all golfers recorded pars. Just as the year before, it seemed the second hole really began the March. Still one stroke ahead and playing with the honor, Brian Wynia attacked the far left hole location on the 167-yard par three. His flushed 8 iron took off on a great line but stayed in the air too long, flying the green and finding the hazard. After a penalty stroke and a drop, Wynia was unable to get up and down for bogey. He recorded a damaging double bogey (5) that dropped him back to 1 under par for the championship. Next to play was Jon Trasamar. Like Wynia, Trasamar chose an aggressive line at the tucked pin, but his ball over-hooked and missed the green to the left. Fortunately, it stopped on the hillside short of the creek that Brian had just found. But unfortunately, Jon was not able to get up and down to save par. His bogey (4) also dropped him to 1 under par. Tommy Vining was next to play and sent a gorgeous ball right at the flag, stopping it inside of ten feet. The gallery roared as the young Vining was gaining momentum as crowd favorite. To the chagrin of many, his birdie attempt slid by the hole and Tommy had to settle for par and remained at one under. Trent Peterson was last to play and took a more conservative line than the other three. His ball found that fat side of the green and his two-putt par kept him at one under for the championship. The Finalists marched up the hillside in a four-way tie. Vining now had the honor on the 409 yard third hole. His driver went left and found the hillside and knee-high grass. He was able to hack out back into play, but a poor approach shot lead to a deflating double bogey (6) that dropped him to one over par. Peterson was next to play and continued to plod along, finding the fairway and green and two putting once again for his third straight par. Trasamar played third and continued with his aggressive strategy and chose driver on the relatively short hole for someone with his distance. His ball hooked left once again, and found the fescue grass between the third and fourth March holes. Unable to properly gauge the distance for his approach (Distance measuring devices were not allowed in the March for the second straight year as March Participants received official Boys of Summer Cup Yardages Books.), Jon’s ball flew too far, leading to another bogey (5) and dropped him to level par for the tournament. Coming off his double bogey on the previous hole, Wynia was able to calm his nerves and hit the fairway with his driver. His wedge shot left him with a good look at birdie to the back hole location, but he was unable to convert and recorded par (4). At the halfway point in the March, Trent and Brian held the lead at one under par while Jon (E) and Tommy (+1) remained within striking distance. Peterson had the honor on the 153 yard fourth hole and found the back right section of the green, leaving himself ten feet for birdie. Wynia played next but failed to carry the ridge to the back of the green, and his ball funneled some forty plus feet from the hole. Third up was Trasamar who continued to press but airmailed the green, leading to his third straight bogey. Vining was last to play and hit a solid short iron to twenty feet. With nearly 30 carts creating a stadium style feel around the back and right portion of the green, Wynia wanted to give them something to cheer about. When his bomb for birdie found the bottom of the hole, the gallery erupted. Vining, feeling his chances slipping away, matched Wynia’s birdie, adding to the excitement of all in attendance. Peterson was not to be outdone and calmly rolled in his ten footer for the third two on the hole. The crowd exploded and every cart raced down the next fairway jockeying for a spot near the green. Peterson and Wynia were now two clear of Vining and three clear of Trasamar. At 501 yards and with a fairway that runs substantially downhill, the par five fifth was sure to create drama. Peterson had the honor and made his first quick swing of the March. His ball took off left and was curving left; straight for the white OB stakes lining the left side of the hole. Fortunately, the ball crashed into a tree some 175 yards off of the tee and fell straight down, avoiding disaster. Wynia played next and appeared unable to get the image of Peterson’s drive out of his head as his tee ball took off high and right and did not draw back. He wasn’t as fortunate as Trent when his ball found the hazard lining the right side of the hole. Vining and Trasamar could now see a little opening as the co-leaders stumbled. Both players found the fairway and had less than 200 yards to the hole. Peterson had no other option but to lay up from the left rough and tress. He successfully got his ball to the bottom level and into the fairway inside of the 100-yard marker. Wynia was unable to find his ball in the right hazard and elected to drop within two club lengths of the red line, now hitting three. With Peterson in perfect position in the fairway, he chose to go for the green protected by hazard on all sides, including a creek that runs in front. From more than 200 yards out, playing considerably downhill, out of the rough, and adrenaline surely pumping through his body, Brian’s mid iron took off like a rocket and looked like it would never come down. His ball flew the green and into the hazard long, leading to a disastrous double bogey (7). Tommy played next and successfully found the green in two, but was outside of thirty feet for eagle and above the sharply sloped hole. Jon’s mammoth drive left him only a nine iron into the green and he found the surface, leaving less than ten feet for a much needed three. Peterson played a magnificent wedge shot inside of Jon’s ball and looked to be placing one, if not two hands on the Cup. Tommy was first to putt and his eagle attempt raced by the hole. When his birdie putt failed to drop, it appeared his chances were all but lost. Trailing Trent by three, Jon faced a certain must make putt. He converted and his eagle (3) got him back to level par for the championship and momentarily within one stroke of Trent. But this was Trent’s day. Just as on the previous holes, he answered everything his fellow Finalists threw at him and converted his birdie (4). He took a two shot lead to the final hole and laced a driver right down the center. When his eight iron found the green, two putts were all that separated him from the Boys of Summer Cup. As Don Henley was working on his sound check, Trent rolled his birdie putt to within inches and tapped in completing the Career Slam. Celebrations ensued under the Huizenga Hut and around the putting green until late into the evening. Peterson, who had 36 holes to play the following day in the Northwest Iowa Amateur, stayed well into the night, helping retrieve sponsor signs and tee markers. His great play continued, as his 11 under total was good for a three shot win in Spencer. The after party continued at the Danny and Emily Peterson home, resembling the 2004 party that nearly cost JFA his marriage. Ironically, John was in attendance this year, telling stories and holding court. Papa John’s and CL Smoothies were enjoyed by all, and another great BOSC came to a close.
2012: Sinksen’s Redemption
The first round to put him in position to win the 11th Boys of Summer Cup. Though he had his work cut out for him, trailing first time Champion’s March contestant Ryan Medhaug by 5 strokes and Ryan Jansa by 1 shot, Danny’s calm composure amidst the massive cart and spectator gallery earned him his sweet revenge after a near victory in 2007. Julean Michels also carded a fabulous round of 70, but will have to wait until next year for his next shot at BOSC glory. The 11th BOSC was a success on all accounts, from the One Club Invitational and Players’ BBQ through tournament day. Michael Martin, two-time BOSC Champion, won the OCI in astounding fashion, blowing away the field with an 11 hole score of -1 under par and reasserted his position as the most decorated BOSC participant of all time. With the addition of the Boys of Summer Cup Endowment (created by Jay and Jane Huizenga), the Boys of Summer Cup had its most successful year raising over $5k toward the endowment with proceeds donated to the First Tee of South Dakota. Dan Grider Sr. and Rodney Scarbrough continued the tradition of $500 scholarships for two college students. Cory Willadsen and Dan Vining were the recipients. Cory is pursuing an education in engineering at South Dakota State University and Dan will be starting at turf management school this fall. This was Mr. Grider’s 9th consecutive year sponsoring his scholarship and Mr. Scarbrough’s third. We hope all in attendance had a remarkable time and hope to see you next year!2011 Tom Triumphs
2011: Tom Triumphs
2010: Double Dunsi
2009: Minnesota Mastery
2008: Collins and Commando Trox Triumph
2007: Carmody Carries Claymaster to Victory
Preparations for the 6th Boys of Summer Cup began over EggeNog and holiday treats at the first Boys of Summer Cup Christmas party hosted by Jim and Cathy Egge. It was immediately apparent that securing a date to accommodate everyone would be very difficult. The committee did not want another year where all seven members could not be present. They would eventually settle on the Tuesday-Wednesday dates of July 17 and 18…much to the appreciation of Wynia and Anderson’s professional golf schedule. This would later prove to be a mistake as the Boys of Summer Cup regretfully lost a few fixtures in the event from years past—Nate Gaeckle, “Dirty James” Eastman, John Oien, Ryan Jansa, and past champions Jim Anderson and Brad Jacobson to name a few. However, the quality of the field continued to grow. Jay Reynolds of the NGA Hooters Tour returned for a second shot at the Cup (among other night life endeavors). 2005 US Open participant Wil Collins of the Canadian Tour made his first appearance after a battle with pneumonia earlier in the summer. The Dakotas Tour was represented by Danny Sinksen, Bobby West, Andre Metzger, and Travis Slaughthaag. Finally, making his third straight appearance and arguably the Greatest Player Never to Hoist the Cup was longtime Boys of Summer Cup friend and teacher Todd Kolb.
As in years past, many doubted the committee was going to be able to pull off such an extraordinary event. Entries were slow to arrive, but the committee was preparing for the best Cup yet. Authentic Boys of Summer Cup merchandise was again masterfully designed by President Dan Sova and traditional white, black, and slate (the most popular color…credited to Egge) Texace visors stitched with *BOSC* were introduced by Mark Anderson. Don Breit continued to honor the late Cheryl Breit with her Memorial Scholarship given to Brett C. Bennett, a pre med student at the University of South Dakota. Dan Grider Sr. provided a scholarship for the fourth straight year awarded to Chris Mithelman, a business undergrad at Augustana University. Paul Sova handcrafted the 2007 Champion’s Plate out of a block of cherry wood. He was once again a major sponsor as the Boys of Summer Cup raised $2,000 for the local Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s chapter taking the total amount raised to more than $5,500. BOSC VI officially began with the One Club Invitational hosted by Neil “Hootie Johnson” Carmody at Kuehne Park Golf Links. An OCI record of 60 plus players carefully selected the one club that would propel him…or her (Kim Kolb-Ping G5 6 iron) to the first leg of the Summer Slam and the coveted Carmody Coat. New to the One Club Invitational was an optional $5 Ace Pot. None of the participants recorded a hole in one so the pot of nearly $200 was rolled over to the following year. Dan Sova, still searching for answers from the 2003 VanDeMore disaster, did not find them in his Cleveland CG10 7 iron. In an unprecedented move, defending champion Mark Anderson decided against the winning recipe of his Ping S59 6 iron from the year before and selected a 7 iron. This proved to be a poor choice as bogeys on 5, 6, 7, and 8 spoiled his chances of a repeat. The early clubhouse lead of 33 belonged to a large group including 2005 OCI Champion Ross Menke, his cousin Pat Menke, and Danny “Lil Ammo” Amundson (Son of South Dakota golfing legend and 4 time SDGA Husband and Wife Champion Mark “Big Ammo” Amundson). It appeared likely that the One Club Invitational would be decided in a sudden death playoff for the third straight year.
Playing in the final group and in his first OCI since 2005 was Boys of Summer Cup member Brett Egge. Egge had spent 2006 caddying on the Champion’s Tour studying the game and learning from golfing legends. He was also present for countless hours of instruction given to Graham Marsh from Top 100 Teacher Jim Hardy. He had been using this information to improve his own golf swing and it appeared he was finally on “one plane.” Egge used his Taylor Made Rac 7 iron to quietly secure pars on holes one through six. A poor chip on the relatively tame seventh left Egge scratching his head and one over. As in years past, accurate live scoring was difficult with a lack of leader boards. However, word was circulating that 33 had been posted. Egge declined updates and focused on the task at hand. He knew the long par 4 eighth would require everything he had in two 7 irons. Egge teed his ball as close to the markers as possible and striped a 7 iron down the fairway. A mediocre second left him greenside and in possible danger of another bogey. But Egge remained calm and finessed a delicate bump and run to 5 feet and rolled it in for par. A bogey on the par 4 last would now secure the first leg of the Slam and the Carmody Coat. A solid tee ball left Brett near the 150 plaque and with a great angle to the back left pin. With a flare for the dramatic, he took dead aim and pured a knock down 7 iron right at it. Brett’s ball never left the flag but one hopped just over the green where it drew a squirrelly lie. In Watson-esque fashion, his chip crashed into the flagstick but did not slide down. Egge calmly rolled in his par putt for a One Club Invitational record 31 and would now have his name “embroidalled” on the Carmody Coat. Following the presentation of the Coat, participants made their way to the Gale and Nancy Wynia house for the Players’ Barbeque. Dan Sova, accompanied by Megan Mathison-Wynia, Carla LaCroix, and Craig Pederson (Craig was offered a case of canned Mountain Dew as payment) glorified the evening with live music including abc abc abc abc. Kenny Hartzell and Chris Mithelman of the Augustana Golf Team dominated the bags court. Jay Reynolds and Mark Anderson were unable to add to their perfect run from the year before, as Jay was not present for the event. He was traveling from Omaha and arrived later that evening. Rumor has it that a Bags Tournament is in the works for next year to determine a true champion. Unfortunately, a rain shower cut the barbeque a little short. This however was the least of everyone’s concerns as Phil Schreck predicted multiple thunderstorms for the ensuing day. The Boys of Summer Cup committee called an emergency meeting to discuss potential dangerous weather options. They figured one rain delay could be manageable, but multiple thunderstorms would be disastrous. With a 5 out of 7 vote required to implement policy, it was difficult to come up with a plan that could be agreed upon. The biggest issue at hand was could a champion be crowned in a rain-shortened event? With Wynia and Anderson lobbying desperately to protect the tradition of the Champion’s March and Sova, Egge, Christensen, and Martin adamant on identifying a champion even if it meant an abbreviated event, it appeared Neil Carmody would cast the deciding vote. After several near successful persuasion attempts from each side, Carmody voted on a rain-shortened event if necessary. The group hoped everyone would complete at least 18 holes and the Champion’s March would continue until darkness ensued. A champion would be crowned. Little did they know the impact of their decision. BOSC VI was greeted with overcast skies and a light breeze. Participants with visions of capturing the Cup knew taking advantage of the benign conditions would be imperative. Not only did the conditions suggest a low qualifying score, but the pending weather left an uncertainty on how long the scoring opportunity would last and how many holes the tournament would actually go.
2006: Martin Moonwalks past pros
marked a very important year for the Boys of Summer Cup. Now that each member had graduated from college and faced new endeavors, they knew that it would become ever more difficult to continue the tradition of the Boys of Summer Cup and the pursuit of the greatest golf tournament South Dakota has ever seen. Justin Christensen married his high school sweetheart Casey Handle, and began working as an engineer in Des Moines, Iowa. Dan Sova enrolled in medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Neil Carmody enrolled in graduate school at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Michael Martin continued his pursuit of the “Gus Slam” (SDGA Stroke Play, Two Man, Match Play, and Boys of Summer Cup Championships). Adam Wynia and Mark Anderson began their journeys toward the PGA Tour by turning professional. And Brett Egge began working for Graham Marsh of the Champions Tour as a professional caddie. Brett was in Scotland for the Senior British Open Championship during the week of the Boys of Summer Cup and was unable to participate (Brett would still play a major role in this years tournament by making a major contribution). As President of the Boys of Summer, Dan Sova was not about to see the tournament fade away. He worked diligently all summer long while many of the other members were either “On The Road” or in Onida working at “The Place That Big Ammo Built” (Sutton Bay). As the tournament week quickly approached, fresh ideas became realities. New to the event the Boys of Summer introduced tournament flags and Boys of Summer Cup apparel including caps, polos, and tee shirts (regular and retro ringer tees). With six months of professional caddie experience under his belt, Brett Egge created a tour quality Tournament Yardage Book with the assistance of Brian Wynia (yardage book mass production can be credited to Jay Reynolds, Jay Choi, and Mark Anderson). The Cheryl Breit Memorial Scholarship was given to Ronald Douthit III and the Dan Grider Sr. Scholarship was given to Brett C. Bennett. The Boys of Summer again raised more than $2600 for the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter thanks to the many supporters of the Boys of Summer Cup. The 5th Boys of Summer Cup officially began with the One Club Invitational at Kuehn Park Golf Links. A gentle breeze and accessible hole locations provided for great scoring conditions. Defending champion Ross Menke began with hopes of becoming the first person to don the Carmody Coat in consecutive years. His dreams faded with a slow start and an inability to produce the marvelous touch shots that he found just one year before. Dan Sova, still feeling slighted by Marty VanDeMore’s triumph in 2003 could not overcome an early stretch of bogeys and his hopes of slipping on the jacket would have to wait. Three competitors who did take advantage of the great scoring conditions were Mark Anderson, “Smitty” (nobody knows his real name…Brent Smith), and some guy named Steve. Playing in the first wave of competitors, Steve placed his name on the top of the leaderboard with a 34. Anderson and “Smitty” were paired together in the final group. Anderson attempted to overpower the four pars by selecting a six iron while “Smitty” opted for a finesse strategy on the three pars by selecting a pitching wedge. The contrasting styles made for a back and forth battle. Anderson secured par on the final hole of regulation by successfully two putting from below the tier to a back pin on number nine. His 34 placed him as co leader. “Smitty” played a bellied wedge from the tee and left his approach just 14 feet from the hole for birdie and the championship. His bid for the Carmody Coat narrowly missed and the One Club Invitational had to be decided by sudden death playoff for the second consecutive year. All three competitors were carted back to the ninth tee to determine who would wear the coat. The first playoff hole did not determine the champion, but did eliminate Steve, who struggled to a double bogey six. Anderson and “Smitty” both carded fives and made their way back to the ninth tee for the second playoff hole. “Smitty” failed to reach the green in two and had to settle for a bogey while Anderson had two putts from 15 feet for the championship. He calmly stroked his first putt left handed to two feet below the hole and completed the first leg of the Boys of Summer Slam by holing his par putt. Neil “Hootie Johnson” Carmody presented Anderson with the coat and said a few words. Gale and Nancy Wynia graciously volunteered to host the Player’s Barbeque for the third straight year. Backyard games of Monkey Balls and Bags (compliments of Dave Medema) were again a hit. The Bags team of Mark Anderson and Jay Reynolds proved to be truly unstoppable by retiring with a record better than 15-0. Live music, a staple of the Player’s Barbeque, was almost cancelled due to a malfunctioning amplifier. Luckily, Nate Gaeckle “jerry rigged” the wiring and music by Dan Sova, Gaeckle, and Megan Mathison proved to be the highlight of the night. As the final songs were performed, a warm south breeze freshened. Phil Schreck predicted plenty of sunshine, hot temperatures, and gusting winds. With fast greens, treacherous hole locations, and windy conditions Prairie Green Golf Course would finally present its toughest test; exactly what the Boys of Summer had been waiting for. The field for the 5th Boys of Summer Cup was arguably the strongest in its young history. Defending champion, Robb Bierbaum hoped to be the first to successfully defend his title and extend his record streak of consecutive appearances in the Champion’s March to five. 2004 champion, professional Brad Jacobson of the Grey Goose Gateway Tour returned to reclaim his title that he was unable to defend due to scheduling conflicts. University of New Mexico All American, professional Jay Choi of South Korea (by way of Albuquerque) hoped to be the first international player to hoist the Cup. Professional Jay Reynolds of the Canadian Tour became the first participant to represent a world ranked golf tour. Finally, not to be lost in the shuffle were past champions Adam Wynia (2002) and Jim Anderson (2003). The 2006 Champion would not only have to survive Prairie Green’s best, but would also have to outlast the Boys of Summer Cup’s most talented field. It was immediately apparent that even proven champions were going to struggle under these conditions. Brad Jacobson’s dreams were dashed with a triple bogey seven on the par 4 eighth hole. Defending champion, Robb Bierbaum was unable to qualify for the Champion’s March for the first time in his career. He struggled to a 76. Adam Wynia could not overcome a cold putter and had to settle for a 77. Jim Anderson continued to unsuccessfully search for his chipping. He failed to break 80. However, not all competitors succumb to the difficult test. Jay Choi overcame near disaster when his ball caromed off of the fence marking out of bounds at the par five fifteenth. He stamped his name as the early leader with a one under par 71. Playing alongside Choi, Jay Reynolds and rookie professional, Mark Anderson grinded out even par 72’s. A handful of players including 2005 Champion’s March qualifiers Todd Kolb and Tom Carlson posted 74’s. Relative unknown, Kenny Hartzell was cruising to a spot in the Champion’s March until he found disaster at the par three seventeenth. His triple bogey six moved him from one under to two over. He clung to the final qualifying spot along with Kolb and Carlson with only a few groups remaining. Unfortunately, their dreams would come to a halt when reigning South Dakota Stroke Play and Two Man Champion Michael Martin posted 69 and pushed them out of the top four. This marked Martin’s first year as qualifying medalist, but third straight appearance in the Champion’s March. The march for the cup was now set with three professionals and one amateur. Many doubted the amateur Martin’s chances, despite his triumph at Prairie Green Golf Course just one summer before in the SDGA Stroke Play Championship. With such a slim lead over Choi, Reynolds and Anderson planning moves up the leaderboard, and the pressure of the situation, it seemed improbable that Martin would hoist the cup. It appeared that he would yet again come up short…little did everyone know. Martin made it immediately known that he was there with one goal in mind, to capture the cup, by making birdie on the first hole and pushed his lead to three. Reynolds was forced to take an unplayable lie after an errant tee ball and Anderson failed to get up and down from beyond the green and they quickly saw there chances fade. At the par three second, Martin safely played to the middle of the green while Choi gambled on the front right pin. Choi’s approach found the hazard and led to a double bogey five. Martin died his putt over the front lip for another birdie. His lead had now exploded to an astonishing six strokes and his doubters were beginning to believe. After pars on three, four, and five and more struggles by the professionals, it was clear who was doing the teaching today. Martin played three solid shots to the par five sixth and his final stroke found the bottom of the hole for a closing birdie. He raised both arms as Don Henley electrified the evening. The after party moved to CJ Callaway’s and on to Popadox among other fine establishments. This marked the start of Nate Gaeckle’s hobby of paparazzi photography as he captured some of the finer moments of the evening. Sova Setlist: Terrapin Station, Ginseng Sullivan, Space Oddity, Jackson…. Special Thanks To: Dan Grider Sr and Don and Cheryl Breit (scholarship), Kuehn Park Staff and Mike Greve, Gale and Nancy Wynia (Player’s Barbeque, Scoreboard), Laura Sova (Starter Girl, photography), Mickey Berglin and Amy Thompson (Tobacco Tee), Megan Mathison, Jessica Schroeder, Sarah Hickman, Joey Sturdevant, Brittany Lesoing, Rachael Rider, Alex Parker, Menke girl, (leaderboard), CJ Callaways (After Celebration)
On a solemn note, the Boys of Summer lost a dear friend and gracious supporter when Anthony Kruse died on July 30, 2006. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony’s family and friends and he will be missed.
2005: Rain in the morning, Rainmaker in the evening.
The Boys of Summer Cup was now growing. The once field of 25 was quickly multiplying into more than 100. The Boys of Summer vision was becoming a reality, but many challenges were still faced. The Boys of Summer wrestled with many new ideas thanks to their newest member, The Thinktank, Gus Grisham, Michael Martin. They worked hard and added Player’s Badges to this year’s tournament. Neil Carmody forever redeemed himself for his wakeboarding trip by turning the ten foot leaderboard into a reality. Don Breit formed the Cheryl Breit Memorial Scholarship for two deserving individuals (later announced to be Brett C. Bennett and Andy Schmuck). Thanks to many generous donations, the Boys of Summer raised more than $1000 for the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. Finally, Gary Siska was able to piece the handle back together and restore the cup.
The Player’s Barbeque was again a hit at the Wynia house. The combination of Brett Egge and Michael Martin proved to be next to unstoppable at Monkey Balls. Megan Mathison nearly brought everyone to tears on the keyboard while singing renditions of Alison Krause. Dan Sova and Nate Gaeckle picked up where they left off the year before with Rocky Raccoon > Sample in a Jar. To conclude the night, the Boys of Summer perfectly sang The Boys of Summer > The General > What I Got > Free Bird. It was now time to compete for the right to slip on the Carmody Coat.
Doug Baird welcomed all at Kuehne Park Golf Links for the One-Club Tournament. This year’s setup was as tough as ever with treacherous pins, double cut greens, and extended tees thanks to Drew Strout and Josh Goettsch. With more than 40 players vying for the Coat, live scoring was difficult to compute. When play finally reached the ninth hole, the tournament lead belonged to Ross Menke and Scott O’Brien at one over par. Mark Anderson was clinging to a small sliver of hope two strokes behind. Menke and O’Brien struggled their way to bogeys, and Anderson left his birdie putt and bid to tie short from 12 feet. For the first time in Boys of Summer Cup history there would be a playoff. After three sudden death holes, Ross Menke’s bogey turned out to be just enough to defeat Scott O’Brien. Neil Hootie Johnson Carmody said a few words and presented Ross with the Carmody Coat. Later that evening, Phil Schreck predicted a wet day ahead. The Boys of Summer braced for the worst.
Although 2005 marked the first time the defending champion was not entered in the tournament (Brad Jacobson was pursuing a professional career in Phoenix , Arizona ) and a former champion neither (Jim Anderson was on business in Boulder , Colorado ), the event was sure to be a great one. A chilly morning came and cloudy skies seemed hesitant to bring moisture. But as players arrived to loosen up, so did the rain. A steady mist turned into a cold drizzle and Prairie Green Golf Course appeared to be presenting its toughest test yet. Luckily, just when it appeared to be a long, dreary day, the sun broke through and conditions turned perfect; and the scores showed it. Robb Bierbaum posted a Boys of Summer Cup record three under par 67. He also continued his Champion’s March streak and record making his fourth consecutive appearance. Long time Boys of Summer instructor and friend and first time participant Todd Kolb qualified with a one under par 69. A solid round of even par 70 was posted by Tom Carlson. Newest Boys of Summer member Michael Martin made the Boys of Summer proud with his 71, despite taking a two stroke penalty for hitting the wrong ball from the middle of the fairway on the 18 th hole (sometimes we wonder if he is on the moon). Finally, Ross Menke qualified for the Champion’s March with the hopes of being the first player to win the Boys of Summer Cup Slam fresh off of his One-Club Tournament title. He posted a one over par 71. In the Golden Tee Division, Aaron Babb broke Brian Hardie’s scoring record with a 72 and captured the Christensen Trophy. Brian Hardy chose not to defend his title, instead to move back to the Boys of Summer Division; an option Aaron is considering for 2006.
As close as the Champion’s March started, it quickly became a one man show. Robb Bierbaum brought his patented RainMaker drive to the first tee and launched it just short of the green. Tom Carlson’s dreams were dashed with two balls into the backyards on the first hole. Todd Kolb’s pursuit was also halted after his tee shot found the left hazard which led to a bogey five. Michael Martin and Ross Menke were unable to make birdie, and Bierbaum’s successful up and down birdie left him with a four shot lead. After a routine par on number two, Bierbaum brought more Rain on number three. He sent his drive on a rope directly at the pin. It stopped just short of the green and he again got up and down for birdie. When Rain poured directly into the middle of the fourth fairway, the only thing left in question was not Who?….but by How many? Bierbaum’s 4-iron found the middle of the green and his two putt birdie took him to six under par, a number never before seen in Boys of Summer Cup history. Robb continued his attack on number five with his RainMaker landing like a butterfly right in the center of the 321 yard par four. Two putts later, he was seven under par. Bierbaum’s drive on the par 5 sixth and final hole found the right fairway bunker. From there he blistered a 3 wood fifteen yards short of the green. In true champion’s fashion, he managed to pitch and putt for a fourth consecutive birdie and five in six holes to finish a record eight under par. His seven stroke victory over runner up Todd Kolb was also a record. Robb’s previous three years of close calls and disappointment were now forgotten and Don Henley sang in approval.
The after party moved to the Red Rock Sports Bar and Grille and proved to be a great host. Thanks to wrist bands and a watchful eye, all were able to enjoy. Mickey Smickster Berglin gave a heart-warming speech in her leopard dress, and Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing was the selection of the night on the juke box.
Sova Setlist: No Sova setlist at the after-party, instead he and Wynia DJ’d for the entire night.
Special Thanks To: Gale and Nancy Wynia (Player’s Barbeque, Scoreboard), Charlie Jacobson (Player’s Barbeque Beverages), Doug Baird, Drew Strout, and Josh Goettsch (One Club Tournament), Dan Grider Sr. and Don and Cheryl Breit (scholarships), Gary Siska (Cup Restoration), Laura Sova (Starter Girl, photography and video), Mickey Berglin and Katie Kalezewski (Tobacco Tee), Maggie Ankrom and Megan Mathison (photography and video), Jessica Schroeder, Sarah Hickman, and Katie Olsen (Leaderboard), Brian Hunter (After Celebration)
2004: BJake and the Broken Handle
2004 Catered in more new ideas for the prestigious Boys of Summer Cup. Dan Grider Sr. declined an invitation to play, but became involved elsewhere. He donated the Dan Grider Sr. Scoring tent and created the Dan Grider Sr. Scholarship. Paul Sova again helped to construct new tee markers, as the original black markers mysteriously vanished. Rumor has it that Dan Doyle may have been responsible for the Boys of Summer misfortune. Also new to the event, white Augusta National caddie bibs were introduced for the Champion’s March.
The festivities began with a bang, as Gale and Nancy Wynia volunteered to host the Players’ Barbeque. They rented a large tent, tables, and chairs, as the tournament was growing in numbers. Among the guests to make appearances were Dan Pudge Ball Vining, John JFA Anderson, and future participant Issac IJ Jansa. Dan Sova and Nate Gaekle concluded the barbeque with a medley of tunes including Scents and Subtle Sounds > NICU > Roses Are Free > The General > The Boys of Summer.
Following Sova and Gaekle’s performance, all participants made their way to Kuehn Park Golf Links, the new host of the One-Club Tournament. Nearly forty were grouped into three massive groups, and teed off with the hopes of slipping on the newly introduced Carmody Coat. Adam Wynia did not yet know it, but selecting his Mizuno MP29 seven iron would be his greatest decision of the evening. As players began to stumble and darkness ensued, the tournament became a two man race. Dan Sova, still bitter from Marty VanDeMore stealing his title the previous year, came to the ninth at two over par, two shots off of Adam’s lead. Sova hit a beautiful low running shot from 100 yards the eased just onto the top shelf of the green and nestled to within three feet of the cup. He tapped in for birdie to close to within one shot of the lead. Wynia reached the green in two but was faced with a 30 foot putt, up a ridge, to a middle pin. He needed to get down in two, to prevent a playoff. He lagged his attempt at birdie to six feet. With the sun swiftly setting in the distance, Wynia calmly rolled in his par putt, and leaped in Phil Mickleson-esque fashion. He had just completed the Boys of Summer Cup career grand slam. Neil Hootie Johnson Carmody eloquently spoke, and presented Adam with the Carmody Coat. The stage was set for an amazing day of golf.
This year’s tournament consisted of its strongest field yet. Notables from the 83 person field included: Defending Champion Jim Anderson, 2002 Champion and reigning one-club tournament Champion Adam Wynia, Defending South Dakota Stroke Play Champion and holder of a record seven South Dakota state tournaments Ryan Jansa, 2002 South Dakota Stroke and Match Play Champion Paul Schock, and South Dakota Pre Senior Champions John Anderson (1997, 1999, & 2005) and Terry Brunken (2002) to name a few.
The opening 18 holes were greeted with warm winds compliments of Julie Jansa’s wind machine. It blew new faces into the Champion’s March, while keeping some of the old as well. First time participant Brad Jacobson relied on his experience in the winds of West Texas at Texas Tech University to earn medallist honors with a 1 under par 69. Bert Olson, Danny Sinksen, Lawrence Larsen, and Michael Martin found themselves in the mix for the first time. Dan Sova carried the hopes of the Boys of Summer on his shoulders and Robb Bierbaum found himself in a familiar position for the third year in a row. Brian Hardy’s 75 earned him the right to be the first to hoist the Christensen Trophy as the champion of the Golden Tee Division. The seven qualifiers at 73 or better was a new Boys of Summer Cup record. Also new to this years tournament was the reformatting of the Champion’s March. Competitors would now play holes one through six to determine the champion.
The seven competitors were split into two groups, with Larsen, Olson, and Bierbaum leading the way. Unfortunately, they were unable to put pressure on the leaders. In the final group, Jacobson opened with birdie and found himself with a comfortable lead. After his tee shot on the par 3 second found the hazard and led to bogey, Martin and Sova found themselves within striking distance. When the three competitors parred the third hole, Jacobson still maintained a two stroke lead. After a successful up and down for birdie from a plugged bunker lie on the par five fourth hole, Jacobson started to pull away. His par on the fifth left him well ahead of the field entering the final hole. He drove the ball perfectly on the sixth and hit seven-iron into the par five to 12 feet. Brad converted his putt and the spectacular eagle moved him to a record five under par. Defending Champion and crow-cawing buddy Jim Anderson presented the cup to Brad with Don Henley in the background. What happened next was something Mark Anderson had feared since the beginning. As Brad hoisted the cup for all to see, the right handle broke, slicing his finger. Fortunately, all was fine, and the minor injury could not hurt Brad’s excitement.
The after party moved to JFA’s house, nearly costing him his marriage. Versions of The Boys of Summer, The General, and Haley’s Comet could be heard all throughout Shields Ave from John’s deck. After some complaints from the bedroom window, the music was moved to John’s Dank Basement and another great year ended in excitement.
Sova Setlist: No actual setlist for 2004 due to Joanne sleeping. The sound check included a short version of Boston ‘s More Than a Feeling.
Special Thanks To: Gale and Nancy Wynia (Player’s Barbeque, scoreboard), Paul Sova (tee markers), Dan Grider Sr. (scholarship), Mickey Berglin (Tobacco Tee), Jessica Schroeder and Sarah Hickman (Starter Girls, Presentation of the Cup and Champion’s March Participant Introductions), Katie Olsen and Kate Henkin (Photography and Video Girls), John and Joanne Anderson (After Celebration)
2003: The Legend of Bethnoustie
Soon after Wynia’s victory, the Boys of Summer realized the monster they had created and began brainstorming for 2003. They started plans for a bigger and better tournament, beginning with new ideas that included custom tee markers (constructed by Paul Sova), banners, sponsors, and a tobacco tee, among others. The Players’ Barbeque was held at the Sova household for the second year in a row. The One-Club Tournament was held once again at Prairie Green Golf Course, including holes 4, 2 and 3. Dan Sova looked to complete his first leg of the Boys of Summer Cup career grand slam taking a one-stroke lead into the final hole. Sova was safely on the green with a good look at birdie when disaster happened. Complaints from the ladies’ league began to stir, and the night came to a sudden halt when Marty VanDeMore stormed out to number three with fire in his eyes. He cancelled the tournament* a nd kicked everyone off of the golf course leaving a sour taste in each of the competitors’ mouths. The Boys of Summer gathered themselves and realized they still had a tournament to run.
*VanDeMore was later declared champion.
Todd Kolb became the first sponsor of the Boys of Summer Cup, a gesture that will never be forgotten. One of the highlights of the day consisted of what Boys of Summer historians have claimed to be the greatest pairing ever: The 10:52 time of Mark Anderson, Brett Egge, Dan Sova, and Adam Wynia. However, the dreams of all four competing together in the Champions March would vanish after two Oscar Bravo’s (Out of Bounds) off the number one tee by Mark 62 Anderson . However, this was not the story of the tournament. Instead, another Anderson stole the show. Jim Anderson, Mark’s older brother, shot an impressive 69 to lead the field into the Champion’s March.
Jim Anderson and Defending Champion Adam Wynia were considered favorites at the start of the March. Ross Menke and Jonathan Hewett check also had dreams of hoisting the Cup, as did Robb Bierbaum, qualifying for the March for the second consecutive year. On the par-3 second hole, Wynia rolled in a 25-foot left to right curler and fist pumped as the crowd let out a glorious roar for their favorite. His birdie-two narrowed the gap and Anderson was feeling the heat. Bierbaum was quietly plodding along, maintaining striking distance and planning an attack. Then on number four, it appeared as though Adam could pick up another shot with a good look at birdie, while Jim faced a long bunker shot to a short-sided pin. But Jim would not relent. He holed the shot for a miraculous three, while Adam could not convert his birdie attempt. By the time the players reached the infamous Bethnoustie, Bierbaum had surged to tie Jim for the lead, and Wynia was a distant two strokes behind. Adam played the hole perfectly and seemed to have tamed the monster, while Jim and Robb struggled as Bethnoustie unleashed her fury. Jim’s drive found the left Shinny (un-mown grass), and he was forced to take an unplayable lie. Bierbaum’s drive found the right Shinny and he attempted to advance his ball towards the green. After three unsuccessful attempts, Bierbaum respectfully withdrew from the competition. Adam knocked it on the green in three and had a putt to tie Jim. The crowd was certain their 2002 champion would rise to the occasion in his bid for a second consecutive Cup, but his putt slid just by the high side of the hole. Jim rolled in a tricky four-footer for six to claim the Cup. He raised his hands as Don Henley sang in the background.
The after-tournament party ensued at Dave Medema’s house. John Oien and Dan Sova headlined the party with their amazing talent playing the harmonica and acoustic guitar. The highlight of the night was the beautiful rendition of Billy Joel’s Piano Man. On a lesser note, Mark Anderson followed in the once infamous footsteps of Neil Carmody. He chose a two hour Oprah talk with Jessica Schroeder over cold beverages and set lists with the Boys of Summer and fellow competitors. It was not the first time the after party was spoiled by a woman, and probably not the last.
Sova Setlist: Roses Are Free, Long Black Veil, Bathtub Gin, Sample in a Jar
Special Thanks To: Paul and Jill Sova (Player’s Barbeque, tee markers), Nancy Wynia (Scoreboard), Todd Kolb (Inaugural sponsor), Mickey Berglin (Tobacco Tee), Jessica Schroeder and Sarah Hickman (Starter Girls), Dave Medema (After Celebration)
2002: Wynia Prevails and Carmody Wakeboards
As the summer of 2002 quickly dwindled, the members soon realized that their dreams of hosting the inaugural Boys of Summer tournament would be washed away unless drastic measures were taken. Adam Wynia quickly began the search for the proper date and worthy competitors. Within 24 hours, a tradition unlike any other had begun: The Boys of Summer Cup. The field consisted of 25 of the most talented young players in the Sioux Falls area. Because of the hasty organization of the tournament, one of the original six could not compete for the coveted cup. Instead, he chose wakeboarding with Fischer and other fellow Lincoln alum over the Boys of Summer Cup.
With the tournament came the ideas of a players’ barbeque and the prestigious one club tournament. The barbeque was held at the Sova household and included burgers and chips. The One-Club Tournament was hosted by Prairie Green Golf Course and consisted of holes 4, 2 and 3. Joe Benedict was the inaugural winner of the one club tournament using the classic Ping Eye 2, Karsten designed 7-iron. Because of the lack of proper fundraising and application processing by the Boys of Summer committee, the boys had to dig deep to get the tournament underway. By using makeshift tee markers made of surrounding elements, garbage, and other miscellaneous items, Wynia set the course up from the black tees, making the already difficult Prairie Green Golf Course seem even more treacherous. This first Boys of Summer Cup also set the precedent for what would become the Champion’s March. The low four players and anyone within four strokes made the cut and went on to play holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 2, 3, and 4 from the red tees. Inexperienced in running a prestigious tournament, the boys made it mandatory that laying up would not be allowed on the final seven holes. This created a lot of excitement, but the idea would be abandoned in future years.
Sova, Anderson, Wynia, and Robb Bierbaum were amongst the participants in the first Champion’s March, but only one would hoist the illustrious cup. After hitting a ball out of bounds on the first hole, Wynia opened the door for others. An epic battle ensued on the following holes, with each participant making numerous birdies. As the March approached the par-5 fourth and final hole, Wynia hit a beautiful butter-cut 2-iron to fourteen feet. He went on to make the slider for eagle and followed with a Trey head-bob celebration and christened the Cup with Don Henley singing in the background. With his victory, Adam Wynia completed the first leg of the Boys of Summer Cup career grand-slam. A celebration ensued at the Carlson Mansion and Adam lived a dream that would never be forgotten in Boys of Summer history.
Sova Setlist: Bathtub Gin, Roses Are Free, Two-Coins
Special Thanks To: Paul and Jill Sova (Player’s Barbeque), Jane Carlson (After Celebration)
2001: The Creation
In the year 2001, an aspiring clay master had a vision, a vision unlike any other: to create a binding symbol for the brotherhood of summers past. A cup, handcrafted and bound by earth, water, and fire, inscribed with the names of the six, forever etched in stone: The Boys of Summer
Although, there was no Boys of Summer Tournament this year, plans were underway, and preparations were being made for what would become the summer’s most prestigious event.
Pre-2001: When It All Began
When Neil swung like Sergio, when Christensen wore cock-eyed hats and shouted fist!, when Wynia ate salt off of five irons, when Mark had cankles and played a sausage patty, when Egge broke away from the snow-tip letterman posse, when Sova lost the state tournament.
Although friendships between five members of the Boys of Summer were thriving during yesteryears, it was not until the sophomore year of high school when Justin Christensen moved from Nebraska to Sioux Falls , that the Boys of Summer circle was complete, and the Boys of Summer were born. We quickly became fond of his quick wit, sarcasm, and extreme lag into the ball.
The original six members of the Boys of Summer represented all four Sioux Falls high schools. Although we did not attend the same high school, we found a common bond in golf and in creating the greatest golf tournament South Dakota will ever see.