Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Contacts:
Tim Hygh (517)-582-3414  [email protected] 
Brian Lawson (231) 378-2000 extension 2506  www.crystalmountain.com

KUENY WINS MICHIGAN PGA WOMEN’S OPEN 

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT, MI –- Laura Kueny of Whitehall shot a final round 69 to win the Michigan PGA Women’s Open at Crystal Mountain Resort. The 23-year old touring professional earns her first win just 13 months after leaving Michigan State University where she earned Big Ten Player of The Year honors as a senior.

“It was another win for the Spartans and there’s no other place I’d like to get my first win than Michigan,” she said after completing rounds of 71-71-69 (211).

Kueny was tied with Ashley Tait of Littleton CO., and Jean Bartholomew of Palm Beach Gardens, FL., going into the final round. But her “short game came through” while Bartholomew and Tait were slow out of the gate. Bartholomew’s first tee ball shot into the woods resulting in a double bogey. On the second hole  “She (Kueny) made a good early birdie and I  could only muster par,” Tait said. Kueny never gave up the lead from there.

Kueny’s first celebration was with her Father, Jim, who also serves as her caddie. “It was special to do this with my Dad on the bag.” Kueny’s college coach, Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll was next with a big hug and tears for her former star.

It has been a productive two weeks of golf for Kueny. She finished seventh last week in the LPGA Future’s Tour event in Harris, MI., Her win at the Michigan PGA Women’s Open put $5,500 into the travel account. She will continue to play on the Futures Tour and enter LPGA Q-school in the Fall.

Tait has also had two good weeks. She won the Texas Women’s Open last week. “It’s funny. I earned $100 more this week ($4,400) finishing second than I did last week with the win.

Bartholomew is just happy to be playing again after three “long years of teaching.” After her bad start she said, “third place isn’t too bad.”

Caroline Powers was the low amateur at 224 +8. She will represent the USA in the upcoming World University Games against China.

63-players participated in the event from 11 states and Brazil. There were 38 amateurs and 25 professionals in the field.