Boyne Tournament of Champions: Jay Jurecic’s dramatic shots win title

Jay Jurecic’s ‘Miracle Finish’ wins tournament of champions in Boyne Mountain Resort

Boyne Falls-Ten First, Jay Jurecic van Crystal Falls knew a shortage with two shots on the par-5 nr. 18 hole of the Alpine Course with a 260-yard 3-wood shot that bounced from the flagstick to one foot, resulting in a tap-in Eagle-3.

Then, in a sudden dood play-off with Grant Haefner from Bloomfield Hills, Jurecic’s third shot, a 45-year pitch shot from the rough to the right of the Green rolled within five centimeters, and with the Tap-in Birdie he won the 33rd tournament in Boyne Mountain Resort on Wednesday.

“I kept thinking all day, even when I struggled a bit in the middle of the round, that I still have a chance, I can still do eagle 18,” he said. “I was not touching the flag and put it on a foot. But that was my hope, the wonderful effect.”

Jurecic, 55 and a former teacher who followed the PGA Tour Champions Dream, shot a final round 5-under 67 for a total of 13 under 203.

With the regulatory eagle, it corresponded to the 67 van Haefner, a 27-year-old mini-tour player, and it forced the play-off.

“I had opportunities to make Birdie twice on 18 and it didn’t happen,” said Haefner. “He beat me. He hit me a great shot and made an eagle, and then he made a birdie in the play -off. Congratulations to him. I played well, played my game and I was in charge. I didn’t take the pictures I needed at the end, which means that I still have things to work on. It is so hard to win.”

Michigan Golf Hall by Famer Tom Werkmeister by Hudsonville, a senior golfer such as Jurecic, shot a last 65 for 206 and third place.

Otto Black from Brighton, the 2021 Tournament of Champions winner and the Michigan Open Champion earlier this summer, shot 71 before 207. He held the lead during the final round, but had problems with Double-Bogey of a wandering tee-shot on 16 and a bogey at 17.

Also ended on 207, Jack Kneen was from South Lyon, a double open winner of Michigan who shot 69.

Four golfers finished on 208, including title defender Joe Juszczyk from Dearborn Heights, who shot 71, Michigan State University Men’s golf coach Chad Kurmel van Okemos, that 69 shot, ups -deliverer Jeff Bronkema of Caledonia, that 70 of the Ferry, that Ferry Ferry, that Ferry Ferry, that Ferry Ferry and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry, Ferry Ferry and Korn Ferry and Korn Ferry, and Korn Ferry.

Jurecic, Haefner and Black started the day bound for the management, and through 10 holes Jurecic was a shot at black and two on Haefner.

Haefner gathered with Birdies on holes 12, 14 and 16 to build his two-shot lead, while Jurecic Haperde with Drie-Putt Bogeys at no. 11 and no. 14.

Jurecic said he followed two shots at no. 18 Tee, he realized that an eagle on the 562-Yard Par 5 was his only hope.

“I made a (12-foot) par putt on 14 that kept me in it, then the Birdie was at the age of 16, I hit a good shot at 17 and at the age of 18 to hit the flagstick from 260-I mean, I am not beating that 3-wood from the flag,” he said, “I just trusted.” I trusted. “I trusted.” Then the great course in the play and fishing in the play. I just couldn’t believe that I reached that up to five centimeters. It was a dream come true to win that way. “

With his wonderful finish, Jurecic took the $ 10,500 first, the historic Walter Burkemo trophy and the traditional green blazer emblematic for his membership of life in Boyne’s Country Club.

“I know I am blessed to still be able to chase my dream,” he said. “I think I play the best wave of my life at the age of 55 to be honest. I’m just going to continue and keep trying to get better.”

He praised the size of the unique championship that men, women, professionals, amateurs, seniors and juniors – all who have won important Michigan championships – brings together for the same title of different T -shirt positions.

“It gives everyone a chance for a great golf course,” he said. “This is really special. Glory for God.”