09/15/2021
JACKPOT for Fults at Cherrywood Hills
WAUKESHA - Just as in poker, a small straight tops an Ace.
It played out that way Monday at the year-end Duffers party at Cherrywood Hills whiffle ball golf club in Waukesha.
At the end, it was Tim Fults who won the biggest pot in the most competitive final round in years.
For the record, Fults had a run of four straight birdies on 13-16 to offset Jeff Badger’s hole-in-one on the uphill par 3 11th for a one-stroke victory.
In a remarkable display of whiffle ball shot-making, Fults posted a 5-under 31 and Badger a 4-under 32 in the 9 hole championship round.
Duffer league champion Phil Esche finished in third with a 44 and Zack Tremaine claimed 4th as Kris Jacob and Martin Reggette were unable to finish.
It marked the second straight win for Fults and fifth win since 2012. Per tournament custom, Jordan Jacob presented as Fults with the wobbly trophy.
Badger’s ace opened up a two-shot lead over Fults and after a Badger birdie on 12, the lead was four (8 to 12). Fults responded with four birdies in a row, including a long putt on 16 that sharply curled in to give him a one shot lead (24 to 25).
After both players parred the par 4 17th and both found the middle of the fairway on the par 5 18th, it was showtime. Under the lights, Badger went first and dropped a dime on the green before it came to rest just off the back of the green - under a foot away - for possible eagle. Fults stepped up and cashed in with a high-flying approach that clung to the back of the green - a mere three inches away from the hole
After Badger made his 3, Fults tapped in for the one-shot win.
“I really don’t know how I did that,” Fults said.
“I really don’t know how he did that,” thought Badger.
Other tournament highlights included a ceremonial opening tee shot by Tom “the Senator” Vickerman, Mike Neimon’s first round 71, seeing newcomers Mick Cohodes, Steve Bonnell and Jeremy Block weave their way around the backyard AND Esche’s stellar performance on the grill. Thanks to all the came and enjoyed Cherrywood Hills.