OGC hosts Tiger Invite

Top five finishers in the Tiger Invite include, left to right: Mauritz Mersmann, Fremont, 79, 5th; Ethan Leavitt, Ludington,77; 4th; Chase Lakari, Ludington, 77, 3rd; Ben Kramer, Spring Lake, 77, 2nd; and Spencer Hackert, Ludington, 74, medalist.

Editor’s Note: Oceana County Press does not routinely cover high sports. However, this article about Monday’s 2015 Tiger Invite at Oceana Golf Club in Shelby is provided by a paid advertiser, and we are happy to publish this weekly OGC golf report.

By Oceana Golf Club PGA Golf Professional Marc Inglis.

Invitational: By definition “an event, as a sports competition or an art exhibit, restricted to those who have been invited to participate.”  

SHELBY — Cool temperatures and strong north winds, who invited them? That was the question most asked Monday, April 27, at the par-73 Oceana Golf Club. There were 11 high school golf teams accepting the invitation to play in the annual Tiger Invite hosted by Shelby High School.

Shelby golfer Keaton Inglis tees off the seventh hole during the Tiger Invite.

With temperatures in the 40s, strong winds, and firm and fast Oceana greens, patience was put to the test at OGC. The winning team from Ludington High School seemed to have it together with three of the top five places, including Spencer Hackert with medalist honors with a one over par 74. Three golfers tied at 77, and their places were determined by a scorecard playoff. Ryan Foley of Ludington dropped in his second shot on the 304-yard fourth hole for an eagle. Host Shelby had one top 10 finisher with Keaton Inglis placing ninth with an 85.

The Ludington winning team includes, left to right, Cooper Wojcicki, Josh Johnson, Ethan Leavitt, Spencer Hackert, Chase Lakari and Ryan Foley.

“This has become a very competitive tournament for many teams in West Michigan,” said Shelby Coach Rick Zoulek. “Oceana provides a great challenge for good golfers as well as being fair to the average golfers. The players do a great job of being competitive but supportive and friendly as well. It’s fun to see the great sportsmanship between the high schools.”

OGC will host a West Michigan Conference Jamboree May 5 and the Michigan High School Athletic Association District 22 tournament — with 13 schools in the event — May 21.

– Photos provided by Oceana Golf Club.