Johnson Holds Lead to Win MPGA Senior Public Links at Pokegama

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – J.T. Johnson took an early lead at the 63rd Minnesota Public Golf Association Senior Public Links Championship, and held on to his lead to card a 1-over par 143 to win the championship Sunday at Pokegama Golf Course.

Johnson, Valleywood Golf Course, shot the low round of the tournament Saturday and followed it with a 5-over par 76 during the final round to finish at 143, one stroke better than Paul Commers, Keller Golf Club, who carded a 2-under par 69 during the first round before shooting a 4-over par 75 Sunday to finish at 144.

Bob Griesgraber began the final round Sunday three shots off the lead and finished in third place at 145 after shooting a 1-under par 70 to open the championship before carding a 4-over par 75 on the final day.

Jon Empanger, 2011 and 2012 champion, finished in a tie for fourth place with Steve Whittaker and Jeff Teal at 5-over par 147, four strokes behind Johnson.

Empanger, Island View Golf Club, carded a 72 Saturday and followed it up with a 75 during the final round, while Whittaker, Pebble Creek Golf Club, began the championship with a 4-over par 75 before firing a 1-over par 72 Sunday.

Teal shot an opening round of 2-over par 73 and finished the tournament with a 3-over par 74 on the final day.



63RD MPGA SENIOR PUBLIC LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP
POKEGAMA GOLF CLUB
GRAND RAPIDS, MINN.
6,468 YARDS, PAR 71


FINAL RESULTS
1. J.T. Johnson, 67-76—143
2. Paul Commers, 69-75—144
3. Bob Griesgraber, 70-75—145
T4. Jeff Teal, 73-74—147
T4. Jon Empanger, 72-75—147
T4. Steve Whittaker, 75-72—147
7. Tom Nordstrom, 73-75—148
8. Don Howe, 74-75—149
T9. Gary A Huber, 76-74—150
T9. Pat Muellerleile, 77-73—150
T9. Steve Stojevich, 78-72—150


For complete tournament results go to: http://p.hostingprod.com/@mpga.net/2014_Sr_Pub_Results.pdf