Opsal Claims 2023 Twin Cities Championship With Final Round 70

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  HASTINGS, Minn. – A string of three consecutive birdies during his final round Sunday lifted Matt Opsal to a round of 2-under 70 at Hastings Golf Club, earning a one-stroke victory over Ralph Baxley at the 32nd Twin Cities Championship.

Entering Sunday’s final round four shots off the lead, Opsal played his first eight holes in 1-over before carding three straight birdies mid-round to help him finish on top of the leaderboard for the first time in his amateur career.

Opsal traded a birdie at the second with a bogey at the fourth before taking a step back with a second bogey at the par-4 eighth.

Sinking his birdie opportunity at the par-3 ninth put Opsal at 3-over for the tournament, and he followed it by taking advantage of his birdie look at the 10th.

His final birdie of the round at the par-4 11th moved him in front for good, edging Baxley at 1-over 145.

Baxley, who posted a 4-over 76 during the first 18 holes of play Saturday, started his round Sunday with a birdie at the second before drawing even with a bogey at the fourth.

Playing his final 14 holes in 2-under, Baxley came up one stroke shy of Opsal, finishing at 2-over 146.

Connor Herman entered Sunday’s final round three shots off the lead following his opening-round 74 Saturday, and carded a birdie on his final hole to finish in a tie for third with 18-hole leader Stellan Orvick at 3-over 147.