A 65 Puts Berry in Position for Fifth Minnesota Senior PGA Professional Title

OAKDALE, Minn. - A bogey-free 5-under 65 Tuesday at Oak Marsh Golf Course helped Don Berry move one step closer to his fifth Minnesota Senior PGA Professional Championship.

Berry birdied three of his final five holes to take a two-stroke advantage over defending champion Eric Chiles to Wednesday's final 18 holes of play.

Taking advantage of two birdie chances during his front nine Tuesday, Berry turned in 2-under before rolling in three late birdies to move to the top of the leaderboard at 5-under 65.

Berry won three consecutive Minnesota Senior PGA Professional titles beginning in 2014 before his most recent victory in 2020 at Medina Golf and Country Club.

Chiles, who fired a final-round 67 last season at Highland National Golf Course to claim his first win at the championship, tallied a pair of birdies during his opening nine Tuesday to turn in 2-under before he gave back a stroke with a bogey at the 10th.

Answering with a birdie at the 11th, Chiles converted birdie opportunities at the 14th and 16th before he'd take a bogey at the 17th to finish his opening round two shots back at 3-under 67.

Playing on his home course this week, Steve Whillock played his opening nine holes in even par before carding an early birdie during his back nine, adding another birdie at his 16th to reach 2-under and move to within three shots of the lead at 2-under 68.

Bill Israelson, a five-time winner of the championship, posted a 1-under 69 to finish Tuesday's first round in a share of fourth with Daniel Callahan, four shots off the lead.

The 50th Minnesota Senior PGA Professional Championship continues Wednesday with final round tee times beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Oak Marsh Golf Course.



THE 50TH MINNESOTA SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
OAK MARCH GOLF COURSE
OAKDALE, MINN.
6,179 YARDS, PAR 70


TUESDAY'S FIRST ROUND RESULTS
1. Don Berry, Edinburgh USA, 33-32—65
2. Eric Chiles, Chaska TC, 33-34—67
3. Steve Whillock, Oak Marsh GC, 33-35—68
T4. Daniel Callahan, Island View GC, 37-32—69
T4. Bill Israelson, Bemidji T&C, 33-36—69
6. Larry Norland, Green Haven GC, 36-34—70
T7. Lance West, Medina G&CC, 35-36—71
T7. Jason Sudenga, Bluff Creek GC, 35-36—71
T7. Tim Vernon, Yamaha Golf Car Co., 32-39—71
T7. Dale Jones, Mendakota CC, 38-33—71


For complete tournament results go to: https://mnpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/mnpga24/event/mnpga2417/contest/1/leaderboard.htm