SNGA Tour Chimera Report: Scott Berren Overcomes Wind to Win
Scott Berren beat a strong field and even stronger winds in winning the Championship Division of the 2017 SNGA Tour Chimera Golf Club tournament. The event was held May 25, 2017, at Chimera Golf Club in Henderson. Berren’s round of three-under-par 69 was good enough for a two-stroke victory. Andrew Chu and Darren Johnson tied for second at one-under–By Bill Bowman
Berren, who carded five birdies and a pair of bogeys in the round, said the course and wind combined to be formidable foes. “It was definitely a difficult day,” Berren said. “But I played pretty well. I kept everything in front of me. I don’t think I hit a full iron shot all day…I kept everything down and flighted the ball very well. Plus, I was able to make some nice par-saving putts.”
Berren played in the tournament with one purpose in mind. “I came up here to try and qualify for the (Nevada) State Amateur,” said Berren, who coaches a high school golf team in Tempe, Ariz. “That was my whole mission.”
Mission accomplished as he was one of nine to qualify for the Nevada State Amateur which will be held July 6-8 at Genoa Lakes-Reno. Others who qualified at the Chimera event included: Johnson, Chu, Grant McKay, Jay Sostarich, Lorenzo Gillenwater, Jason Cordon, Jeff Cochran and Scott Barr.
Championship Division
- Scott Berren, 69
- Andrew Chu, 71
- Darren Johnson, 71
- Casey Mersch, 74
- Grant McKay, 75
- Bradley Collet, 76
The Net Division saw Dustin Bierma fire an even-par round of 72 to edge Joel Washinsky by a stroke.
Net Division
- Dustin Bierma, 72
- Joel Washinsky, 73
- Mark Stevenson, 74
The Senior Division winner was Frank Acker who carded a 78 to beat Bruce Belcoure by two strokes.
Senior Division
- Frank Acker, 78
- Bruce Belcoure, 80
- Chris Whatley, 81
The Senior Division Net title went to Brad Davis who won a scorecard playoff over Donald Klier. Both had 76s.
Davis was quick to chuckle about his advantages in playing in the windy conditions. “That favors me,” he said with a laugh. “I’m short in stature and I don’t hit it far so that fits my game.”
He said his game is still a work in progress. “I didn’t really play all that well, but I’m certainly working hard to try and be a better golfer,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for all of these guys I’m competing with.”
Senior Division Net
- Brad Davis, 76
- Donald Klier, 76
- Don Blanton, 80
In the Silver Division, Frank Abbott’s even-par 72 was good enough for a two-stroke victory over Ralph Durgin.
“The wind blew pretty hard…especially on the second nine,” Abbott said. “I just hung in there and made a few good shots. I had a hiccup on the front nine and hit one in the pond on No. 9 and made a double but I made some birdies on the second nine so that helped.”
Silver Division
- Frank Abbott, 72
- Ralph Durgin, 74
- Michael Koch, 77
Mike Apfel’s 70 wound up as the winning score in the Silver Division Net race. He beat Robert Darling and David Waldrip by a stroke. It was Apfel’s first SNGA win.
“I’m glad I finally broke the drought,” he said. “I played better than I expected and putted really well. I surprised myself and was fortunate enough to have a few putts go in the hole.”
Silver Division Net
- Mike Apfel, 70
- Robert Darling, 71
- David Waldrip, 71
