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Local Sports

Grand Slam

By ERIC PRATT, Sports Editor
POSTED: July 13, 2009

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By ERIC PRATT

Sports Editor

Same song, fourth verse.

The 29th annual Kemna Auto of Fort Dodge City Tournament presented by The Messenger followed the rule of four to a ''tee'' on a superb day for golf here Sunday.

Kevin Ault, Heather Frye, Dean Underberg and Diane Blomker were the championship foursome for the fourth consecutive summer - an unprecedented run of symmetry in the history of the event. And while the bottom line remained the same, a different twist did emerge in the men's open division as Ault eclipsed Cory Braunschweig's 12-year-old city scoring record with a 45-hole total of 12-under par 166.

The Lakeside Course manager and 2002 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate also became the first player in the modern era to win four consecutive open titles - also besting Braunschweig's run from 1997-99.

Ault complemented his five-under 67 at Lakeside on Saturday with another 67 yesterday to build a three-shot lead heading into the championship nine. Then, for good measure, he birdied the first two holes on the Fort Dodge Country Club's front side en route to a closing 32 and a nine-stroke victory over 16-year-old Tanner Kesterson - now a repeat runner-up.

''Yes, I knew what I needed,'' Ault responded when asked if he was scoreboard watching for the record. ''You set goals for yourself, and one of mine was to eventually take a shot at Cory's total (Ault was two shots shy of it in 2008) if it all came together. After (Saturday's round) and considering how great the conditions were, I knew I had a chance if the putts were falling.

''It's a humbling experience for me, not just because (of the new milestones) but given both the tough competition and the support system of this event. From the help of (FDCC professional) Steve (Fuller) and his staff to the Parks and Recreation office and people at Lakeside - just being able to play in this means a lot to me. I appreciate the opportunity.''

Kesterson, a high school junior-to-be from Plano, Tex. who lives in Fort Dodge during the summer, stayed within striking distance of Ault in what proved to be a two-horse race. Ault picked up three strokes on Kesterson in the opening two holes of the championship round, however, and the only question quickly became whether or not Braunschweig's red number would fall.

Kesterson was second at three-under par 175 (69-68-38). Lucas Peed, the 2001 and '03 city champ, placed third (70-74-34-178) for the third straight time. Austin Morrow, a 2008 FDSH graduate, was fourth (72-75-33-180).

Frye made what was likely her last performance in this tournament count with a one-stroke victory over Andrea Ault - Kevin's wife. Frye, who recently graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, will lose her eligibility unless she moves to Fort Dodge.

''It's been a lot of fun; there's nothing like it,'' said Frye, a four-year UNI team member who carded rounds of 75 and 77. ''If this is it, I'll definitely miss playing here.''

Frye crept within one victory of Stacey Bergman's 1993-97 stretch as city queen by clipping Ault (75-78-153) - like her husband, a former Wartburg College player - at the finish line.

''It was great playing with Andrea; I knew it would be a challenge coming in, because she's a very good player,'' Frye said. ''We were within one shot of each other pretty much all day. She pushed me to do my best.''

Sam Pingel, a former Dodger teammate of Frye's, was a close third (76-78-154).

Underberg was taken to overtime by Steve Kudron, but the three-time reigning senior titleist pulled through by sinking an eight-foot birdie putt on the second hole of sudden death. Underberg and Kudron were deadlocked at 187 through 36 holes, and both shot 37 for the championship nine.

''I really don't know what to say,'' smiled Underberg, who is affectionately referred to as ''Motor'' for his constant chirping. ''I didn't play particularly well and was actually not close to being in (the tournament) at all because I haven't been on the course much this summer, so I'm very lucky that I survived against my good friend Steve and a terrific field.

''I didn't make a birdie putt all day until it mattered most.''

Underberg has now staked claim to five of the last six senior crowns. Terry Miller (189) and Jim Dalton (191) followed Underberg and Kudron on the leaderboard.

Blomker followed up her 79 at the FDCC Saturday with a ''nightmare'' of a round yesterday, but she hung on for the fourth straight time. She had a 94 at Lakeside for a 173 total - barely enough to top Marilyn Charon (175).

''I had nine three-putts. Nine,'' Blomker repeated to her own amazement. ''The greens at Lakeside are so fast. I wish I could tell you how many putts I ended up with, because I'd like to know. I stopped counting after a while - it was just way too many.

''We had a lot of fun, like usual, and it was a great day other than the little stretch of rain in the morning. I just wish I could be a little more proud of how I got here - especially after doing so well (on Saturday).''

A total of 224 golfers - 197 men and 27 women - participated in the event, which began two hours after daybreak on Saturday morning and wrapped up at dusk last night. Players enjoyed seasonable temperatures, low humidity and no wind during the championship nine.

Contact Eric Pratt at (515) 573-2141, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net

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