Hanson repeats; 2-player winners emerge for women

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Morgan Hanson of Fort Dodge compete in the city golf tournament on Saturday at Lakeside Golf Course
Morgan Hanson is perfectly comfortable in her role as the player to beat moving forward for the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Webster County golf tournament.
Hanson easily defended her women’s open division crown on Sunday, complementing a 76 at Lakeside the morning before with a 73 at the Fort Dodge Country Club for a 14-stroke victory.
The 24-year-old Hanson, whose maiden name is Morgan Byson, didn’t have a record-breaking performance like she did a year ago in this event when she shattered a long-standing mark with a 144. It didn’t matter, as the former Manson Northwest Webster state tourney participant still easily locked up her second double-digit triumph in as many summers.
“I played pretty well, and my putter was working to my advantage. The greens were rolling great,” said Hanson, who married Hanson’s Custom Golf owner Ted Hanson last summer. “I just focus on doing my best, posting my score, and if it’s good enough (to win), so be it.
“I was able to minimize mistakes and pick up a few birdies.”
Hanson was paired with Sam Kuhn, the 2019 open champ who placed second a year ago as well. Kuhn only trailed by seven shots heading into Sunday’s final round, but Hanson pulled away despite Kuhn turning in a respectable 83-80–163.
Michelle Pals (86-87–173) was third.
The rest of the women’s field opted to participate in the inaugural two-person best shot, which was offered as an alternative to individual stroke play. Ten-time women’s county queen Roxanne Kuhlman teammed with Dianne Krebs to card a one-under par 71 at Lakeside on Saturday and take the title.
Jolene Hays and Amy Pingel (74) placed second, wiht Janelle Groteluschen and Brenda Hebert (75) finishing third. Kelsey Felch and Deann Faiferlick (78) were next in line.