PGA Professional Championship under way at Oakland University
Seltzer, the head professional at The Polo Fields Golf & Country Club in Ypsilanti, and Ian Ziska, the head pro at Katke Golf Course at Ferris State in Big Rapids, each turned in 6-under-par rounds of 66 on the R&S Sharf course Monday to share the lead through the first of three rounds in the state championship for teaching and club professionals.
VanLoozen, a professional at Edgewood Country Club in Commerce Township, was playing in the same group with the co-leaders, and birdied four of the first six holes. He was 6-under-par before finishing with two bogeys in the last three holes for a 68.
That left him tied for second with four other 68-shooters, including defending champion Scott Hebert of Grand Traverse Resort, Brad Dean of Crystal Mountain Resort, Tom Harding of Kendall Golf Academy and Lee Houtteman of Grand Traverse Resort. Dean and VanLoozen played the R&S Sharf course, while Harding, Hebert and Houtemann played the Katke-Cousins course at the 36-hole facility.
“Dave made putts like it was nothing the first six holes,” said Ziska. “I was even through five, and then birdied the last four holes of the front nine. It was nice to see the ball going in the hole early, and I think it energized me and John to do the same.”
Seltzer, 33, and Ziska, 35, each would like to win their first Michigan PGA Championship titles, but both are also very aware of the top 10 finish necessary to qualify for the 2013 Professional National Championship. That made each of them doubly pleased with a fast start.
“A couple of years ago I had the lead with two holes to play and ended up losing to Ron (Beurmann) in a playoff (2010 Michigan PGA),” Seltzer said. “It takes all 54 to get it done, but a good start is important. Winning is the No. 1 thing and it gives you a chance to do that, but getting in that top 10 is important, too. You want to be right in it all the way.”
Hebert, who has won five Michigan PGA Championships in the last six years, said he is hitting the ball the best he has this summer.
“That’s encouraging,” said the 43-year-old head professional who has also won six Michigan Open titles. “I made a few putts maybe I shouldn’t have, and missed a few I should have made. It evened out in that regard, but at least I’m in there feeling pretty good about it. You want to get off to a good start, and be close with just two rounds to go.”
Oakland University teaching professional Matthew Zavadil and Heath Scott of Tullymore Golf Resort in Stanwood each shot 69 on the Sharf course, and were three off the pace.
The two players at 70, Mike Pesta of Beacon Hill Golf Club and Gary Lewandowski of St. Ives Golf Club in Stanwood, each played the Katke-Cousins course.
Lewandowski and 71-shooting Clark Peterson of the Golf Performance Center in Portage had the shots of the day. Each made a hole-in-one with 5-iron shots on No. 8 on the Katke-Cousins course. It was playing at 196 yards for the first round.
The field of 146 golfers will be cut to the low 70 scorers and ties after Tuesday’s second round, and Wednesday’s final round will be played on the Katke-Cousins course. Gallery is welcome and parking and admission are free.
Lewandowski and 71-shooting Clark Peterson of the Golf Performance Center in Portage had the shots of the day. Each made a hole-in-one with 5-iron shots on No. 8 on the Katke-Cousins course. It was playing at 196 yards for the first round.
The field of 146 golfers will be cut to the low 70 scorers and ties after Tuesday’s second round, and Wednesday’s final round will be played on the Katke-Cousins course. Gallery is welcome and parking and admission are free.
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