One of the oldest and most competitive golf tournaments in Montana, the Fourth of July Tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club, teed off today with 240 players in contention.
The first pairings teed off at 7:20 a.m. but the three-day tournament was paused as a storm swept through the valley with frequent lightning. As of 9 a.m., play was currently delayed but tournament officials said they hoped to resume action shortly.
The 78th annual Fourth of July Tournament features many familiar faces from the region’s competitive ranks, including Kramer Hickok of Plano, Texas, the defending men’s champion, Andrew Medley of Scottsdale, Ariz., the 2012 champ and Craig Hurlbert of Hamilton, the 2011 winner. There are also several former and current local standouts, including Libby’s Ryggs Johnston, who recently won the state junior title, and Reed Platke, a former Whitefish High School all-state golfer.
On the ladies side, defending champion Lindsay Reeve of Missoula is back, along with Morgan Lee of Great Falls, the 2012 winner, and Maggie Crippen of Missoula.
Click here to view today’s pairings.
Hickok held off Tom Swanson of Missoula in a two-hole playoff to win last year’s men’s title. He carded 66-69-69 — 204. Both Hickok and Swanson were 10-under after 54 holes, which tied the tournament record set in 2004 by Jeff Ballard of Billings.
Reeve and Amber Lundskog of Bozeman tied after 54 holes and advanced to a playoff. A bogey on the third hole won it for Reeve.
The event runs July 3-5 at the north and south courses and is open to public spectators. For more information visit the golf course’s website.