Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 10, 2024 9:13 pm GMT
Three golfers with strong ties to Colorado made headlines at the Ascension Charity Classic in St. Louis, with their impressive performances showcasing not only their skills but also the depth of talent associated with the state. Among these athletes, Shane Bertsch and Justin Leonard tied for fourth place, while Chris DiMarco secured a sixth-place finish, marking a prominent showing for these competitors.
Shane Bertsch and Justin Leonard Shine
Shane Bertsch, a resident of Parker, finished strong with an overall score of 9 under par, matching the performance of former Aspen resident Justin Leonard. Bertsch turned in consistent rounds of 70-70 and concluded with a remarkable bogey-free round of 7-under-par 64 on Sunday. This marked Bertsch’s top finish in the Champions Tour since he placed fourth in last November’s TimberTech Championship. Leonard mirrored this success by carding rounds of 67-70-67.
Bertsch and Leonard’s finishes made a notable impact at the tournament, particularly given their recent performances. Leonard had not finished in the top echelon since narrowly missing a victory by losing in a playoff in the PURE Insurance Championship nearly a year ago. This strong showing at the Ascension Charity Classic is a sign of returning form for both golfers.
Chris DiMarco’s Solid Outcome
Cherry Hills Village’s Chris DiMarco also contributed to Colorado’s success at the event, finishing in a tie for sixth place with a total score of 8 under par. DiMarco’s rounds of 68-71-66 reflect a steady performance consistent with his best result since he tied for sixth in the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship earlier this year. His participation reinforces the robust connection Colorado has with competitive golf.
Y.E. Yang Claims Victory
The tournament ended with Y.E. Yang emerging as the champion, finishing four strokes ahead of Bertsch and Leonard. Yang’s performance and leadership throughout the event solidified his standing and provided an exciting conclusion to the competition. His victory stands out not only for its skillful execution but also for the sportsmanship displayed throughout the event, where having a good time while competing for charity was paramount.
Wider Implications for Colorado Golfers
The Ascension Charity Classic not only served as a platform for individual showcasing but also highlighted Colorado’s growing reputation in the golf community. With multiple top finishes in a high-level tournament, golfers from the state are gaining recognition for their capabilities in the PGA Tour Champions series.
A Broader Look at Competitive Golf
Beyond the Ascension Charity Classic, Colorado golfers continuously strive for excellence on various associated tours. For example, Sydney Gillespie of Highlands Ranch participated in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur in West Newton, Massachusetts, where she tied for 64th place in the stroke-play segment of the competition. Gillespie’s next challenge will be competing in a playoff for the final spot in match play, adding another competitive aspect to Colorado’s ongoing golf achievements.
- Sydney Gillespie: 64th place (79-84 for a total of 163)
- Shannon Lubar: Missed cut (83-89 for a total of 172)
- Janet Moore: Missed cut (86-95 for a total of 181)
Looking Ahead
As Colorado golfers continue to make their presence felt on the national stage, events like the Ascension Charity Classic will likely be crucial for showcasing and nurturing local talent. The ability to have three golfers finish in the top ranks reflects not only their individual skills but also the strength of the golf community in Colorado. Enthusiasts closely following the performances of Bertsch, Leonard, and DiMarco can look forward to future competitions where they can demonstrate their growing skills and pursue even greater accomplishments on the golfing circuit.
You can check out the scores and stats from the Ascension Charity Classic to see how everyone did.
