By Golf Events Guy Staff
The 2024 Pine Lakes Open, held at Pine Lakes Golf Club on August 17-18, once again affirmed its status as one of the premier events in Central Illinois amateur golf. This two-day stroke play tournament saw a competitive mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces battling across various flights, with every stroke crucial to the final leaderboard.
In the A Flight, competition was intense, with recent CDGA 4-Ball Champion Brien Davis emerging victorious after a dramatic final round. Davis, who began the day just one stroke behind the leaders, delivered a near-flawless front nine, carding a 31 to seize an early lead. Although the back nine proved more challenging, Davis managed to secure his victory by one stroke over 2024 Peoria City Champion Scott Phegley and by two strokes over 2013 Peoria City Champion Travis Kreiter, who took a break from his LPGA caddying responsibilities to compete. Ryan Ballard and Zach Heinold rounded out the top of the leaderboard, tying Kreiter at even par 140 strokes for the weekend. Local players from Peoria, Woodford, and Tazewell counties earned River Cup Points for their high finishes.
"Overall, it was a grinder's tournament," Davis recounted. "Nobody really scored well, as the conditions were tough. I chipped and pitched the ball as well as I have in a long time and made par-saving putt after par-saving putt to keep myself in the event."
The B Flight saw a more decisive outcome, with Bryan Brucker dominating the field to claim victory by six shots over runners-up Liam McAllister and Andy Pierpont.
The team competition added another layer of excitement, with teams randomly paired before the event. The duo of Ryan Ballard and Brent Wade claimed the team title with a combined score that outpaced the nearest competitors by three strokes. Their teamwork and consistency across both days were key to their success.
"I struggled a bit this weekend keeping the ball in play, but thankfully, we played well as a team," Wade said about the team event. Ballard added, "We counted one bogey all weekend. Bogey avoidance is how you compete in this type of event. Brent also made two birdies each day, which was huge for us."
Overall, the 2024 Pine Lakes Open once again provided an excellent test of golf. Quick, smooth greens, windy conditions, and tucked pins contributed to the challenge, with every participant adding to the tournament's storied history, which spans over 30 years. The event continues to be a prestigious event, attracting top amateur golfers from around the area, as well as promising new players.
Stay tuned to www.pinelakesopen.com and Golf Events Guy's social media outlets for the dates of the 2025 Pine Lakes Open. For detailed leaderboards and full results, you can visit www.pinelakesopen.com/leaderboards