Brendon Doyle of Davenport, KY. watches his putt late in Saturday’s final round of the 23rd TrueNorth Greater Cedar Rapids Open. Doyle shot a final round 5-under-par 67 to win by one stroke. (Photo courtesy Draeger Photography)
Joel Thelen thought he had at least earned a spot in a playoff. After all, he birdied five holes on Hunter Ridge Golf Course’s back nine and posted an outstanding 8-under-par 64 Saturday in the final round of the 23rdTrueNorth Greater Cedar Rapids Open, presented by UFG Insurance.
However, a close buddy from PGA Tour LatinoAmerican days last year, had different ideas. Second-round co-leader Brendon Doyle, playing two groups in front of Thelen, held a four-stroke lead over his friend heading into the final nine. Doyle lost two strokes on the 10th hole and another on the 14th. But Thelen never got closer as Doyle birdied three straight holes and went on to shoot a 5-under 67 to win the $30,000 first prize.
He birdied 15, 16, and 17 to hold off good friend Thelen.
Doyle, from Davenport, KY., shot himself into contention with a 10-under 62 Friday in the second round, which was one off the course competitive record. Otherwise, it’s been a lit bit of a struggle this year.
“It’s been very up and down,“ said Doyle. “I’ve actually been making some swing changes the last couple months and it’s been tough, very hit or miss, but really everything started to come together this week.”
He’s heading home for the Kentucky Open coming up and then is headed to qualifying school, but not the Korn Ferry Tour. “Europe. It’ll be a change and it’s little cheaper. I think it’s going to be fun.”
Thelen, from Hudson Oaks, TX., had a 14-hour drive ahead of him after Saturday’s round. He’s playing in the Texas Open this coming week. But he was right on the doorstep at Hunters.
“I played good. The putter was working good,” said Thelen, who earned $13,000. “I made a couple long putts on the Par 3s.
“I’m surprised I just didn’t catch at least a piece of a playoff. Coming into 15, I thought at least get to 14 (under). I heard that Brendon was maybe at 13 or 14 … And those are tough holes to finish. I thought I’d at least get piece of a playoff maybe. But he made three birdies coming in. I kept him honest, but when a guy shoots 5 under with the lead, that’s tough to beat.”
Thelen will get to see his wife Anna and 11/2-year-old son Reese later in the week.
Thailand native KK Limbhasut was certainly in contention as expected, but he came up short at 14-under-par 202. He earned $8,000 got third place.
Anthony Maccaglia (Acworth, GA) posted a 7-under 65 and finished fourth.
Sam Cyr (LaJolla, CA) tied for 10th with five others. Defending champion Seth Fair (Pittsboro, IN) rallied hard to tie for 24th.
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