2001
18th Annual
First Round - Pebble Creek Golf Club (Becker, MN) Par 72
Final Round - Stonebrooke Golf Club (Shakopee, MN) Par 71
The first round of the 18th Annual Riggs Open was played at the very difficult Pebble Creek Golf Club in Becker, Minnesota. The weather was beautiful with temperatures in the upper 70's, and very low humidity. Players and Volunteers were greeted by a brand new 4 ' x 8 ' yellow banner that reads "Welcome to the RIGGS OPEN". It will be added to the list of great Riggs Open traditions that occur every year. Kristina Riggs, Karen Riggs, and Chrissy Miller took care of volunteer duties on this opening day. Dan "Stan" Bradley again did a fantastic job of announcing the "game numbers" on the first tee.
Mark Steen came out of the gate flying with an even par 36 on the front, and then he followed it up with a 40 on the back for an opening round 76 (which put him 5 under his handicap)! Jim Taylor was firing at pins en route to a share of the first round lead by shooting an 84 (-5). Sean Sinsabaugh shot a nice little 80 (-4), Mike Winge finished with an 86 (-2), and Doug Borsch came in at 83 (-1). These 5 guys were the only players in the 26 man field to finish under their handicap on Saturday.
The final round was played at the majestic setting of Stonebrooke Golf Club in Shakopee, Minnesota. The weather was perfect again! The volunteers on Sunday included: Kristina Riggs, Karen Riggs, Bob Riggs, Dar Borsch , Chrissy Miller,Michelle Hummel, and Cindy Frerk. The tournament could not happen without the work of these fine people.
It was Mark Steen again playing absolutely beautiful golf on the front nine. He had 5 birdies on the front nine alone!!!! He established a new Riggs Open record with 4 consecutive birdies en route to a blistering 2 under par 33 on that record nine. A score of 33 is also a new record for low gross score on 9 holes in a Riggs Open. Mark coasted to victory with a 41 on the back nine for a final round total of 74 (which put him at 11 under his handicap for the tournament). The victory was Mark's 2nd Riggs Open Championship! John Bevans shot a 79 on Sunday which put him at a total of 5 under his handicap for the week. It was the third runner-up finish in a Riggs Open for Bevans. Mark Patterson shot a final round 77 to finish at -4 for the week (3rd place). Mike Winge finished in 4th at -3 after carding an 86 at Stonebrooke. Doug Borsch rounded out the top 5 at -2 with a very respectable Sunday score of 82.
2001 Champ, Mark Steen
2001 RO (Final)
1. Mark Steen (-11) 76-74
2. John Bevans (-5) 87-79
3. Mark Patterson (-4) 86-77
4. Mike Winge (-3) 86-86
5. Doug Borsch (-2) 83-82
For 2001 Scores,