2003

First Round & Final Round: Whitebirch Golf Club (Breezy Point, MN) Par 72

The first round of the 20th annual Riggs Open Golf Tournament was held at the Whitebirch GC at Breezy Point Resort.  There were some great storylines coming in to this year’s event.  Scott Riggs would be getting married to Robin Rusch in September (just one month away).  It was the first year ever for the Riggs Open at a resort.  It was the first year ever that the Tournament Founder, Bob Riggs, played in the tournament. 

So, the stage was set for a memorable tournament indeed!  Mike Winge came out of the gate flying en route to a 1-over 37 on the front side.  Scott Riggs followed up a respectable 42 on the front nine with a sizzling 39 on the back for an opening round 81 (-5).  Mike Winge stumbled a little bit on the back side and shot a 45 to finish with an 82 (-4).  Scott had the overnight lead in the RIGGS OPEN!!  This was an amzing story considering that Scott did not even play any practice rounds the day before because of headaches.  Everyone was a little concerned that Scott would play at all and instead he finishes as the leader in the Riggs Open after Day One!!  Scott has been the sentimental favorite every year since 1997, when Brent Riggs became the first “Riggs” to win the Riggs Open.

The final round (also held at Whitebirch GC) was full of suspense and drama.  The “Leaders” final group consisted of Mike Winge, Kevin Kramm, Scott Riggs, and Doug Borsch.  Who would play well?  Scott had a little bit of a shaky start.. starting with a bogey on the first hole, and a double-bogey on the always difficult 3rd hole at Breezy.  But, he calmly proceeded to play the next 6 holes in just 2-over par en route to a 41 on the front nine.  There were many pursuers as we went to the final 9.  Mike Flom, Craig Steen, Fred Steen, Bob Cheesman, and Mark Patterson all were right there.  But, Scott promptly followed his 41 on the front with a 40 on the back nine and finished with an 81 (5 under his handicap) and a 36 hole NET Total of 10 under his handicap AND most importantly – his first Riggs Open title!!  Scott Riggs wins the Riggs Open!!  He won by 6 shots!!

Fred Steen, Mark Patterson, and Mike Winge each had a good tournament and ended up in a three-way tie for 2nd place, at 4 under.  Everyone had a feeling that this 20th annual Riggs Open would be special, but it turned out to be even better than we could have hoped because it was THE YEAR that Scott Riggs wins the Riggs Open!