Armbruster Wins OTA Championship

Kolby Armbruster, Golf Course Superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club won the 2024 Ozark Turf Association Championships, presented by Clear Creek Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles in partnership with Club Car.

Armbruster fired a 76 at The Golf Club at Deer Chase in Linn Creek MO, by hitting irons off the tee to keep the ball in play. 

Second place in the Championship flight with a 77 was former three-time champion, Tom Russell, golf course superintendent at Triple Creek Golf Course, beating Randy Robinson, our GCSAA Field Representative, on a scorecard playoff. 

The second flight was won after a scorecard playoff, by Eddie Roach Jr., CGCS of SiteOne Supply, as he edged out Travis Thompson, assistant golf course superintendent at Margaritaville Resort, both shooting 84’s.  Third place in second flight was Conner Antonetti, assistant superintendent at Hickory Hills Country Club. 

The net flight winner was Jonathan Prange, CGCS, golf course superintendent at Highland Springs Country Club with a 70.

In the team scramble division, Team Maxim which consisted of Toby Burkhart, Senior VP of Agronomy at Maxim Golf Solutions, Jeff Adams, golf course superintendent at Frank E. Peters Golf Course, Brian Bauer. golf course superintendent at Neosho Golf Club, and Nic Mitchell territory manager with Corteva, came in first place with a 60. 

In second place with a score of 62 was the team from Osage National led by golf course superintendent Jeff Sommerer and his crew of Brett Randel, Eugene Jesse, and Cole Thomas.

Winning the proximity closest to the pin prizes were as followed:

Hole # 3 sponsored by Clear Creek Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles was Derek Edwards, operations manager of the Springfield Cardinals, AA affiliate of St. Louis.14

Hole # 8 sponsored by Brandt was Travis Thompson.

Hole # 12 sponsored by GreensPro was Tom Russell

Hole # 14 sponsored by Harrell’s was Jeff Adams

Hole # 16 sponsored by VanWall Equipment was Barry Siems, owner of Precision Turf Products. 

Prior to play we were treated to a pulled pork lunch with all the fixings, sponsored by GreensPro. 

Thanks go to Deer Chase superintendent Bret Dulworth and his crew for hosting our event and providing us with a championship venue and conditions.

We also would like to thank Clear Creek Brian Cheever and Joey Johnson for sponsoring the event for the 9th year and for visiting with the players.

We’re looking forward to next year!