Mesquite, NV (Vocus/PRWEB) December 27, 2010
The $70,000 Nevada Open golf tournament presented by Simplot played here Dec. 15-17 had everything ranging from threatening weather to a climactic finish so dramatic that the end result could make for a great movie.
Brady Schnell, who grew up in Iowa before moving to Phoenix; and Steve Saunders of Albuquerque finished the regulation 18 holes with identical three-round scores of 200 Friday, Dec. 17 prompting a three-hole playoff.
Schnell had a final-round 66, while Saunders carded a 65 creating the playoff at the CasaBlanca and capping a tournament that also included play at the Palms Golf Course.
The 25 year-old Schnell battled to the end using the playoff holes at the CasaBlanca Golf Course before recording a birdie to end what was nothing less than a good ol’ fashioned shootout.
On the first playoff hole from No. 18, Saunders was left with a 40-footer, while Schnell was about 12-15 feet away.
On the second playoff hole from No. 1, Schnell two-putted from 25 feet while Saunders passed the hole by about four feet. Each golfer had a par on the hole.
The finishing hole on No. 18 saw Schnell hit the ball about eight feet to the right of the hole on his second shot. Saunders was about 22 feet from the pin and two-putted for par while Schnell made a birdie to collect the victory.
Schnell collected $10,000 for the victory.
“I knew the conditions were going to be tough,” said Schnell after taking the victory. “Then, too, I have not played well in rain and cold before. The conditions were similar to a good day in Nebraska. I was a little worried about tightening up because of the cold, but I was mentally prepared.”
In the end, all that anyone was worried about was the fact that the area was quickly running out of light. Each shot was watched from across the course as officials remained ready to print the winner’s name on a giant check.
Saunders, who picked up $6,500 for his runner up finish, seemed to enjoy being a part of one of this city’s most historic showdowns.
“It was definitely a little chilly the past couple of days,’’ Saunders said. “When you combine the rain with the cold, it turned the air conditioning on, that’s for sure. I wasn’t totally happy with my game, but I chipped and putted very well. This was my first time playing in Mesquite.”
Among the happiest with the spirited finish was Black Gaming CEO Randy Black, an enthusiastic promoter himself whose efforts continue to amaze others in the gaming business.
“You could not have written a more perfect script,” said Black, whose properties continually attract trademark finishes to the community about 80 miles north of Las Vegas. “The weather was kind of weird at times, but this tournament showcased the city of Mesquite, the CasaBlanca and illustrated what our people can do.”
There was a three-way tie for third between Casey Devoll of St. George, Utah; Steve Freisen of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Brett Kanda of Las Vegas all at 202.
The Nevada Open presented by Simplot featured a field 184 players from several states.
The Mesquite golf spectacular proved to be quite a weekend for Arizona considering that Greg Bruckner – also of Phoenix – captured the Nevada Senior Open with a two-round score of 131 earlier in the week.
For final results of the Nevada Open, visit nvopen.com.
In a continued effort to attract special events to Mesquite, the team of Black Gaming is not letting up at all considering future events like the Mesquite Open Dutch Oven Cookoff Jan. 7-8; Mesquite Motor Mania Jan. 14-16; the Smokin’ Big Chili Challenge Jan. 16 and the Golf Fore Life golf tournament also set for Jan. 16.
Further information regarding Black Gaming can be found at http://www.casablancaresort.com.
$70,000 Nevada Open Golf Tournament Presented by Simplot
Friday’s final round
CasaBlanca Golf Course
Mesquite, Nev.
1. Brady Schnell, 200, $10,000; 2. Steve Saunders, 200, $6,500; 3. tie between Casey Devoll, Steve Friesen and Brett Kanda, 202 each, $3,666.67 each; 6. tie between Joe Daley, James Drew and Brett Paquet, 204 each, $2,083.34 each; 9. tie between Robert McRae, Eric Meichtry and Jonathan Feldick, 205 each, $1,700 each.
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