Posted Online:
Posted online: May 20, 2007 9:17 PM
Print publication date: 05/21/2007
Soucinek rallies for win
By Ryan Sergeant, sports@qconline.com
Brian Soucinek hasn't been practicing much this
spring. Maybe that can explain the 13-shot difference between his two rounds at
the Hawthorn Ridge Amateur tournament.
Soucinek fired an 8-under-par 64 on Sunday, coming all
the way back from six shots behind to win his first start of the season. The
2006 NCB Tour Player of the Year, and the winner of this event last year, won
four of six starts last season.
"Honestly, I didn't hit the ball all that
different the past two days," said Soucinek, whose round consisted of 10
pars and 8 birdies. "My putting yesterday was terrible. Making birdie on
the first hole today built my confidence up."
With the 64, he tied the tournament course record.
"I really wanted to win, even after opening up
with a 77," he said. "My intention was to try and make as many
birdies as possible. I was thinking a 68 would put me in contention."
He shot 4-under-par 32s on both the front and back
nines. He opened up the back nine with birdies at holes 10, 11 and 12.
"After that I was thinking -10," he added.
Soucinek gets an automatic spot in the Monday
qualifier for the John Deere Classic this year. Two spots are held open for NCB
Tour players -- the previous Player of the Year, and the points leader through
the Short Hills Amateur (June 23rd and 24th).
"I would be thrilled to represent this tour and
make it into the tournament field," he said. "I'll start practicing
more when it gets closer to July and give it my best shot. If it was held
tomorrow, I'd feel pretty confident."
The qualifier will be Monday, July 9, at Pinnacle
Country Club.
Joining Soucinek in the under-70 club on Sunday was
Brian Hall, who shot a 3-under-par 69 to help him move up to second place.
After his opening round 76 on Saturday, he wasn't ready to call it a day.
"I actually went out to Pinnacle last night with
my brother, and played some more golf," Hall said. "It was a
mechanical problem with my swing. I was able to work that out."
Hall was close to the number he thought he would have
to shoot to come back and win the tournament.
"I thought 68 would give me a good chance. But
then Brian (Soucinek) goes out and shoots that kind of score. I can't do anything
about that," Hall said.
With the pins placed in slightly easier spots and the
course in midsummer shape, birdies were out there for the players' taking.
However, the final group didn't exactly take advantage.
Saturday's co-leaders, Chris Leiser and Ryan
VanDeRostyne, each struggled on Sunday. Leiser dropped into a tie for third
with playing partners Greg Rios and Tim Peters, at a two-day total of 148.
VanDeRostyne fell all the way to a tie for 12th after a final round 81 (152
total).
The tour's next stop is at the Quad City Amateur, next
Saturday and Sunday at Emies Golf Course.