Mark Arentsen wins the 17th Zigfield Troy Open

The home course advantage proved to be the winning edge for Zigfield Troy Assistant Professional Mark Arentsen at the 17th annual Zigfield Troy Open August 1st and 2nd. Arentsen (53/53 106) won top honors over Lisle resident John Baer (51/55 106) on the third playoff hole after both contestants had finished regulation play with identical 36 hole scores of two-under par 106 on the nine hole par three course in Woodridge, IL.

Baer had the Saturday first round lead with a three-under par 51, while Arentsen was two strokes back at one-under 53. But after 13 holes on Sunday, Baer’s lead was down to one stroke. Then Arentsen birdied both the 14th and 15th holes while Baer took bogey’s on both holes to fall three strokes back. Baer stormed back on the 16th with a chip-in birdie to Arentsen’s par to close the gap to two strokes. Both contestants took a par on the 17th hole and it appeared that Arentsen was in control, but Baer hit his approach shot to six feet on the 18th, while Arentsen bounced his tee shot just off the back of the green. Arentsen couldn’t get up and down for his par, taking a bogey and Baer made his putt for birdie to set up the playoff. After both players made pars on the first and second playoff holes, Arentsen made par to Baer’s bogey on the third hole to take the title. Arentsen is the third professional in 17 years to win the Zigfield Troy Open.

In other divisions, Candy Papanicholas won the Womens division with a 64/65 129, Bill Jarchow won the Senior Mens division with a 58/56 114 and Rob Ochalla won the High School division with a 57/62 119.

Final results – 1998 Zigfield Troy Open
Zigfield Troy Par 3 Golf Course

2,186 yards – Par 54/54 108

1. Mark Arentsen, Woodridge* 53/53-106
2. John Baer, Lisle 51/55-106

*Won in a playoff on the third hole.