Rylee Stovall is 2019 Monterey Hickory Classic Champion

Nov. 13, 2019

Even host Steven Henneuse reports:

DAY ONE – 1897 Del Monte – par 72 (site of U.S. 2017 Hickory Open)

NorCal Hickory might be unique in that the entire field is lumped together into one division due to the coziness of its events. Our events consist of a single winner.  This year’s field of three ladies, which included our 12-year-old champion, and several 70+ year-old hickory veterans, knew they’d have to best the entire field if they wanted to take home the hardware. Also unique to our events, all are eligible to be crowned champion and have their name engraved on the coveted perpetual plaques that hang in some of our local clubhouses. Everyone was a contender at the start of day one.

SKINS – Del Monte:
Closest to the Pin:
#4  Matt Nelson 1′ 4″
#12 Ray Tokareff 15′ 5″
#2 Par4) – Steve Henneuse – gross 3
#9 Par5) – Matt Nelson – gross 4 – net 3
#10 Par4) – Jeff Lefferts – net 3
#11 Par4) – Steve Henneuse – gross 3
#16 Par4) – Bob Keeler – net 2
#17 Par5) – Steve Henneuse – gross 4

Leaders Day One
Dana Niehaus – 67
Mike Kosich – 68
Eventual champion Rylee Stovall – lurking in 9th place 7 shots back.

Day Two – Monterey Pines GC  – par 69
A hidden little gem a mere brassie and niblick from Del Monte, this is a fun course with well manicured greens. Owned and operated by the U.S. Navy, the course was such a big hit with the inaugural Western Hickory Match Play, that we decided to add a third day and course to our Monterey event.  Lots of great play this day as evident by the fantastic skins game performance.  Our champion Rylee couldn’t quite shoot her age (12), but did turn in a eye-catching 58! Mike Kosich would, however, best his age by “a lot.” His superb 60 would launch him to the top spot for 36 holes.

Leaders Day Two
Mike Kosich – 128
Rylee Stovall – 132

SKINS – Monterey Pines
Closest to the Pin
#3 Ray Tokareff 4′ 7″
#11 Mike Kosich 6′ 11″
#1 Par5) – Steve Henneuse – gross 4
#3 Par3) – Ray Tokareff – gross 2 – net ACE
#5 Par4) – Steve Henneuse – gross 3 – net 2
#6 Par4) – Matt Stovall – gross 3 – net 2
#7 Par3) – Dave McMurtrey – net ACE
#9 Par4) – Martin Pool – gross 3 – net 2
#10 Par4) – Jeff Lefferts – gross 3
#14 Par4) – Matt Stovall – gross 3
#16 Par5) – Rylee Stovall – net 3
#18 Par4) – Jeff Lefferts – gross 3 – net 2

Sunday Final – Pacific Grove – par 70
The fall months, after the summer fog and tourists have packed it up are historically the warmest time of the year for the Monterey peninsula with temps reaching the high 70s.  Sunday’s final round was no exception. A glorious afternoon on the point, it is easy to get distracted by the natural beauty of the place. No skins on this day (it’s a lot of work), but some great shots nonetheless such as the birdie on #9 by Tim Bell.

Our 2019 Final Results
CHAMPION – RYLEE STOVALL – 195
2nd – MIKE KOSICH – 199
3rd – STEVE HENNEUSE – 201
4th – ED HORVAT – 202

Rylee has said Pacific Grove is one of her favorite places to play golf. She’s certainly a favorite to us and fits the image of our NorCal style. Congrats to all our skin winners and a big thanks to all who participated in the annual gala. Hope to see you next year! – October 2020.

Pictures posted on our Instagram and facebook account here:
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