INDIAN PINES MEN’S INVITATIONAL: Hanson wins by three strokes

John Hanson went into the final day of the Indian Pines Men’s Invitational tied with one member of his foursome and leading the other two by only two strokes.

When Frank Dial, the first round’s co-leader, started faltering and Hanson’s lead over the rest of his foursome held steady over the course of the day, the Montgomery native said he had a simple plan coming down the stretch.

“Pars,” Hanson said. “Didn’t want to get too cute. Par at the worst.”

Hanson stuck to the plan and won the two-day tournament with a 2-under 140 (69-71), three strokes ahead of second-place finisher David Stanfield (71-72—143).

Bruce Haman (73-71—144), Darren Garner (71-74—145) and last year’s champion Dial (69-76— 145) rounded out the top five of the Championship A flight.

The 25-year-old Hanson said it was his first time playing the tournament. And now he gets to play in it as many times as he wants: one of the prizes for the winner is a lifetime exemption.

“For free,” Hanson said with a smile.

Hanson also got a commemorative flag from Indian Pines, his name added to the list of former champions on the tournament’s trophy and $420.

He has a plan for that money, too.

“Golf balls, I guess,” he said.

Hanson was remarkably consistent throughout the two days, shooting between 34 and 36 on all four of his nine-hole segments.

He gave credit to his caddy, Jimmy Brandt, but still lamented a couple of putts that got away.

“I played solid,” Hanson said. “I left a few putts out there. But a win’s a win.”

Kyle Thommesen won the Championship B flight with a 153, Jim Harwick won the first flight with a 146, and Jamie Shaddix won the second flight with a 152.

Other flight winners were: Rusty Lewis (third, 155); Paul Phatsadavong (fourth, 157); Brent Bass (fifth, 165); Clay Cardone (sixth, 165); Mike Hilyer (seventh, 171) and Jim Foster (eighth, 179).

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