Brandes Claims Washington State Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Moses Lake, Wash. (August 15, 2012) – Tom Brandes of Bellevue, Wash. tamed the demanding layout at Moses Lake Golf Club to win the 3rd Washington State Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, and of Seattle, Wash. survived a stiff test from Sandra Turbide of Maple Ridge, B.C. before pulling away to win the 3rd Washington State Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
Brandes entered the final round Wednesday in a tie for first place with Erik Hanson of Kirkland, Wash. but finished with a flurry with birdies on holes 17 and 18 to finish the day at 1-under-par 71, good enough for a three stroke victory. Brandes and Hanson had entered the 17th hole tied at 1-under-par. “We were tied heading to 17 but I made a really good birdie on 17 and then finished with the birdie on 18, so it was good.”
This was the second time that Brandes and Hanson battled in the final round of a championship at Moses Lake Golf Club. “Erik (Hanson) and I have a little bit of history here. He beat me in the finals of the 2007 Pacific Northwest Master-40 Amateur Championship,” Brandes said. This time, Brandes sealed the deal. (Watch Brandes’ interview here.)
The win is Brandes’ third victory of the year, having won the Washington State Champion of Champions in May and the Pacific Northwest Senior Men’s Amateur Championship in June. His 3-under-par 141 total was good enough for a three-shot cushion over Steve Rude of Graham, Wash. and Alex Stamey of Mill Creek, Wash. Rude tied for low round of the day after firing a 2-under-par 70 to finish at even par 144 for the championship. Defending champion Stephen Lee of Everett, Wash. finished in a tie for 16th at 7-over-par 151.