Skogen Wins TRGA Opener With Putting Magic

For 16 holes, Ben Skogen couldn't quite get a feel for the green speeds at Viroqua Hills Golf Course.    Then he did.   The Onalaska High School graduate and former University of Wisconsin golfer got hot.   White hot.    Skogen overcame a three shot deficit with three holes to play to move past Viterbo University golfers Matt Zimmerman,  Jake Schroeckenthaler and Viroqua native Troy Dobbe to win the TRGA Viroqua Hills Open.    Skogen drained a 25-foot birdie putt on the par 4 17th hole, then made a highly improbable 50-footer on the par-4 finishing hole.     "I never thought about making the last one" said Skogen.  "I was just trying to get it somewhere near the hole." 

Skogen finished at 3-over-par 74.   Schroeckenthaler was second at 75.   Zimmerman and Dobbe tied for third place at 77.

Paul Grenier beat Aaron Raabe in a sudden death playoff to win the First Flight championship.  Both players shot 80.

Tony Friedl won the Second Flight with an 83.  Jeremiah Shimshak finished two shots behind at 85.

Jeff Clifton won the third flight with an 83.   Michael DeYoe cruised to a 13-stroke win the the Gold Division.   DeYoe shot an 84.

Sunday's event turned out to be the season-opener for the TRGA.    The Valley High Open has already been postponed twice by snow.   A new Valley High date should be available by the end of the week.