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Monday-Saturday, July 26-31, 2004 | |
| Bemidji Town & Country Club, Bemidji, Minnesota | ||
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| Birchmont Home | Bemidji Town & CC Home | The Vandersluis | ||
| 2004 Executive Men's Championship | ||
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| Wiltse makes history | ||||
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BY JOHN J. McRAE The Pioneer of Bemidji BEMIDJI, Minn.
Wiltse made it three championships in a row Saturday with a close 2 and 1 victory over Curt Howard of Monahans, Texas. "That's what they tell me," said the unassuming Wiltse, after being informed he made some Birchmont history. "I guess I never really thought about it. Once it sinks in I guess I'll think about it and realize it's a pretty neat deal." Saturday's championship was a rematch of the 2002 final when Wiltse started his string of three consecutive titles. "Once again this was a real tight match all the way," said Wiltse. "Curt is always a gentleman out there and it's a pleasure to play with him," said Wiltse. "It was a very competitive match, but very friendly." Wiltse said the match started out with neither of the finalists playing all that special. "I birdied nine and 10 to take a 2-up lead," he said. Howard then came back with a birdie of his own to cut the lead in half. Wiltse regained the 2-up advantage with a par on 13. Once again the fierce competitor Howard cut the lead with a fine birdie on 15. Wiltse missed a golden opportunity to really put the pressure on, missing a three-foot birdie putt on 16 to halve the hole. On the deciding 17th, Howard got into tree trouble on the right side with his drive. He was able to punch his second shot in front of the green, but couldn't get up and down from there and ended with bogey. Wiltse was short of the green as well, but made his par to win the match. So, to what does Wiltse attribute his Birchmont record breaking streak? "I'm a grinder who really likes to compete," he said. "I really enjoy match play, getting in there and slugging it out. That's fun for me. "At 48-years-old I don't have the opportunity to compete all that often anymore. When I get the chance I love it." He said he also loves playing in the Birchmont as a Bemidji resident and member of the BTCC. "I love this course and love living in Bemidji," he said. Wiltse also wanted to make it known that Howard wasn't at the top of his game during this year's tournament as he was constantly nursing a sore back. "There's no doubt it really affected his play. Curt is a fine gentleman and a real friend," said Wiltse. View 2004 Executive Men's Championship Brackets |
