In a gripping finale at the 32nd Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions, Joe Juszczyk of Dearborn Heights clinched the title after a dramatic three-man playoff. Held at Boyne Mountain Resort, Juszczyk secured victory by sinking a crucial six-foot birdie putt on the first hole of the sudden-death playoff, edging out competitors Tom Werkmeister and Kyle Martin.
Juszczyk, the 2023 Hall Financial Michigan Open champion and PGA Tour Americas player, finished the tournament with an impressive 11-under 205. He was tied at the end of regulation play with Werkmeister, a Michigan Golf Hall of Fame member, and Martin, the 2022 and 2023 Michigan PGA Professional champion.
The playoff took place on the par-5 18th hole, where all three competitors reached the green in three shots. Juszczyk capitalized on his birdie opportunity, while Werkmeister and Martin missed their putts from nine and fifteen feet, respectively. This victory earned Juszczyk $11,000 from the $75,000 purse, his name on the Al Watrous Trophy, and a traditional green dinner jacket, symbolizing his lifetime membership at the Country Club of Boyne.
Reflecting on his win, Juszczyk expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the prestigious event. "This is a tournament I wanted to play in for so long, and to finally get the opportunity and then to win my first time, I just feel super fortunate and excited about it," he said.
Werkmeister and Martin had their chances to secure the title, with Werkmeister missing a critical eight-foot birdie putt on the 18th in regulation play, and Martin narrowly missing several close-call birdie putts. Both players acknowledged Juszczyk's excellent performance under pressure.
James Piot, the 2021 U.S. Amateur champion and an LIV Tour player transitioning to the Asian Tour, also came close to joining the playoff, finishing just one shot behind at 206. Other notable performances included mini-tour player Grant Haefner, who finished fifth with a score of 207, and 2024 Hall Financial Michigan Open champion Eric Lilleboe, who ended with a score of 208.
Juszczyk, a seasoned 14-year touring pro, is now heading back to the PGA Tour of Americas and Korn Ferry Qualifying this winter. He shared his hopes that this victory would provide momentum for the rest of the year. "Hopefully this will be some momentum for the rest of the year," he said.
Other highlights from the tournament included a tie for low amateur honors at 210 between Charles DeLong, recent Michigan Amateur champion McCoy Biagioli, and John Quigley. Epson Tour player Sarah White was the top female finisher with a score of 213, and Mike Raymond was the low senior amateur with a score of 218.
Boyne Mountain Resort, renowned for its year-round attractions and award-winning facilities, provided the perfect backdrop for this prestigious tournament. The resort offers a wide range of activities, including golf, skiing, water sports, and more, making it a favorite destination for visitors.
For complete scores and more information on the Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions, visit the Michigan PGA website.
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