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Sun Breaks, Scores Sizzle at Mattoon Golf & Country Club
The second event of the 2025 Amateur Players Tour – Central Illinois Chapter summer schedule brought the APT caravan to Mattoon Golf & Country Club, where 56 players teed it up in one of the most anticipated events of the season.
What started with ominous skies and scattered clouds quickly transformed into a sun-splashed day, as the weather improved just in time for the first tee time. With the sun out and greens running smooth, the field was primed for a day of championship-level golf—and they delivered.
Division 1 – Josh Anderson Cruises to Victory
From the very first hole, Josh Anderson left no doubt that he came ready to win. He opened with a textbook birdie on the par-4 1st, signaling his intent to dominate. Despite a couple of bogeys slowing him down mid-round, Anderson never lost composure.
After reaching the back nine at +1, Josh caught fire on holes 14 and 15, rolling in back-to-back birdies to get under par. But Mattoon’s closing stretch proved tricky, as he dropped shots on 16 and 17. A confident par on the 18th sealed the deal, closing out a steady +1 (73)—a round that mixed precision ball-striking and timely putting.
Josh’s score was good enough for a commanding 7-shot victory over Scott Prosser, marking one of the largest margins of the day.
Division 2 – Mitch Myers Stays Hot, Eyes Promotion
Mitch Myers is becoming the name to watch in Division 2—and maybe even Division 1 if his trend continues. Coming off a solid spring season, Mitch opened with a pair of birdies on holes 1 and 2, quickly establishing himself as the player to beat. He avoided the big numbers, played smart, and never let off the gas.
Trenton Matthews tried to make a move, getting within two shots after 7 holes, but Mitch stayed steady. His front-nine 37 gave him breathing room, and a calculated 39 on the back showed maturity beyond his division. With a final round of +4 (76), Mitch claimed a 5-stroke victory, continuing his ascent toward the top of the APT rankings.
Division 3 – Gibson Goes Low in Dominant Debut
Making his APT debut, non-member Bill Gibson wasted no time putting himself on the map. Despite a shaky start with bogeys on his first three holes, Bill showed mental toughness and a silky short game by responding with birdies on holes 5 and 6, immediately regaining lost ground.
From there, Gibson settled into a groove—playing the next 9 holes at just +1—and built a significant lead. Heading into the final three holes, Bill sat at +3 and in danger of shooting his way out of the Division 3 range. But a rough patch coming in—+5 over the final 3 holes—brought him back to a manageable +8 (80).
Even with the late stumble, Gibson’s early fireworks and overall consistency earned him a 7-shot win over veteran Chris Whitley. Not bad for a first-time APT competitor.
Division 4 – Carr Closes Strong to Claim the Crown
Division 4 produced the tightest—and most thrilling—battle of the day. Bradley Crawford, making just his second APT start, entered as the player to watch. He was matched early by Craig Carr, and after identical 44s on the front nine, they were tied at the turn. Bob Tipsword remained one shot back, quietly staying in the hunt.
Bradley took control on the back nine, extending his lead to 2 over Bob and 3 over Craig after 14 holes. But then the tournament flipped. Craig found another gear and played the final 4 holes at even par, including a pivotal birdie on the par-3 16th, one of the toughest on the course.
As Crawford and Tipsword both gave away strokes on the closing stretch—Bradley finishing +5 and Bob +3—Craig’s late surge propelled him into the lead and ultimately to a 2-stroke victory, clinching his first APT title in style.
Division 5 – Pavese’s Local Knowledge Pays Off
Ed Pavese turned his familiarity with Mattoon into a model of consistency on his way to a wire-to-wire win. On a day when many in the field struggled with big numbers, Ed leaned on smart decisions and a steady short game.
His front nine scorecard told a consistent story: 8 bogeys and 1 double for a 46. It might not sound flashy, but it was effective, as he held a 3-shot lead over Myron Schroeder at the turn. The back nine saw both players post identical scores, meaning Ed’s early cushion was enough to carry him home for a 3-shot win and his first APT victory.
Senior Net – Myers and Gibson Share the Spotlight
The Senior Net Division offered the closest finish of the entire tournament. With Mitch Myers finishing early with a net 69 (-3), the clubhouse had to wait as Bill Gibson made his way toward 18 with a chance to win outright.
Gibson, having played brilliant golf all day, needed a net par on the final hole to walk away solo atop the leaderboard—but a misstep left him with a net bogey, resulting in a tie with Mitch. With no playoff in this division, both players earned co-champion honors, capping off a day of high-level play from two of the most consistent golfers in the field.
Closest to the Pin – Carr Cashes In
The Closest to the Pin contest saw some stiff competition, but no one was better than Craig Carr, who hit a dart on one of Mattoon’s signature par 3s, claiming the $570 prize. Combined with his Division 4 victory, Carr left with a massive payday and plenty of momentum heading into the heart of the summer schedule.
Looking Ahead
With a $3,625 purse distributed and new names making waves across all divisions, the APT Central Illinois Chapter continues to grow in strength and excitement. The tour now takes a short break before heading to Ironwood Golf Course in Normal, IL, on Sunday, June 1st—a venue known for its risk-reward layout and fast greens.
If Mattoon was any indication, June golf is going to be electric.
