2025 STL ELV8 @ Spencer T. Olin GC

On Saturday, the St. Louis Chapter headed to Spencer T. Olin Golf Coursein Alton, IL for the ELV8 Golf – Elevated Event.  The weather was picture perfect as 121 golfers teed it up for almost $8,000 in prizes.  Spencer T. Olin is designed by the great Arnold Palmer, and is certainly well-known for hosting some major championships, most notably the USGA Public Links Championship in 1999.  This was the last chance for players to earn coveted Autohaus BMW St. Louis Player of the Year points prior to the finals, and competition was fierce in every division.

In Division 1, John Todd came out of the gates firing, getting it to 2-under by hitting a litany of precise iron shots to separate himself from the field.  A closing birdie led to a round of even-par 72, earning himself a victory.  Chad Crawford continued his steady play this season, finishing with a round of 2-over par 74 to earn runner-up honors.  Neil Ghanti continued his good play as of late, finishing in 3^rd place with a 4-over par 76.

In Division 2, 18 holes would not be enough to decide a winner as drama would ensue at the end of round.  Autohaus BMW points leader Mike Lingenfelter made an eagle on the par-5 18^th hole (his 17^th of the day) to go up 2 with just one hole to play, but then faltered on his 18^th-hole to force a playoff with Billy Davis and Zach Bryan, who each finished at 4-over par 76 in a hotly-contested division where 17 players finished within 5 shots of the lead.  Zach Bryan and Mike Lingenfelter both made bogey on the first playoff hole with Billy Davis making a 7 to be eliminated.

Division 3 was competitive as always with 16 players within 5 shots of the lead and 7 players within just a single shot.  It would come down to a 4-way playoff as Jason Stone, Peter Allen, Tony Arcese and Matt Wilson each shot matching 9-over par 81s. On the first playoff hole, both Peter Allen and Matt Wilson faltered, which allowed Jason Stone and Tony Arcese to advance to the second sudden-death playoff hole with a par on 1.  Stone navigated the tricky second hole, making the par to secure a trip to the Autohaus BMW Winners Circle.  Mike Paubel, Dave Verhulst and Steve Helmich each finished in a tie for 5^th to round out the money with rounds of 82.  On the Senior side, Jason Stone earned the victory, defeating Peter Allen in a playoff.

In Division 4, Christopher Jones turned in a steady performance vaulted by a 40 on the back 9 to earn a one-shot victory with a stellar round of 82.  Toby Chrzanowski was nipping right at his heels with an 83 to earn solo runner up honors and the Senior Division crown.  3^rd place went to Jerry Andersonwith a steady 84, while Larry Eaton finished in the money with a solid round of 88.

In Division 5, Jim Seibert continued his steady play all season, firing an 88 to earn a one-shot victory over Ryan Troll who has been surging of late.  Troll ended up in the runner up position with his round of 89.  3^rd place went to Roger Eberlein with a round of 93, and Robert Rosenbaum shot a 94 to finish in 4^th place.  Jim Seibert completed the “double-dip” victory with a round of 88, besting Roger Eberlein who finished solo 2^nd in the senior division with a 93.

In the net competition, Toby Chrzanowski earned the victory after a stellar 6-under 66 to earn a 3-shot victory over John Todd, who finished in solo 2^nd with a 3-under 69.  Billy Davis, Zach Bryan, Peter Allen and Steve Helmich each played well shooting 2-under net 70 to finish in a tie for 3^rd, while Marco Tallerico, Chad Crawford, Matt Wilson, Roger Eberlein and Ryan Troll finished in a tie for 7^th at 1-under par to round out the money.

Up next, is the 2-day Autohaus BMW Local Finals at Annbriar Golf Course  in Waterloo, IL.  Space is limited for the Local Finals, so register today to secure your spot!