2025 STL – The Azalea at Birch Creek Results

The St. Louis chapter continued its Spring Season on Masters Sunday, with temperatures climbing into the 80’s on a breezy, but gorgeous Spring Sunday.  The greens were quick and challenging for the 104 player field that made the drive to Birch Creek Golf Club in Union, MO.  Autohaus BMW was on hand, sporting a new BMW X5 on display for all of the players.

In Division 1, Ryan Eckelcamp grew up just a few miles from Birch Creek, making it a frequent stop for practice.  Eckelcamp used his home course advantage, continuing his winning streak to start the 2025 campaign with a 1-over par 73 to earn a 2-shot victory over Dylan Davidsonand Jesse Tierney.  Mike Clarkwon the senior division by firing a 76 to best John Todd by a stroke.

In Division 2, 18-holes would not be enough to determine a champion as Taylor Young made the most out of his 4^th APT start, getting into a playoff with long-time APT veteran Chris Scoles.  It took 3 holes, but Taylor Young birdied the par-5 3^rd hole to earn a playoff victory, his first on the APT after shooting 76 in regulation.  Eric Fogleman finished in solo 3^rd just one-shot off of the pace with 77, while Todd Feuerhaken and Eric Schaetty rounded out the top 5 with rounds of 79.  On the senior side, Todd Feuerhaken returned to the winners circle with his round of 79, besting Billy Davis by 7 shots after Davis fired an 86.

In Division 3, Shane Kennedy fired his best career round on the APT in the last 2 seasons, posting a 79 to earn a 2-shot victory and the win over Paul Wilson who finished in solo 2^nd with an 81.  Donald Chase and Jeff Rainford finished in a tie for 3^rd with solid rounds of 84, while Steve Disch, Simay Souvannarath, Andrew Masters, and Christian Benavides rounded out the top-5 with rounds of 85.  On the senior side, Shane Kennedy completed the double-dip with a victory, followed by Paul Wilson in 2^nd place and Jeff Rainford taking 3^rd.

In Division 4, long-time tour veteran Mike Scalera returned to form, firing an 87 to claim the top spot in a very crowded field, with 8 players within 3 shots of the lead.  Runner-up honors would be split by Matt Telander and Gerald Harsley, who each finished 1-shot off of the pace with 88.  Dolly Buenaventura, Mike Moynihan and Josh Burnett each rounded out the top-5 and the money with rounds of 89.  On the senior side, Mike Scalera earned the top honor, followed closely by runner-ups Matt Telander and Gerald Harsley.

In Division 5, one-shot would separate the winners yet again.  Tracy Behrle used a timely and clutch birdie on her 17^th hole to earn a one-shot victory with a round of 90 over Kenneth Finkbeiner.  Finkbeiner put forth a valiant effort, but fell one shot short with a round of 91.  Rounding out the money was Esther Flora with a 99.  On the senior side, Kenneth Finkbeiner returned to the winner’s circle with a round of 91 to earn an 8-shot victory over Esther Flora.

In the Open Net competition, Tracy Behrle earned her first win in the net competition by shooting a 4-under net 68 to earn a 2-shot victory over Josh Burnett who finished at 2-under.  Joe Finn fired an even-par net 72 to take solo 3^rd honors, while Eric Schaetty and Mike Moynihan fired 1-over par rounds of 73 to finish in a tie for 4^th place.

From here, the St. Louis chapter turns the the ELV8 Golf Elevated Event at Norwood Hills Country Club (West) next Monday, with a sold-out field of 120 competing for double points and double prize pool (plus an additional $1,000 from ELV8 Golf).  This event will also serve as the launching pad for the inaugural “Golf with Jay Delsing Monday Series”, which features a separate points race for some of the St. Louis chapter’s premier events.  The season is just underway, so now is a great time to join the tour and get in on the action!  Sign up today at www.aptgolf.org.