For the first time since 2007, the USDGC has a repeat champion. Will Schusterick of Nashville, TN, can boast Championship crowns from 2010 and now 2012 after outlasting Ricky Wysocki by two strokes on Saturday.
This time Schusterick had several members of his family in attendance including his mother, sisters and grandparents. “There’s no better feeling in the world than to have family there as I succeed,” said Schusterick.
Tied with Monday Qualifier Josh Anthon at the start of the day, the round ended up becoming a battle between Schusterick and Wysocki, who tied Schusterick for Saturday’s round with a 55 (-13).
Others finishing well included third place Anthon (-44), fourth place Paul Ulibarri (-41), and tied for fifth at (-40) were 2009 US Champion Nikko Locastro and Steve Brinster.
This week Anthon turned a lot of heads with his play, which was impressive from a guy who has only played two PDGA tournaments this year.
Going into Hole 17, Schusterick had a two stroke lead over Wysocki, however the Stockholm Open Champion left himself a lengthy putt after landing safely on the treacherous island green.
When Schusterick missed his birdie putt, Wysocki had the chance to narrow the lead to one going into the last hole after his side arm landed within makeable range.
However, Wysocki missed, hitting the chains wide left to the shock of the crowd.
Wysocki was devastated. He took extended moments by himself on 17 green, and then again on the tee of 18 to think things over and regroup. “I definitely wasn’t done yet. I still wanted to birdie (Hole) 18 to put the pressure on,” said Wysocki after the round, adding that he’d battled all day and he planned on continuing.
Looking similar to 2010, Schusterick then threw four safe shots as Wysocki could only score par.
It didn’t take long for Schusterick to get going on Saturday. After a birdie on the first hole, he made a spectacular fairway ace for eagle on Hole 2 that gave the crowd a hint of the show that was in store.
Wysocki steadily climbed his way back, though. Past the midway point, on the par 5 Hole 13 (888’), Wysocki threw a laser of a third shot across the parking lot bordering the green and nailed the eagle to tie it up.
Wysocki said prior to that throw he had the momentum in his favor and had just seen Schusterick land close for a likely birdie. “He parked it, so I had to do something,” said Wysocki and he certainly did.
But Schusterick was just too much. After Hole 15, Schusterick was up by one and took another stroke on the following hole to face Hole 17 with a two stroke lead.
It appears Schusterick just knows how to play Winthrop Gold.
“Feels like my home course. I’ve said that since the second year I came here,” said Schusterick.
