Stiles wins Men's Championship

A day after winning the 2017 Ryder Cup 28-20 in Glasgow, many of those golfers and several others collided at Marian Hills for the 2017 Men’s Golf Championship at the Marian Hills Golf Course last Sunday, August 20, in Malta.

Malta has now retained the Ryder Cup for four years in a row.

“I think everybody did well,” Bob Galt said. “Seven out of our top 20 guys were not playing.”

The men’s singles competition was won by Malta’s Kirk Stiles who had a total of 70 strokes over the 18 hole event.

“Gordon (Webb) wasn’t here so somebody had to win,” Stiles said. “I made putts. I think the name of the game is driving and putting. If you can’t get off the tee box, you’re in trouble.”

Stiles had bogey in his first two holes and seemed frustrated at first. He was eventually able to bounce back.

“I got it turned around and got a few birdies,” Stiles said.

In his back nine, Stiles started off with an eagle and at one point he was four under par.

Cory Shelhamer won second place with a total of 84 strokes. Flight One was won by Lecil Demarais who had 82 strokes. Troy Azure took second. Flight Two was won by Jim Heikens who had 90 strokes. Dennis Ost was second in that flight.

Stiles was closest to Pin #4. Demarais had the long putt at #3. Ron Scott was Closest to Pin #7. Shelhamer was closest in two strokes at #5.

Among the golfers was Ed Buechler who had a good start.

“It was good until I triple bogeyed, hole 5,” Buechler said. “The wind was blowing across here today and it pushed my shot out.”

Scott, who has won five titles in the past, was also at the event.

“When I was younger, I won a few but as you get older it falls apart a little easier,” he said.