TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: Barrett Kelpin’s Final Birdie Wins Playoff With Otto Black
By Greg Johnson
Barrett Kelpin of Kalamazoo made the final birdie in a battle of birdies, with a putt inside three feet on the second playoff hole to fend off Otto Black of Brighton and win the 31st Tournament of Champions, August 2 at Boyne Mountain Resort.
It was the second Tournament of Champions title (first in 2015) for Kelpin, a 34-year-old mini-tour golfer who had a five-shot lead to start the final round, but had to hold off Black, cart partner for the day, friend and even former mini-tour roommate – who charged relentlessly with an 8-under 64 on the Alpine course to force the sudden-death playoff at 16-under 200, seven shots clear of the field. Kelpin pocketed $9,000 with the win.
Kelpin, who shot 69 with key birdies on two of the last three holes of regulation while Black was making three consecutive birdies to close his regulation round, matched birdies with Black on the first playoff hole (par 5 No. 18), and then made the winning birdie on No. 16, which he had birdied just minutes before in regulation, too.
Black was the 2021 Tournament of Champions winner.
Three golfers tied for third at 9-under 207 including defending champion Brett White, who shot a closing 70. Also at 207 were John Seltzer of Egypt Valley Country Club in Ada, who shot a third consecutive 69, and senior pro Jay Jurecic of Crystal Falls, who shot a final 68.
Jurecic was the low senior in the unique tournament that brings together professionals, amateurs, men, women, senior and junior players competing for the Walter Burkemo Trophy. Bradley Smithson of Grand Rapids, an MSU golfer who shot 212, was the low amateur, while Shannon Kennedy of Beverly Hills, also an MSU golfer who shot 219, was the low woman in the tournament.
“He’s a good friend of mine and I knew playing with Otto and Brett (White) that somebody was going to have a hot day,” Kelpin said. “They are both such good players. I’m just glad I hung in there and was able to make some birdies down the stretch. It feels good to persevere.”
