FINAL ROUND 66 LIFTS GUNDERSON TO ONE
STROKE VICTORY


In an exciting finish in a gentle rain, Stillwater, Minn. pro
Dave Gunderson overcame a two-stroke deficit in the final
nine holes to win the 29th annual Hillcrest Pro-Am
tournament, professional division. Gunderson racked up a
 final round of 6 under par 66 to score a 12-under 72 hole
score of 276 to edge the 2001 runner-up Pat Beste, and
Texas pro Greg Hiller by a single stroke to take home the
$16,000 winner's check.

Gunderson, who won 21st place and $925 with a 3-under
total in the 2001 Hillcrest test, began this year's classic in
an inconspicuous manner, shooting a three-over 75 in the strong winds at the Yankton course on the opening day. But he steadied as
 the weather did, coming back with a strong 67 on Friday, then stamping himself as a serious contender when he shot a 68 on
Saturday. His 66 on Sunday was four strokes better that the leader after three rounds, and the defending champion, Pat Beste,
another Minnesotan, but from mid-state at Sauk Center.

Beste made a strong effort to retain his crown as he led the field for the first three days, getting a strong 68 in the windy opening day,
 then staying in front on a beautiful Friday with a 69. He still held a single stroke lead over another Minnesota pro, Aaron Barber,
New London, Minn. when he went to nine under with a 70 on Saturday, but his final day 70 wasn't good enough, as Gunderson
moved out of the pack to post the winning 66.

For more stories from the Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan, go to:

 http://www.yankton.net">www.yankton.net 

 http://www.yankton.net/stories/080502/spo_20020805001.shtml