Josh Gass wins Illinois Valley Men’s Golf Championship for first time since 2016 – Shaw Local

Josh Gass waited on the green with open arms as his sons ran toward him.

He wrapped them both in a hug when they arrived.

Gass had waited a decade to celebrate this moment.

He shot a two-round score of 8-under-par 134 to win the Illinois Valley Men’s Golf Championship on Sunday at Deer Park Golf Club in Oglesby, claiming the crown for the first time since 2016.

Caleb Dzierzynski, who won in 2023, placed second with a 138, and defending champion Jon Prescott finished third at 140. Four-time champion Baley Lehr was fourth at 140, with Ben Cyr rounding out the top five with a 141.

“It’s been 10 years since I won it, so this one feels pretty good,” Gass said. “Hopefully I don’t have to wait another 10 years to win again.

“But that’s how it goes. There’s so many good players around here, and anybody can win it. It feels really good to win this one.”

Gass put himself in a strong position after shooting a 68 on Saturday at Edgewood Park Golf Club in McNabb, sitting one stroke behind Dzierzynski. Six players shot in the 60s on Saturday, with Lehr also sitting at 68 and Carson Zellers, Mason Kimberley and Troy Bauer at 69.

“With Caleb being on his home track and being right there with Baley, I knew I was right where I wanted to be,” Gass said. “I could have been a little bit better (Saturday), but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”

Gass birdied two of his first four holes Sunday and shot a 33 on the front nine. He began to pull away on the back nine with birdies on No. 14 and No. 16 as he finished with a 66.

“I checked (the scores) after nine and on the back nine a little bit,” Gass said. “I knew once I two-putted on 15 and birdied 16 that I could pretty much cruise along to win. It was a solid round all the way through.”

Gass said he began to change his approach with a comfortable lead on the back nine.

“Through 13 when I had a four-shot lead, I usually hit driver on 14, but I laid back a little bit, and it paid off because I made birdie,” Gass said. “It worked out in my favor. I hit a nice wedge. The wedge was really good this weekend as well as the putter.”

Dzierzynski birdied his first two holes Saturday along with No. 9 before recording five birdies on the back on his way to the first round lead.

“I hit the ball really well,” Dzierzynski said. “I kind of struggled with the putter all weekend, but (Saturday), I hit it close enough where I was able to get some tap-in birdies and played the par 5s a little bit better. Edgewood is my home course, so I feel pretty comfortable there.”

Dzierzynski carded a 1-over 71 on Sunday.

“I didn’t have my best stuff today,” Dzierzynski said, “but I grinded it out. Unfortunately, Josh was just too good to catch today.

“I’ve had some close finishes the last couple years. I had a good chance to win, and unfortunately I didn’t get it done. But there’s a lot of good competition here. I’m proud of the way I fought to be able to place.”

Prescott was tied for seventh with a 71 after Saturday’s round. He shot a 69 on Sunday to earn a trophy.

“With Josh and Baley playing their home course and being three shots ahead (of me), I didn’t think there was much of a chance (for me to win),” Prescott said. “I just tried to climb and see what happens.

“It feels good (to place third). It’s always good to take home a piece of hardware.”

Connor Baker won the A class with a 143 followed by Tucker Hill (149) and Rich Williams (150).

Jake Knottek won B class with a 154, topping Matt Obmann in a playoff. Mark Prescott took third with a 156.

In C class, Tyler Hartman won with a 166, Jordan Swietek (170) was second, and Chance Blumhorst (170) was third.

Spark Larkin (145) won Senior class, Jerry Joiner (148) topped Brian Lehr in a playoff to win Legends class, and Carson Zellers (141) won the Junior class.

Mendota won the team title by one stroke over Deer Park.