Chris Long Claims Third Mid-Amateur Championship, Celebrates for the Older Generation

MITCHELL — Chris Long recorded an extraordinary performance on Sunday at Lakeview Golf Course, demonstrating a remarkable four-hole stretch where he reached 6-under-par, highlighted by two eagles and two birdies. This impressive feat propelled him to victory, earning his third South Dakota Golf Association Men's Mid-Amateur Championship title.

This latest win adds to Long's impressive tally, which now includes titles from 2011 and 2023, marking the 10th title in his SDGA career, including a victory in the SDGA men's amateur championship in 2010. At 52 years old, Long reflects on the evolution of the competition, noting that the minimum age for mid-amateur play has shifted from 35 to 25, allowing him to proudly represent the "old guys" in the sport.

"I think I'm the oldest guy in the championship flight, so I'm kind of trying to play good for the old guys. It's fun to try to compete," Long mentioned. "I'm not going to be able to compete with guys that are 23 years younger than me in much other than golf. There's a little bit of pride in being able to win another one like this."

Long, a graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University, noted that he had never scored better than his 7-under 65 achieved on Sunday during his numerous visits to Lakeview. Over two rounds, he finished with a total score of 10-under-par 134, following a 69 in the first round. After beginning his round with two bogeys, he quickly turned it around with three consecutive birdies and an eagle on the front nine. His remarkable run continued with a chip-in eagle at No. 13, a birdie on the 14th, and another eagle on the par-5 15th, ultimately landing him at 12-under before closing with two bogeys.

"Lakeview is one of those courses that everybody looks forward to because you feel like you can score here," Long said, acknowledging the course's challenges despite its scoring potential. "I just enjoy the course because you can hit the driver and you can make some putts, but you're always going to find trouble."

Ryan Ames from Sioux Falls and Watertown's Bob West finished tied for second place, each scoring 6-under 138 over the two-day event. West, who led after the first round with a 66, struggled to maintain momentum, while Ames made a strong move with a final round of 67. Piedmont’s Tyler Evenson finished fourth at 5-under, and Jacob Rice, a Mitchell High School graduate, rounded out the top five with a score of 4-under.

In the regular division, Cory Wegehaupt from Mitchell took the title with a total score of 155, while Marion's Obadiah Schimp and Mitchell's Lakin Neugebauer finished second and third, respectively. The competition highlighted the depth of talent present in South Dakota's golf scene.