Hanson Wins PNGA Men's Master-40

Medalist and former Mariners pitcher, Erik Hanson of Kirkland, Wash.. defeated No. 2 seed Tom Brandes of Bellevue, Wash., 3 and 2 in the PNGA Men's Master-40 Championship at the 6537-yard, par-71 Moses Lake Golf & Country Club.

Hanson mounted a 4-up lead through the first nine holes. Brandes put up a fight in the second nine, but was never able to get closer than 3-down. Hanson closed out the match with a 5-foot par putt on the 16th hole. He was 3 under through 16 holes and Brandes was even-par for the day.

"I knew it would take at least a 68 to beat Erik, unfortunately I only had a 71 in me today," lamented Brandes.

This is Hanson's second PNGA title. He won the PNGA Men's Mid-Amateur in 2002 at Canterwood G&CC in Gig Harbor, Wash. "It's been five years since my last PNGA title. They aren't easy to come by and Tom made this one real tough." said Hanson.

For more information on the PNGA Men's Master-40, visit http://www.thepnga.org/championships/mens_master-40/mensmaster.asp.

Final Results

Championship Flight (Finals)
Erik Hanson, Kirkland, Wash. (137) def. Tom Brandes, Bellevue, Wash. (137), 3 and 2

First Flight (Semifinal)
John Molitor, Ephrata, Wash. (154) def. Gary Mullen, Wenatchee, Wash. (154), 1 up

Second Flight (Semifinal)
Tom Rippon, N. Vancouver, BC (156) def. Peter Guay, Kirkland, Wash. (156), 4 and 2

Third Flight (Semifinal)
Mike Palmer, Mukilteo, Wash. (160) def. Karl Ota, Spokane, Wash. (163), 19th hole