Youth Dominates Firecracker – Stratton Nolen Leads By Two

Stratton Nolen

Stratton Nolen has posted 64-67 =131 in the first two rounds of the 2017 Firecracker Open and leads by two shots headed into the final round.  Nolen, who won the 2016 Big 12 individual title is a former Firecracker winner at an early age while still playing for Westlake High School.   And it seems fitting that he is now being chased by the current high school crowd at Westlake.

(l-r) Mathew Denton, Reid Davenport, Michael Rome, Thomas Bockholt, Reese Ramsey – 2017 6A State Champions

Reid Davenport and Matthew Denton, both at nine under and two shots back, are current Westlake players and played on the team that recently captured the state 6A high school championship.  Denton finished in second place, one shot behind the winner of the individual race and Davenport finished in sixth place individually.  Denton has committed to Texas A&M and Davenport has committed to play for Vanderbuilt.  So, Nolen will have his hands full with those two.

Jake Budde, who plays for the Lake Travis Golf Team, fired a bogey free 66 the first round and followed up with a six birdie, two bogey 67 to also post nine under par.

Robert Evans – Champion
Beth Cleckler – Director of Golf at Morris Williams GC

Robert Evans, who is now raising children and playing less golf, has posted 69-65 and is at eight under.  His back nine 30 on Sunday vaulted him into contention.  Evans, who won a couple of local tournaments in recent years is fully capable of posting another low round and appears to be the best hope for the local mid-amateur crowd.

Brian Noonan, a former Firecracker winner and three time Men’s City Champion is at six under, five shots back of the leader.

Lions Municipal Golf Course Buck, July 2nd, 2017 on #11 Fairway.

Brian’s dad, Jim Noonan, snapped this shot on number 11 fairway Sunday Morning while following the golf action.  This young buck, was accompanied by another slightly smaller buck.  They watched a little golf and then leisurely walked off toward number 16 green, obviously enjoying the beauty of Lioins Municipal Golf Course.

The leaders tee off at 12:33 and the final round should be fun to watch.

The field was cut to the low 72 players and ties after 54 holes.  The cut was at 149, seven over par.

See the full results at this link.