Alex Ellis Fires Final Round 66 to Win Firecracker Open by Three Shots

Alex Ellis held off a group of challengers with a final round 66 to capture the 2011 Firecracker Open.  Ellis headed into the final round with a two shot lead over several challengers.  With Ellis in the last group starting the final round, the penultimate group of players just ahead of Ellis consisted of Mike Allen, Chris Hartenstein, and Michael Smith.  They applied the pressure early with Allen posting 32- four under on the front nine, Hartenstein posting 33- three under on the front nine, and Smith posting 34.  That put Allen at -9 for the tournament, Hartenstein at -9, and Smith at -8 at the turn.

Meanwhile, Ellis continued to play solid golf with a lone bogey on the front nine occuring at number six. He offset that bogey with four birdies to turn in 33, eleven under for the tournament.  The back nine proved the turning point with Allen posting 34, while Hartenstein suffered a double bogey at #16, and Smith shooting 37 on the back. 

Allen finished second at -10, with Brendan Redfern, Dylan Shephard, and Chris Hartenstein tied for third at 205, 8 under par.

 See the post round interview with Alex Ellis here.

The Firecracker Open, with all it's traditions, including the hot dogs on the final round was a complete success.  The players were estatic with the four hour round pace of play.  The tournament concluded early by previous standards and went smoothly all around. 

The fans were treated to excellent golf and they were engaged until the finish.

The golfing community owes Randy Renolds and Steve Patterson of Austin Amateur Golf a big thank you for intiating conversations with Lloyd Morrison about the size of the field and the suggestion of qualifying rounds.  If the format is followed next year, there is sure to be a big demand for a spot in the field.  Thanks to all the staff at Lions Municipal Golf course for all their hard work and making the tournament run so smoothly.  Mike Brent, Chris, LouAnn, Ray and everyone involved steped up in Lloyd Morrison's absence to make sure things ran on schedule.  Lloyd Morrison and the City of Austin Parks and Recreations Department are to be congratulated on a fine effort.

The final scores are posted below.  See a complete Photo Album of the Tournament here