By Nick Hunter
EDINA, Minn. – A late birdie at Edina Country Club Monday lifted Jake Wherley to a round of 70 during the second round of the 2022 Minnesota Assistant PGA Championship, giving Wherley a one-stroke victory over Andy Smith.
Those advancing to the 2022 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Championship Nov. 17-20 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida are Smith, Bennett Smed, Brady Swedberg and Lucas Johnson.
At the 36-hole tournament Monday, Wherley opened with a 7-under 65, despite a late double-bogey, to lead the field following the morning session.
During his second round, Wherley started with a birdie at the third before drawing even with a bogey on the ensuing hole.
He would turn in 1-under for the round following his second birdie of the front nine at the par-4 ninth.
Taking advantage of the par-5 13th, Wherley rolled in his birdie chance to reach 9-under for the championship, but would give back a shot with a second bogey at the 16th.
With his double-bogey coming at the par-3 17th during the first round Monday, Wherley changed his fortune by sinking his birdie opportunity for a final-round 70 to earn a one-stroke victory at 9-under 135.
Wherley now has at least one section in each of the past three seasons, entering the 2022 season with a pair of victories in 2021.
Monday’s finish is the sixth top-5 finish for the assistant professional from The Pines at Grand View Lodge in 2022, pushing his winnings for the season to over $4,000.
Another strong finish for Smith Monday, who now has collected three wins and eight top-5 finishes for the season.
Smith began the 2022 campaign with a win at the Twin Cities Open and notched his second win less than a month later at the Minnesota PGA Assistant’s Event No. 3.
Most recently, Smith edged Wherley, 2 and 1, at the Minnesota PGA Assistant Season-Long Match Play Championship.
Smith, from Hazeltine National Golf Club, has earned more than $10,500 for his efforts this season.
THE 2022 MINNESOTA ASSISTANT PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
EDINA COUNTRY CLUB
EDINA, MINN.
6,810 YARDS, PAR 72
MONDAY’S FINAL RESULTS
1. Jake Wherley, The Pines at GVL, 65-70—135
2. Andy Smith, Hazeltine Nat’l GC, 66-70—136
3. Bennett Smed, Classic at Madden’s, 73-68—141
4. Brady Swedberg, Geneva GC, 73-69—142
5. Lucas Johnson, Suite Shots, 73-72—145
T6. Austin Meissner, Majestic Oaks GC, 74-74—14
T6. Blake Lentner, Wayzata CC, 71-77—148
8. Matthew Sandquist, Edina CC, 73-78—151
9. Mac Saby, Spring Hill GC, 78-74—152
10. Andrew Norton, StoneRidge GC, 75-79—154
For complete tournament results go to: MN PGA Assistants’ Championship – Overall Leaderboard | Minnesota PGA (bluegolf.com)