VRANESH WINS AT MCCORMICK RANCH, STOLTZ EARNS NATIONWIDE TOUR EXEMPTION

By Ryan Woodcock

There was a lot on the line in this week’s GPT event at McCormick Ranch, as this was the last of three tournaments in the “Points Race” for a Nationwide Tour exemption and players vying for that top spot. Brian Vranesh, who was T7 in the “Points Race” coming into Arizona Series Tournament #15 at McCormick Ranch, did all he could do, shooting a final-round 4-under par and 17-under for the tournament to cruise to a 9-shot victory.

Unfortunately for Vranesh, it wasn’t enough, as Drew Stoltz finished T2 at 8-under to finish first in the “Points Race” with 4,100 points and take the coveted Nationwide Tour exemption for the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open, June 16-19. Vranesh came up just short and finished second in points at 3,600, followed by Benoit Beisser with 3,200 points and James Drew and Nathan Lashley with 2,590 points.

“It really feels good to get that Nationwide Tour exemption,” said Stoltz, who has played in three career Nationwide Tour events. “I was a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to win this week, but this makes it feel a little better.”

Stoltz started the final round T2 at 7-under, six shots back Vranesh, who got out to a quick lead after his first round 9-under 63.

“I didn’t know really where I stood or what I needed to do to win the Points Race, but I figured that if I won this week that would do it,” Stoltz said. “But Brian was playing so well this week and I knew he would be hard to catch, so I just wanted to play the best golf I could and see what happens.”

Stoltz made the turn at 1-under, 8-under for the tournament, and made birdies on 10 and 12 on the back nine before finishing with pars on the final six holes to finish at 10-under for the tournament.

“I admit, I was a little nervous coming down the stretch, I definitely was thinking about that exemption,” he said. “I just wanted to finish strong and give myself a chance.”

Stoltz earned the Nationwide exemption without winning a tournament over the three-tournament race. He finished T6 in week one, solo third in week two and this T2 at McCormick Ranch. He is playing some great golf of late, and that all started in early March when he won the midseason “Back Nine” Sponsorship event, earning free entry into the final nine GPT Arizona Series events.

“That really turned things around for me, winning that sponsorship event,” Stoltz said. “I can’t really put my finger on what changed, but I’ve been playing really good golf since then and it felt like the light switch came on. I haven’t won yet this year, but I’ve been in the final group in a lot of these tournaments lately and given myself a chance to win.”

Vranesh didn’t earn the exemption, but did earn his second GPT win this season (he won earlier this year at Trilogy – Power Ranch), jumping up to fourth on the money list. His bogey-free 9-under in round one took control of the tournament, and he was never challenged the rest of the way.

Benoit Beisser finished T2 with Stoltz at 10-under par, thanks to a nice 8-under 64 in the final round. Dodge Kemmer also finished T2 at 10-under, while Jason Allred shot a final-round 3-under par 69 to finish solo fifth at 7-under par.

“This definitely is a big confidence boost,” Stoltz said. “I just hope to continue this momentum and keep playing good golf to finish this season strong.”

The GPT will take a week off before getting back to action June 1-3 at the Palm course at McCormick Ranch.

For complete results from Arizona Series Tournament #15 CLICK HERE