When it comes to golf, it has often been said that practice is what keeps a player at the top of their game.

Monday, August 16, 1999

When it comes to golf, it has often been said that practice is what keeps a player at the top of their game. Phil Schmidt showed a break can also be helpful.

Schmidt, who played only twice in a span of about six months before resuming golf about a month ago, claimed the championship in the KATE Albert Lea City Open Golf Tournament that concluded Sunday at Albert Lea Golf Club.

Schmidt, who also won the City Open in 1995 and ’96, finished with 173 strokes for 45 holes, five better than runner-up and 1998 champion Chris Baas.

Mick Hockinson, who won the tournament two years ago, was third at 186, followed in the championship flight by Joe Klick, 190; Mike Nelson, 191; Nate Rasmusson, 192; and Steve Lee, 196.

Schmidt shot a 68 on the opening 18 holes Saturday at Green Lea to take a three-stroke lead over Baas. Both players had 72 in Sunday’s first 18 at ALGC.

Schmidt admitted some concern with Baas – who won this year’s Green Lea Club Championship – within three strokes entering the final nine holes.

&uot;I felt some pressure because I know how good a player Chris is,&uot; said Schmidt. &uot;But I can’t control how other people shoot.&uot;

Schmidt said taking time off from golf was more a necessity than a choice. He was working two jobs and had little time or energy for the game. He’s been playing almost daily for about a month now.

&uot;Sometimes, when you take time off you’re into it more,&uot; said Schmidt. &uot;You’re not burned out. I just had a lot of fun out there. I started to get the feel back around the greens and I hit some good shots today. I’m pleased with the way I played.&uot;

Schmidt said he plans to play in the Shortstop at ALGC for the first time ever this year.

It’s a tournament Baas is definitely looking forward to.

&uot;It would be fun to win the Shortstop, maybe beat Phil in the finals,&uot; said Baas. &uot;Maybe I can get a little revenge.&uot;

The other men’s flight winners were Brad Williamson, first; Vance Mickelson, second; Earl Krieger, third; Cliff Wuerflein, fourth; Ron Hansen, fifth; Dick Rocklin, sixth.

A total of 15 women competed in the tournament.

Virginia Hanson defended her title in the women’s championship flight, winning her eighth City Open title. The only other women to win the City Open are Claudia Pilot and Donna Boom.

Here are the top finishers, by flight:

* Men’s Championship – 1. Phil Schmidt 173; 2. Chris Baas 178; 3. Mick Hockinson 186; 4. Joe Klick 190; 5. Mike Nelson 191; 6. Nate Rasmusson 192; 7. Steve Lee 196;

* Men’s First Flight – 1. Brad Williamson 76-78-154; 2. John Cliff 77-78-155; 3. Scott Rasmussen 79-81-160;

* Men’s Second Flight – 1. Vance Mickelson 81-76-157; 2. Brad Adams 76-86-162; 3. Steve Thompson 80-83-163;

* Men’s Third Flight – 1. Earl Krieger 81-80-161; 2. Joe Sczublewski 83-83-166; 3. Tom Baas 83-94-177;

* Men’s Fourth Flight – 1. Cliff Wuerflein 84-82-166; 2. Mike Linnes 78-91-169; 3. Brian Demmer 82-87-169;

* Men’s Fifth Flight – 1. Ron Hansen 75-88-163; 2. Al Brown 84-83-167; 3. Dave Lundak 87-82-169;

* Men’s Sixth Flight – 1. Dick Rocklin 87-85-172; 2. Charlie Lange 84-100-184; 3. Alex Skaar 87-101-188;

* Men’s Seventh Flight – 1. Mike Strothman, 179; 2. Bill Elliott, 185; 3. Denny Raiche, 192.

* Women’s Championship – 1. Virginia Hanson; 2. Ann Entorf.

Women’s Low Net – Mindy Rice.

Women’s first place – Vonda Rocklin.