Norton news

2024 - It all came down to a decisive play-off hole to determine Norton Glory in 24. The occasion will be immortalized by the "The Big Whiff", taking down Len Tow and presenting our Champion, Millennial Ted Getzke, with his first Norton Championship. Teddy's pin point chipping carried the day as he finished strong by paring play-off hole one for the win. Len will take his back to back runner-up trophy to his Iowa farm. 

2023 - The boyhood dream of the Pursley brothers came to reality on this championship Saturday, as new champion, Darren "Chunk" Pursley, completed what will go down in Norton Open history as "The Pursley Tri-Fecta". Chunk's chipping and putting came together and blended into consistent harmony allowing him to at long last experience Norton glory. Claiming his and Iowa's first Norton hardware was runner-up Len Tow.  

2022 - If there was ever a word to describe this year's champion, it would not be consistent, but Chad Hilstad showed another dimension to his game for the 40th annual. It was all working for the first time champion as he mastered his round like never before. It was due time for this long time hopeful. Representing the next generation of Norton Greats, was Gabe Goodwater bringing home the runner-up honors.

2021 - The key to winning the Norton Open is precision putts and dagger like chips. Dick Pursley, 4 time champion, displayed both as he twinkle toed thru Minneopa National. Said the Champion, "I better not have any asterisks with this performance today". The Board confirmed it was a fair win, but will keep Dick on notice. Lighting it up on the second round, John Zirbes takes the Runner-Up honors.

2020 - The fall angle of the sun and the constant noise of falling acorns could not deny this year's two-time Champion, Scott Harding...Haaaaaaaaaa! His game was never this complete with scorching drives and magic putts. The Haadman was not to be denied including mastery of every beverage he consumed. Runner-up honors go to Dale Pursley and his sun soaked checks. 

2019 - With a 2019 field of hopefuls that included 1/3 millennial's, it was only a matter time before the door was smashed open. Handling his putter with surgical precision and prowess, it was a putters dream for this year's Champion, Ryan McCready. He championed all post-game shots as well. A new era of Champions could be here to stay. Runner-Up honors for Scottie "Swede" Johnson. 

2018 - With a fast start on the front nine, 2018 Champion, Scott Bennethum, rides another sandbagger handicap of 26 to Norton glory. Precision sharp shooting on the back nine by the two time champion, drove roars heard all the way to Fridley. Backing up the Champion for Runner-Up honors once again was the exotic traveler, Don Ask.  

2017 - Constant rain and soggy fairways couldn't hold back the 2017 Champion, Dick Pursley**  from overcoming and conquering this rain and wind shortened event. Using his secret crotch slide move to help keep his club handles dry, he quietly pounded out his third title(although his second, and this one, hold asterisk conditions). Riding an impressive and showy round was Don Ask, who managed the weather conditions well with his showy rain wear for Runner-Up honors.

(**9-hole event)

2016 - Being a regular on the Tampa Bay Country Club scene has paid dividends for one Lewis Carpenter, who takes home the Green Jacket for his first Norton hardware win. The putts were dropping for Lewis as he carded an almost impressive net 69. Runner-up honors go to skinny Chad Hilstad. This out-state sweep may be a Norton first. 

2015 - Moving the event to historical Terrace View proved to be a daunting challenge for all. The distance alone eliminated many from contention. In the end, four stood tall, Jack Odegaard, Scott Johnson, Eric Champion, and Mike Getzke brought it home for a first ever four way tie. Taking the tie breaker by storm was Mike Getzke, prevailing with a six foot put to eliminate runner-up, Scott Johnson. The Green Jacket has never seen the mud like 2015.

2014 - Don't ever say your "foot wedge" doesn't get you Norton Glory, as Pat McCready finally found a way to break through and once again wear the Green Jacket. A fine post tourney performance was noted.  Runner-up honors go to a hard wear new comer Dave Weber, who made quick work of Scott Harding in a drink-off competition to break the tie.

2013 - Hard work and dedication does pay-off as John Mueller took his secret 60 round summer of 2012 into the 31st Norton and dominated the 2013 event. He even showed up for the Green Jacket presentation. Pat McCready once again falls just short for runner-up honors.

2012 - Scott Bennethum rides his sandbagger 25 handicap for a dominating sub-60 net victory.  With perfectly highlighted hair and precision putting, there was no denying him in 2012.  Not accepting his runner-up trophy, John Mueller leaves for home in disgust.

2011 - After two years of knocking at the door, Dick Pursley busted through with a superb performance* securing his second championship.  2011 may be even more remembered by Dick's Green Jacket post tourney performance** downtown.  Runner-up honors went to Pat McCready. (*cart aided) (** no physical impairment detected)

2010 - Making a strong surge to the finish was the 2010 Champion, Shorty McKenzie, bucking his usual final round fade.  4 strokes back was former champion Dick Pursley taking the 2010 runner-up honors.

 2009 - Congrats to the 2009 Champion - Scott Harding and to the 2009 Runner-Up - Pat McCready.  Exciting three man, one hole, play-off for the champship, including Dick Pursley.

 "I took my game into OT last night and came away with a victory.  Bring on the Norton!!"  Two Time Champion - Mike Klauda, 5/11/2004

 "Count me in Great One! Nice job on the invite. I want to play with the beer girl." Four Time Champion - John Zirbes, 4/26/04 

"I've always had a rule that I would never put a girl before my guy friends." Scott Erickson, Minnesota Twins     

Dale Stoffel conducted store meetings, addressing such issues as security, policies, and procedures, and product and vendor knowledge as the Operations Manager of Hermans World of Sporting Goods from 1988 to 1990. 

For Sale: Fuad 2000 Handicap Scoring System (with uncanny accuracy) Price just reduced.