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CLOQUET — Bennett Thomas capped a brilliant final round with a two-under-par 70 on Sunday to surge past the field and claim the CCC Invitational championship flight by two shots at Cloquet Country Club.
Thomas, who started the day two strokes off the pace, posted a 54-hole total of even-par 220. His composed finish — highlighted by a crucial 12-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole — held off Cory Schultz, who carded a final-round 71 to finish at 222.
Jim Stafford and Sam Baker tied for third at 223. Stafford closed with a 76 while Baker, who had been steady all weekend, stumbled late. Early leader Keegan Poppenberg, who fired 73-71 to hold the 36-hole lead, struggled with an 80 on Sunday to place fifth at 224.
Two-time champion Alex Kolquist and Spencer Hinrichs finished tied for sixth at 225, while Dan Moline, who set the pace Friday with a sparkling 68, faded with weekend rounds of 78 and 80 to wind up at 226.
Schnobrich takes senior title
In the senior championship flight, Tim Schnobrich put together rounds of 73-81-75—229 to edge out a tightly bunched field for the title.
Samuel Moose, Stuart Finley and Aaron Young all tied for second at 230, just a shot back, after Moose closed with an 80, Finley a 77 and Young a steady 77 to cap his weekend.
Shane Johnson and Mike Weinkauf tied for fifth at 231, while Paul Nelson finished alone in seventh at 232. Jeff Engbrecht and Paul Talbot shared eighth at 234.
A tradition-rich test
This year’s tournament drew more than 80 players across the two marquee flights, showcasing some of the top amateur talent from Minnesota and Wisconsin. Blustery winds and firm greens kept scoring honest throughout the weekend, with only Thomas managing to finish the championship flight at level par.
The CCC Invitational remains one of the region’s longest-running amateur events, a highlight of the summer golf calendar that continues to grow in prestige with each passing year.
