Kucher takes Root River title

Frank Kucher Jr. knows a thing or two about the Root River golf course in Sault Ste. Marie.

Last summer, Kucher was crowned the champion of the Root River Open, winning the tournament by 13 strokes.

This summer, Kucher proved again that he knows what it takes to win on the Root River course. The only difference is he did it by with less room for error.

Kucher was crowned as repeat champion of the Root River Open on Sunday night, beating Dan McKenney by four strokes.

Kucher did get into some trouble on the back-nine, shooting a double-bogey on the 17th hole, but still managed to hold a four shot lead heading into the final hole to clinch the win.

Kucher said following the round that he wasn't too concerned with his double-bogey because he still held a sizeable lead over his nearest competitor.

"I wasn't really worried," Kucher said. "I didn't really have the pressure on me (heading into the final hole). I wasn't really nervous (heading into the final hole). It didn't even come across my mind. It was a long day out there and we just wanted to finish the round."

Kucher added that this year's win had a different feel to it specifically because the competition was stronger than the previous year.

"This year it's a different feeling," Kucher stated, "because the field is a little stronger (than last year)."

The tournament finished in fitting fashion with Kucher sinking the final putt of the day to seal the win.

McKenney, who was the tournament's runner up, took home the 1st flight title with a two shot win over Randy Latvanen.

The second flight title went to Mike Rajala, who beat Richard Evoy by two strokes. The third flight saw Ken Hruska take home the flight title with a playoff win over Rob Pascall.

Jason Menard took home the fourth flight with a one stroke win over John Trecroce. Ron Ross picked up a three stroke win over Mike Cyr and Mike Hogan in the fifth flight.

Chris Rouleau won the sixth flight with a one stroke victory over Nick Kucher.

Larry Schneider beat John Kucher by three strokes to win the seventh flight, while the eighth and final flight went to Erik Rantala who earned a five shot victory over Todd Servent.