Gruninger Outlasts Field at the 2020 District Match Play Championship
Johnny Gruninger of Bellevue continued his winning year at the 2020 District Match Play Championship hosted by Skaneateles Country Club. This marked his fourth SDGA win this season, following up victories in the Father & Child, Gerry Ashe, and the Junior Match Play.
In the championship, Gruninger faced Lemoyne’s Nick Bove (Timber Banks). Through two holes, Gruninger went 2 up, but that did not deter Bove who squared the match by the 6th hole. Bove would go on to birdie the 9th and 11th hole to take a 1 up lead but would give it up by the 13th hole. The back nine was an impressive battle with Bove and Gruninger combined score of 4 under and 5 tied holes. On the final hole, both competitors drove it flawlessly and found themselves just off the green into the long par 5. They each had birdie opportunities but only Johnny Gruninger would make his putt to solidify his victory.
Gruninger beat Josh Marshall (Tuscarora) 4&3 in the round of 32. In the quarter finals, he bettered Randall Powers (Skaneateles) on the last hole. In the semifinals, he defeated John Migliore (Skenandoa) 2&1 to advance to the championship match.
Brad Monroe (Lakeshore) was the stroke play qualifying medalist this year with a 67 (-4).
