The Belterra Casino Resort in Florence, Indiana put out the red carpet for the Society of Seniors this year, hosting the 14th edition of the Jack Hesler Tournament. Designed by legend Tom Fazio, this world-class championship course was ranked in the top 30 casino golf courses in the U.S. by Golfweek. Created to highlight the natural surroundings, winding through lakes and over 2,200 trees, the par 71 course challenges players with water hazards and bunkers set amidst the beautiful rolling hills.
The field was treated to a spectacular welcome reception given by Belterra after the practice round. Almost every player attended, and all agreed the hospitality, food and atmosphere was superb.
Todd Hendley, Columbus, NC has spent most of his golfing career beating people in the Carolinas. Hendley, a member of the SOS for less than a year made the trip to the Midwest and came away with a six-shot victory over Steve Maddalena, Jackson, MI.
Hendley’s rounds of 68-68-72 almost made him a wire-to-wire winner. Former Hesler champion and three-time SOS winner Ken Kinkopf, Dublin, OH spoiled the chance by posting a 4-under par 67 to lead the field after round one. Maddalena’s 68-73-73—214 was three shots clear of John Barry, University Park, FL And Larry Nunez, Austin, TX at 217.
A multi-time winner of the Carolinas Seniors along with the Chanticleer Invitational, Hendley's win in southern Indiana was his first senior victory outside of the Carolinas.
In the Super Senior Division, Robin Rubrecht, Newburg, IN notched another Hesler title with rounds of 71-70-68 for a 209 total. The SOS Super Senior Player of The Year in 2021, Rubrecht has now won three SOS titles. Tied in second place were Jack Kearney, Peachtree City, GA and Stephen Fox, Pinehurst NC at 211.
Charley Yandell, Cashiers, NC finally broke through to the winner’s circle with a one-shot victory in the Legend division. Charley’s rounds of 69-77-70, 216 total was one better than Peter Van Ingen, Palm Beach, FL alone at 217. Don Donatoni, West Chester, PA and Pete Allen, Southport, NC were next at 218.
The Grand Master division was won by Johnny Blank, Frostburg, MD by ten shots over 2021 GM Player of the Year, Jim DuBois, Coral Springs, FL. Blank fired rounds of 71-73-73, 217.