The Club at Olde Stone in Bowling Green, Kentucky provided an excellent setting for the Society of Seniors final Jack Hesler Tournament. The mid summer event, played annually for more than 10 years has enjoyed a prestigious run. Hesler venues included The Farm, Rocky Face, GA, Scioto CC, Columbus, OH, the Columbus Country Club, Columbus, OH, The Merit Club, Liberty Hills, IL and Moraine Country Club in Dayton. The Club at Olde Stone was a fitting farewell.

Since opening in 2006, the Arthur Hills design has served as host to the NCAA, the Southern Amateur, local PGA and USGA events. All complimentary, the field of the 2019 Hesler showered Olde Stone with praise. The course, the excellent conditioning and the gracious hospitality made fast friends of the 90 contestants.

The weather may have been the big story as sweltering temperatures over 100 degrees were endured by the players for the practice round. Monday’s opening round was eventually washed as more than two and a half inches of rain pounded the course. Amazingly, the course withstood the deluge and the players were able to play the next two days without ball in hand, a tribute to the excellent drainage and conditions of Olde Stone.

Ken Kinkopf started 2019 with a victory at the Golfweek POY Classic and third at Kingsway Senior both in January, a sixth place in February at the SOS Spring Classic, another win at the SOS Senior Masters in April and a third place at the Lowcountry Senior Invitational in May. After his win at the Hesler, the 58 year old from Dublin, Ohio has played his way to the elite number one spot in Amateur Golf’s Senior Rankings.

Kinkopf opened with an even par 72 that included an ace on the par 3 third for a tie at the top with Jeff Harper, Coolville, Ohio. In second after one round was Allen Peake, Macon, GA at 74. Carding four birdies on holes 10-13, Kinkopf posted a 3under 69 in round two. His 141 total was good for a 8-shot victory over Larry Nunez, Austin, TX (76-73), Keith Holmes, Macon GA (78-71) and Paducah, KY’s Mark Knecht (77-72).

Four men finished 6 over and in a tie for fifth at 150 including Peake, Steve Hudson, Birmingham, AL, Stephen Maddalena, Jackson, MI and Steve Rogers, Bowling Green, KY.

In the Super Senior division, Robin Rubrecht, Newburgh, IN posted a second round 71 to sneak into a three-way playoff for the title. Rubrecht’s 151 total was tied with first round leader John Armstrong, Frostburg, MD (75-76) and Mark Weston, Windermere, FL (76-75). Rubrecht won the playoff on the second hole of sudden death.

George Washburn, Frederick, Md. held off Doug Aaron, Russell Springs, KY by one shot to win the Grand Master division.