Kurzynowski Repeats as Jackson County Senior Open Champion

Jackson area golfer Mark Kurzynowski follows through on a shot during the Jackson County Senior Golf Open on Sunday at Cascades Golf Course. Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(July 11, 2021 5:07 PM) Local golfer Mark Kurzynowski has put golf on the back burner this summer.

A new grandson, boating, and a hunting trip in September has Kurzynowski concentrating on other things in life.

But over the weekend the 23-time major winner proved he can still hit the golf ball and put it into the cup.

Kurzynowski won the Jackson County Senior Golf Open at Cascades Golf Course with a 1-over-par total of 145 for 36 holes. He shot an even par round on Sunday to win by two strokes over Greg Zeller (147), and five strokes over John Tarpley and Mike Raymond (150).

The win is the 23rd major for Kurzynowski and breaks a tie for fifth place all-time with Pete Walz. Steve Maddalena leads all Jackson area golfers with 53 major titles.

Kurzynowski was 3 under par at one point on the back nine, but a couple of errant shots brought him back to par.

“It was up and down this weekend with a few good stretches,” Kurzynowski said. “I have a new grandson so that has been a lot of fun out on the lake.

“I haven’t been practicing.”

Kurzynowski said his golfing companions Phil Fischmeister and Matt Farhat saw something in his swing during league on Thursday. Kurzynowski also worked with Pete May on Friday to get ready for the tournament.

It must have helped as Kurzynowski won his second consecutive County Senior Open.

“I wasn’t expecting anything this weekend,” Kurzynowski said. “The only reason I was playing in the tournament was I am the defending champion.”

Kurzynowski said he is getting ready for an elk hunt in Montana in September with his bow.

Nate LaZebnik won the first flight (ages 60-69) with a two-day total of 144 – even par for the weekend. Mike Rich finished second in the flight (146) and Harold West was third (148).

Roger Kuhl won the second flight (ages 70-plus) with a total of 151. Mike Zuchowski and Wayne Harbaugh tied for second with 158.