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The News-Gazette
Keenan wins record-extending fourth straight Twin City tournament
By Joey Wright,
7 days ago
Buy Now Heavyweight battle David Keenan holds off six-time Twin City winner Tim Hoss Jr., others to claim trophy for fourth year in row. More in sports Joey Wright/The News-Gazette
CHAMPAIGN — A dramatic conclusion to the 2024 Twin City Golf Championship ended with another historic victory for David Keenan.
The Salt Fork product outlasted Dan Patkunas and Tim Hoss Jr. to claim his fourth straight win in the event after becoming the first competitor to win three straight Twin City tournaments in 2023.
“Just having my daughter and wife here is amazing,” Keenan said. “This one was a little different, it was a little tighter down the stretch. A good friend of mine (Patkunas) played the round of the day and put a little pressure on me.”
Keenan was paired with Hoss, a six-time tournament winner, and David Deschler during the final round on Sunday at Lincolnshire Fields Country Club, carding a two-under 70 over the last 18 holes to finish the three-round tournament at 207, two strokes ahead of Patkunas and four in front of Hoss.
“I don’t necessarily play for the notoriety,” Keenan said. “But it’s cool when everyone is watching and you can do something for the crowd and get them going.”
Hoss tallied three birdies against two bogeys in the final nine holes of the championship flight, a stretch that Keenan opened with a bogey on the 10th hole.
But it was the former Parkland and Chicago State golfer that claimed the upper hand in the late stages, securing his record-extending win with a birdie on the 15th hole.
“I knew I was hitting it well so I had to just keep plugging away,” Keenan said. “I knew there were birdies to be made so I got one on 15 and just hit a lot of solid shots. ... I know I’m playing well right now, so my confidence is high.”
Patkunas, meanwhile, unleashed a torrent of six birdies and an eagle during a seven-under 65 final round while playing two groups ahead of Keenan’s flight.
“Best round of golf I’ve played, honestly,” Patkunas said. “I was telling (Lyle Burns) who I played with, it was not only my low for the black tees but the blue tees, as well. It was just a really fun round to play.”
John Schumacher (150 in two rounds) was the tournament’s senior flight winner, with Brian McGill (152) winning the super senior division and Mackenzie McCoy (156) claiming the women’s championship.
Honor roll
The first Twin City tournament happened in 1929. All these years later, one of the area’s longest-running amateur golf tournaments is still going strong. Here’s a look at who’s won the event:
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