Smith and Heckel Capture Illini CC Honors
Gideon Smith of Quincy CC birdied the first hole of a sudden death playoff at Illini CC in Springfield, IL, to edge J.C. Anderson of Old Hickory GC for the Callaway Golf Round 2 of the Playoffs for the Gateway PGA. Smith rolled in a 28 foot putt to put the pressure on Anderson's 10 foot side hill putt. When Anderson's putt rolled over the left edge of the hole, Smith captured his first victory of the 2008 season. The pair tied at 5-under par 66's to lead the pack. Tied for third at 67 was Host Pro John Gilchrist, Mike Tucker of Bellerive CC, and GPGA Point Leader Bob Gaus of Tower Tee.
In the Senior Division, Steve Heckel of Crab Orchard GC in Carterville, IL, captured the title with a 3-under par round of 68. Heckel's round was good enough for a 3-stroke victory over fellow Carterville native Larry Emery and John Hayes of Forest Hills CC, who finished with even par 71's. Tied for fourth were Scott Bess of Columbia, MO, and Bill Hall of Golf Galaxy.
The top 20 Regular and top 10 Seniors in Midwest Golf Lab Points will move on to The Players Championship next month at Westwood CC in St. Louis. | 
