Parker Edens Wins SDGA Men’s Amateur Title

Victory in a 55‑Hole Thriller

Parker Edens, representing Brookings, emerged victorious in the SDGA men’s amateur championship following an extended 55‑hole battle against Dakota Munger of Pukwana. Both finished at 10‑under‑par 206, but Edens secured the title by birdieing the first sudden‑death hole on the 18th. Edens, who coaches at South Dakota State, earned an exemption into this summer’s U.S. Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club. Munger, a sophomore at Dakota Wesleyan and a second‑team all‑Great Plains Athletic Conference performer, also qualified for the 2027 U.S. Amateur finals.

Top Finishes and Other Notables

Harrisburg’s Eli Anema posted a final round 68 to finish third, two strokes behind the leaders with a gross score of 208. Tom Carlson of Sioux Falls and Jake Olson of Watertown tied for fourth at 209, while Olson entered Sunday just two shots back from the lead. Past champion Kevin Gillick, also from Sioux Falls, was another two strokes shy of the top spot when the final round began.

Presho’s Chris Long, who earlier captured the SDGA men’s Mid‑Amateur championship, finished 16th overall at 214 (71‑71‑72). Mitchell’s Asher Dannenbring, the current points leader in the SDGA Sanford International Series boys standings, tied for 26th at 218 (69‑75‑74).

Women’s Championship Highlights

Rapid City’s Kaitlin Strain recorded a three‑shot victory, shooting a 71 on the final day to finish at 217 (76‑70‑71). Aberdeen’s Olivia Braun settled for runner‑up honors at 220 (72‑76‑72). Pierre’s Natalie Young, Dakota Dunes’ Katie Betsworth and Watertown’s Brynn Roehrich each posted a gross 225 to share third place. The top local finisher was DWU’s Allison Meyerink, who placed tenth at 232 (76‑74‑82). Fellow Mitchell golfers Maddie Childs and Anna Eliason finished 15th (244) and 18th (254) respectively.

Looking Ahead to the Match Play Championship

Many of the golfers featured this weekend will converge again from July 30 to August 2 at the SDGA Match Play Championship hosted at Moccasin Creek Golf Course in Aberdeen. The event promises heightened competition as players aim to add another title to their resumes. Fans can expect the same high‑level play that defined the amateur season’s opening event. The upcoming tournament will also serve as a final qualifier for several national circuits.