Sanow outlasts Buysse for Sudden Death championship

Like a well-scripted movie classic, the Countryside Golf Club Championship had its dramatic moments and came down to a stunning conclusion.

Both Alex "Butch" Buysse and Aaron Sanow each sank 40-foot puts on Hole No. 9 to conclude the 27-hole regulation tournament in a 119 to 119 tie.

Both had moments of victory at the end of regulation and the crowd let loose with a tumultous ovation for both golfers.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Sanow. "That was awesome," said Brian Engler, one of the final fouresome. He and Dale Kockelman ended tied for third at 123.

Buysse and Sanow began the playoff on Hole No. 9 and both made it in three strokes.

So they went to Hole No. 1. Although Buysse had a short tee-off and Sanow went into the trees on the right, both stroked five on the hole to continue the match.

They both had a four on hole No. two, so the match continued.

On Hole No. 3, both got on the green in a stroke. But Sanow got within inches on his second shot, Buysse was about four feet back and while Sanow chipped in his ball, Buysse's ran just past the cup and it was over.

It was the second Club Championship for Sanow.

"I haven't seen anything like that finish (in regulation), said Sanow. "Iwas luck to make a putt. The ball started dying but the last two inches in ran harder to the left and went in.

As if Buysse's shot wasn't spectacular enough, the crowd loved it when Sanow's long putt also went in.

Before Sanow's putt went in to send the match into overtime, Buysse said, "I felt like I had it. But it was a great putt by him."

Buysse added, "It was fun."

"My torn labrum hurt (during the extra holes), but I settled down and said to myself, give it a run," said Sanow.

During the final four holes, "I was chewing seeds and drinking water because i was so nervous. But it didn't work. My arms were like jello."

Despite losing as close a match as is possible, Buysse said, "He (Sanow) played great. It's something I'll never forget."

CHAMPIONSHIP: 1. Aaron Sanow 119; Butch Buysse 119 (Sanow won playoff);3. Dale Kockelman and Brian Engler 123.
FIRST FLIGHT: 1. Harlen Ulriich 85; 2. Joe Hennen 87; 3. Steve Hennen and Les Engler 88.
SECOND FLIGHT: 1. Mike Gilbertson 87; 2.  Bruce Bossuyt 95; 3. Chad Bagley 100.
SENIOR FLIGHT: 1. Doug Moen 80; 2. Bill Vlaminck 87; 3. Jim Verschelde 91.