Mike Ballo fires a pair of 67's to win by 3 over Sunny Kim

Matt Springer wins 1st (of 10) 2012 $1,000 Nationwide Monday Contests

Thursday, April 12, 2012

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Mike Ballo of Stamford, Conn., fired his second straight five under par 67 Thursday at Ironhorse Golf Club to earn his first victory on the Golfslinger.com Tour.

At 134, Ballo won by three strokes over Sunny Kim of Palm Beach Gardens, who shot 69-68—137. Bobby Collins, also of Palm Beach Gardens, led after the first round, posting 66-72—138 to tie for third among 39 starters.

Making just his third Golfslinger start, all this month, Ballo, 33, eagled the par-5 14th hole Wednesday to go with four birdies and a bogey at the par-3 11th hole. He had five birdies Thursday. Ballo earned $2,000 from the $12,100 purse.

In a separate but simultaneously competition, Matt Springer of Gary, Ind., received a $1,000 bonus toward entry into a Monday qualifier for either a PGA Tour or Nationwide Tour event. He was the leading money winner for six rounds in five tournaments the past two weeks, including the 36-hole event here. He won April 3 at Abacoa GC and also had a second, tie for third, tie for fourth and a seventh place finish Thursday, earning of $3,162.50 plus the bonus.

A second $1,000 bonus will be awarded for performance over the next fortnight, April 16-26, five 18 holers and a 36-hole event April 23-24, six rounds to emulate the national qualifying tour finals.

There was $180 in the Day 2 Skins Pot with three skins out worth $60 each.

9- Joachim Altonen
11- Josh DeWees
14- Tyler Kitson (Eagle)

There was $200 in the Day 1 Skins Pot with four skins out worth $50 each.

1- Bobby Collins
8- Will Coleman
11- Marc Mazza
17- Josh DeWees