Big win for Cowell at Lake Padden

Matt Cowell of San Juan Island aced the 12th hole en route to winning the May Masters tournament May 9 at Lake Padden Golf Course.

It was Cowell’s first hole in one — 145 yards with a pitching wedge.

Cowell finished the front nine 2-over, but eagled the 11th to bring his score even and then made a hole in one on the 12th.

“With a hole in one, there’s a little bit of luck involved,” Cowell said. “You never know how many you’ll have in a lifetime. I’ve had so many lift out and lip the edge.”

Cowell finished the day on top with a 2-under 70. Bob Fields finished second with 72, followed by Vince Crocker, 74, and Blair Walker, 76.

All told, 96 golfers competed in the tournament.

Cowell golfed for the Friday Harbor Wolverines from 2001-04 and placed in the top 10 in state 1A in three of four years. The Wolverines finished second three times and fourth once in state tournaments.

Cowell golfed for Santa Barbara City College, which was ranked No. 1 in Southern California. He’s now majoring in business finance at Western Washington University and expects to graduate in winter quarter. He works at the Lake Padden pro shop.

Cowell won the 2008 Herb Kranick Memorial Golf Tournament at San Juan and is a three-time winner of the San Juan Open.

He and fellow San Juan Open winner Ron Bates will golf in the Semiahmoo Loomis Amateur June 6-7, and in the Washington State Amateur June 23-26 at Palouse Ridge.

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