Booming long drives and staying out of trouble most of the day, Shonaugh finished at 16-under 264. He earned $558,000 Christiana Crowns for his first ever IGT win, and the first for a Somerish player - fittingly in the first ever IGT event played in Somery.

Shonaugh began the round with a one-stroke lead over Robert MATTHEWMAN, after shooting a 61 on Saturday -- setting the course record.

Shonaugh didn't touch a club this week after a disappointing playoff loss against Amea ARETASUNA at the Open of the Realm one week ago, skipping the practice rounds on the course he knows so well anyways, and choosing to practice visualization techniques instead.

"Changing my mental approach and my outlook heading into the round as well as during the round, has allowed me to perform at a higher lever -- to perform at my best," Emerill said. "I feel if I can start to work on that and refine that and get better at it, I should be able to close more on the opportunities that I have been giving myself. Of course playing a course I must have played over a hundred times helped too!"

Yurhaus, taking advantage of his own familiarity with the layout, which he had also played often before, shot a 66. Evan BURCHARD (63), Quincy HOLLAND (68), and Matthewman (69) tied for third, two strokes back. Michael DuBRAAL (65) was sixth at 13 under.

"I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get the job accomplished in winning here," Dustin said. "Usually most people don't remember who finishes second. But I am really geared up for the Albion-Merite Imperial Open next week!"

For the first time part of the official IGT schedule, the Badger Bowl proved a full success, especially for the local crowds, who turned out in record numbers, and were not disappointed as their native son came away the champion. The other Somerish players also did very well, with Rosebridge and Coswyn also placing in the top-10, and Queal just outside.

The win puts Shonaugh way ahead in the Rookie of the Year standings, where he already got a big boost from his runner-up finish last week at the Open of the Realm. He will be tough to beat for that honor, it seems!

© Max Suchy 2001