Participant Bios

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Participant Bios

Bios created by Burt Lappe.  Photos supplied by so-called "friends".

 

Jeremy "Bogey" Howard

Since his first tour victory over 3 years ago this player has struggled in the recent years and as a result has been moved down to a "B" status.  This young, short ball of fire will use the demotion to the best of his abilities and should be back in contention with the new scoring system. His complete game will stress test the other players in the field. If this player is clicking on all cylinders, he will be a true contender for the championship especially as a "B" this year.

Jon Spooner

As one of the fans favorites on tour, this player will have a huge gallery following at this particular tournament. Iowan's associate Jon with all that is fun and right in the world and come out enjoy his humor on the course. Coming into this tournament ranked in the "D" class, will be a huge advantage for him in this major as he has the capabilities to go low. This player can shoot a low number at any given time, at any given course, during any kind of weather conditions. Jon's streaky golf game will make him the most dangerous player in this years tournament as he could leave the field behind with some clutch play.  Note: If the new scoring rules for the 2007 were in place last year, Mr. Spooner would have won the tour championship.

Mike Galles

Look for this golfer to do very well on tour this year due to his increase of play recently.  He has been playing very well at his local country club which has some people etching his name in the winds as a true competitor for this years Tour de Iowa.  Look for this dark horse to make his move in this tournament and really surprise his fellow professionals.

Mike Lampe

This two-time defending champion knows what it takes to win and again is the most dangerous golfer in the field. This foreigner from Budapest has a complete game and has taken tour by storm over the past two years. Some have mentioned in the media that the scoring changes for 2007 were prompted because of his domination over the past two years.  This has yet to be confirmed by the LTDI league chairman.  Fellow team mates should watch out for his natural ability to distract and paralyze the competition by eating Mexican food.

Mike Krogman

This player is full of emotion and wears his heart on his sleeve. A true competitor in every sense of the word. Look for this animated player to try and contend with the "A's" this year. Some have predicted a rough Tour De Iowa this year for Mike as he will need to compete against annual favorites M. Lampe and W. Froeschle.  He will need to take advantage of his great short game that will help keep his scores competitive. 

Will Froeschle

Will is again a top competitor at this years Tour De Iowa...however, has failed to win this tournament with two 2nd place finishes in the past two years. Will's short game from 100 yards is in prime condition for this years tournament. If this player is hitting fairways, the rest of his game will come naturally.  With some good play this year and a little bit of help, he will be dashing other players hopes of winning the coveted Tour De Iowa trophy.

Derrick "Hank" Henry

Competing with Mr. Spooner for having the biggest fan base in the golf world, this player is looking to make a big impact in this major. The ability for this player to make great shots with his mid range irons will be essential in order for him to make a run at the trophy. This light hearted player will take every shot with a grain of salt and does not dwell on bad shots. This will keep his scores in check while ensuring that he remains a serous threat to the rest of the field.

Ben Winecoff

Big Ben Winecoff will be golfing in the C division this tournament. He has played a lot of golf in the past couple of years and his game has seriously improved. This player will most likely lead the field in fairways hit and be in perfect position for his second shot. Winecoff's ability to deal with the off course events could be a hazard as some have questioned his endurance late in the Tour.  Regardless, look out for this sleeper in the tournament as he is looking for his first major win of his career.

Mark Deckert

This quiet player has learned not to get too emotional over a bad shot.  He uses his calm approach to the game to stealthfully sneak up on his competitors and catch them at the very end.  Look out though for his victory celebration dance as he saves his round full of emotion up at the very end.  This player must get of the tee consistently to have a good showing. Even though this player could have a great showing as a "D" golfer this year, his main struggle will occur not on the golf course but against sleep deprivation and intoxication as he has been known to "do it right". 

Brian Gieken

This player's ability to hit his mid irons well and make some puts will be the key. He will look to improve on his consistency and hopefully surprise a sleeping and drunk field of fellow competitors to capture the trophy of trophies.  The problem with this positive thinking is the Mr. Geiken is mostly likely part of the drunk field at times and it shows up drastically in his golf game.  He will need a very steady putter and need to stay away from the torturous 4 putt he has accumulated in years past.

Burt Lappe

This player has played in more tournaments than any other play on the tour. When what he lacks in knowledge and control he makes up for with distance and power. This player is the tallest player on tour and has tattooed 6'9" on his forehead because fans have been known to ask his height in mid back swing. This player is very competitive and very emotional which sometimes leads to a string ofBogey's. However, with this player located in the "B" class, be looking for him to seriously compete in this tournament if he can keep from having a couple bad holes.

Ben Froeschle

Playing the part of underdog and hero this year, Benny Fresh is looking to make his presence known on tour.  Ben earned his Tour De Iowa card through the Nationwide Tour as he finished first as the overall points leader.  However, the Tour De Iowa is no picnic as sleep deprivation and intoxication can play mind games with new rookies bringing them to their knees.  Ben's very solid game will test the other players in the "C" division and should look to make an immediate impact on the pro tour.