MAINEVILLE, OH (October 13, 2021) – Sam Arnold, PGA claims 2021 SOPGA Tour Championship! Arnold carded rounds of 71-68 over two days at TPC River’s Bend in Maineville, Ohio to finish five-under-par, two strokes ahead of the field, and add his name to the trophy. 

Beginning last April, golf professionals from around the Southern Ohio Section have earned points by competing in weekly events at facilities throughout the region. On Tuesday, the Top-30 SOPGA Tour players from the points list earned a spot in the 4th SOPGA Tour Championship and teed it up for a final time this season in the SOPGA Tour’s competitive atmosphere. 

Arnold, General Manager at Vineyard Golf Course in Cincinnati, began the tournament two-over-par in the first three holes. He recovered over the next six to finish the first nine at even-par. With one birdie on the next nine, he carded a one-under-par 71 opening round to secure his spot in Wednesday’s final pairing with a one stroke lead over the field. Arnold arrived for Wednesday’s final round with a determination to keep his spot at the top of the leaderboard. With six birdies and one double bogey throughout the day, he fought to card four-under-par 68 in the final round. An overall tournament score of 139 allowed Arnold to add his name to the SOPGA Tour Championship trophy. 

Although Arnold kept his lead over the field, four particular players chased after him and finished even-par or better for the Championship. Michael Auterson, PGA, Head Professional at Hickory Woods Golf Course in Loveland, opened the tournament with an even-par 72. He finished in solo second place after carding a final round of three-under-par 69. Three-time reigning SOPGA Tour Champion Bob Sowards, PGA, Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Columbus, opened the tournament with a two-over-par 74 but a final round score of three-under-par 69 locked him into solo third place. Andy Montgomery, PGA, Director of Golf at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club, and Chase Wilson, PGA, Director of Instruction at Columbus Country Club, rounded out the SOPGA Tour Championship top-five tied in fourth place at even-par. 

Click here to view the full 2021 SOPGA Tour Championship leaderboard. 

Click here to view a photo gallery of the 2021 SOPGA Tour Championship field.

Thanks to Mike Renyolds, PGA, Kyle Sanders, PGA and the team at TPC River’s Bend for hosting the 4th SOPGA Tour Championship!