Cameron Ruge Wins Hall Financial/Founders Brewing Co. Michigan Open Presented by Make The Turn Traverse City teaching professional Cameron Ruge won the 109th Hall Financial/Founders Brewing Co. Michigan Open presented by Make The Turn by seven shots at Shanty Creek Resort’s Cedar River Course. Ruge, an Assistant Professional at Bay Meadows Family Golf Center, fired a bogey-free final round, hit all 18 greens in regulation, and finished at 16-under 268. The victory earned him the championship trophy, a $15,000 first-place prize, and a place on the James D. Standish Trophy. Ruge birdied holes 3, 5 and 9 on the front nine before adding birdies on 10, 13 and 16. He capped off the round with a birdie on the 18th hole. “I just played like I was tied for the lead all day,” Ruge said. “I kept the ball below the hole and tried not to get too aggressive.” Four players tied for second at 9-under: defending champion Otto Black, 2023 champion Joe Juszczyk, low amateur Will Preston, and 2017 champion Matt Thompson, who shot a final round of 64 and recorded three eagles, including a hole-in-one on the par-3 17th. Other notable performances included a course-record 63 by Will Anderson. Julian Menser and 16-year-old Bentley Coon finished tied for eighth at 8-under. Thank you to Hall Financial, Founders Brewing Co., and Make The Turn for their support of the championship. We also thank Shanty Creek Resort, Cedar River Golf Course, and their staff for their hospitality and hard work throughout the week. | 