June 15, 2021

FARMINGTON, NM — Pat Boland on Sunday captured his first career major championship in dramatic fashion, claiming the 2021 Carl Spackler Open in a late flurry that saw him sink a pair of clutch birdie putts at the 9th and 14th holes. Boland's birdies brought it home at Pinon Hills despite a tournament worst 14-over 86 on Sunday.

Boland, one of the pre-tournament betting favorites who was also atop the oddsboard after 18 and 36 holes, played from behind until the 9th hole.

Boland opened the 54-hole tournament with a 9-point birdie. "The course setup very easy for me," said Pat Boland. "The yardage did not seem very long for me and hitting greens was not overly difficult. Tournament success was all about putting on the greens and blessed to have read them well."

Boland won a Golden Jacket and Championship Trophy. He also took home a large financial credit towards the 2022 Carl Spackler Open.

Brother Matt Boland opened the practice round playing out of his mind. Then Sean Bean opened the tournament playing out of his mind. "I felt pretty good after Thursday," said Boland. "My goal was to obviously be in the hunt, but near the top after Day 1 was much better than the goal that I set for myself."

Anthony Holder led the tournament more than once. The 3-time participant was there all the way to the 50th hole, but could not muster a par on the final 4 holes. Pat Boland won the 20th event with 192 points and 3 points over Holder.

Mike Ellerbrock, who officially achieved hacker status in New Mexico, was in dead last place after Round 2 on Saturday. Mike would fight it out with Greg Garrett for last place in the tournament. Little did anyone know that Jim Brewster would shoot 83, 82 and 73 strokes on the back nine to lose and wear the Carl Spackler Outfit.

"I will return to Washington, DC with a much lighter golf bag," said Jim Brewster. "The loss of hundred balls is not something that I am proud of, but my pace of play is extraordinary. I take the loss like a man and look forward to better play in the future."

The 2021 Carl Spackler Open was played at Pinon Hills Golf Course in Farmington, New Mexico. The desert venue was a large success and returned the event to its past glory. There were 70 golfers who participated in the event.