Citizen Staff/James Wold
Racine's Ben Bendtsen watches his birdie putt fall into the hole on the second playoff hole during Thursday's final round of the Wisconsin State Amateur Championship at Old Hickory Golf Club. Bendtsen's putt helped him capture the title in a two-hole playoff over Verona's Danny Zimmerman.
Racine's Ben Bendtsen III birdied the second playoff hole to defeat Verona's Danny Zimmerman to capture the Wisconsin State Amateur Championship title Thursday at Old Hickory Golf Club.
Bendtsen shot a 68 in the final round to make up two shots on Zimmerman, who had a 70. Both players had four-day totals of 281.
Third-round leader Kelly Kretz of Antigo shot a 78 and finished at even par to take third (288).
Two Old Hickory members earned exemptions to next year's tournament at Merrill Hills based on their finish.
Watertown's Alan Thompson shot 73 and finished in 12th place (294). Meanwhile, Beaver Dam native Austin Ehlenfeldt fired a 78 on the final day and finished tied for 19th (300).
The top 25 finishers earn exemptions to the 2009 State Amateur Championship at Merrill Hills.
A full recap will be available later tonight and in Friday's print edition.