Co-Leaders Fire 1012-Rated Rounds at Wunderfall 25
The Wunderfall 25 presented by Climo Discs got off to a scorching start in the MP40 division, as Dallas Hansen and Kenneth Oetker fired matching 1012-rated rounds to deadlock at -11 after Round 1 at The Wasatch Wunder in Midway, Utah. Both players exceeded their typical performance levels significantly, with Hansen posting a 47-point rating boost and Oetker surpassing his average by 50 points on the 5,349-foot layout.
The back nine witnessed a captivating battle between the co-leaders, with Oetker building momentum through a remarkable seven-consecutive-hole stretch under par from holes 10-16, while Hansen answered with his own five-hole scoring surge. The drama intensified over the final three holes, where both players matched each other shot-for-shot with pars on holes 19, 20, and 21 to preserve their deadlock. Hansen's round was particularly impressive as he completed a comeback from three shots down earlier in the round to reach the shared lead by the final hole.
Just one stroke behind the leaders, Chris Norman positioned himself perfectly for Sunday's finale with a 1002-rated performance that exceeded his rating by 62 points - the largest positive differential in the field. Norman's consistency included a four-hole birdie streak that kept him within striking distance of the co-leaders. The round provided stark contrasts throughout the 12-player field, with tournament director Scott Belchak struggling on his own course to an 864-rated round, 65 points below his average.
The field averaged 59.3 (-4) on the par-63 course, with nine players finishing under par and three breaking the 1000-rating barrier. Josh Wadley also encountered difficulties, posting an 842-rated round that fell 63 points below his rating. With the co-leaders separated by just six strokes from the bottom of the field, Sunday's final round promises an intriguing battle as Hansen and Oetker look to break their deadlock while Norman lurks just one stroke behind, ready to capitalize on any mistakes.