Zack Kent leads a crowd of competitors into the final weekend of the Classic

North Terre Haute’s Zack Kent has never won the Wabash Valley Classic, even though he’s considered one of the best men’s golfers around here.

Now leading the 2024 Classic with a 36-hole total of 136 points at the halfway point, heading into the third round at Rea Park on Saturday, followed by the final round at Hulman Links on Sunday, he feels this year is as good as any other. first.

“I was happy with how I played last weekend (at Geneva Hills in Clinton and Forest Park in Brazil) and the position I put myself in,” Kent told the Tribune-Star this week.

“My goal this weekend is to go out and have fun and play my game. Swing hard, hope to find the ball and then get even.”

Kent, 31, said he truly believes everyone in the championship flight (including current runner-up Chris DeHart at 137 and third-seeded Mike Ball at 138) can still win this tournament.

“This is always one of the strongest areas of any domestic tournament and the proof is there as to who is in the championship flight,” Kent emphasized. “That doesn’t even mention the players in other flights who were not at their best on the opening weekend.

“There’s only one goal for me to win this weekend and that’s to keep the ball in play. I did that well at Forest Park. But on my tour at Geneva Hills (last Saturday), I found the bush (a type of severe injury) at Rea Park and If I can avoid that at Hulman Links then I’ll have a chance, if I can knock down some putts that’s what’s going to happen eventually my aim is to shoot par this weekend and if someone comes out and plays well and beats me then I’ll tip my hat to him and say ‘You’re playing great and congratulations’. “I will say, this weekend should be a lot of fun.”

Regarding the two courses to be played this weekend, Kent said: “Rea Park is going to be in great shape and the greens will be some of the best around. Hulman Links was just voted Indiana’s #1 recreational golf course, so I’m excited to see what the course looks like and what it’s like.” to see what shape it will be in.”

One unique note about Sunday’s final round is that the championship flight action will be broadcast live with O’Rourke on radio stations WFNB-FM 99.5, WFNB-FM 106.9 and WFNB-AM 1130, all owned by Wabash Valley broadcaster Joey O’Rourke. Mike King, a veteran announcer who follows the leaders around the Hulman Links, stationed himself near the 18th hole to talk to fly winners after completing play.

“I know Eddie Kanizer (tournament organizer and one of the Valley’s best golfers) and he brought this idea to me,” O’Rourke explained. “We strive to bring the best possible sports coverage to the valley.”

This tournament is sanctioned by the Wabash Valley Golf Association, of which Kanizer is president.