Applebrook GC’s Wessner heads Caddie Tournament

 Wessner, 33, of Temple, Pa., carded nine-hole scores of 36 (even par) and 37 (2-over-par).

  “I was a late bloomer [in the game],” said Wessner, who earned the Class D title last year as well. “I didn’t start golf until I was a senior in high school. [But] I grew up on the golf course during college. I went to Kutztown University and worked at Moselem Springs [Golf Club]”.

  Wessner had to survive a qualifier at his home course of Applebrook to earn his ticket to the Caddie Tournament. He said about 20-25 caddies at Applebrook GC attempted to qualify for the 58th Caddie Tournament. Since advancing, the club’s encouraged its representatives to practice at will.

  “That was a big difference,” said Wessner, a plus-two handicap.

  Shane Howey of Tavistock CC (83), Jarred Miller of Lehigh CC (77), Mickey McKenzie of Philmont CC (78) and Robert Clark of Saucon Valley CC (78) also earned their respective division titles.

  Howey, 17, of Haddonfield, N.J., netted the youngest age group title. The Haddon Township High School senior was the best in Class A (17 years and younger). Howey has caddied at Tavistock CC for the last four years.

  Miller, 18, of Schnecksville, Pa., took top honors in Class B (18-20 years old). The sophomore-to-be at West Chester University posted nine-hole scores of 36-41. At West Chester University last year, Miller was the PSAC Rookie of the Year.

  McKenzie, 24, of Southampton, Pa., earned the Class C (21-26 years old) crown. McKenzie recently graduated from Penn State University with a degree in health and human development. He caddies five or six times a week to earn extra money.

  Clark, 50, of Allentown, Pa., earned the Class E title (47 years of age and older) for the second time in three years. He netted the crown two years ago on Saucon Valley’s Weyhill Course. Clark has traversed the trio of Saucon Valley CC for the last 22 years. Like most of the players in the tournament, he only gets to work on his game on Mondays.

  “I never expect to win,” said Clark. “You’re out here to have a good time.”

  Perhaps the day’s most intriguing story came out of Class D as well.

  Kaminiski, who carded a 76, will head to Jamaica in a few weeks with the Peace Corps to teach information technology to disadvantaged youths.

  “I got tired of cooperate America,” said Kaminiski, who was a computer programmer for Bank One until January. “I’ve been caddying to make some money in between.”

  Kaminiski carded 11 pars, six bogeys and a birdie.

  “It’s fun to play with the other guys,” said Kaminski, who has been at Wilmington CC for the past month. “And it’s better than being in the office.”