Breaking down the Top-11 debuts in Putt Craft history
by Reid Nelson
Andy Stahlman’s third place debut got us thinking, what are the 10 best debuts in Putt Craft history? We settled on 11 and here they are.
11. Shawn Weiler | 2nd Place | Field Size: 12 | July 27, 2022 | Como Park
A one and done for Weiler. He takes Darryl Humenny to extra holes, sets a course record and is not to be heard from again.
10. Adam Switzer | 2nd Place | Field Size: 14 | September 14, 2021 | Eagle Lake
Another one and done with Adam Switzer who impressed in his only Putt Craft event. Switzer was one stroke shy of tying Tom Loftus at Eagle Lake.
9. RJ Dusak | 2nd Place | Field Size: 16 | March 5, 2022 | Moose Mountain
RJ Dusak’s debut was both a long trip (for RJ) and a long wait (for the field). In our one and only trip to Moose Mountain, Dusak and three other players tied for 2nd place. We return to Moose Mountain next month.
8. Tom Loftus | 2nd Place | Field Size: 17 | May 12, 2021 | Dred Scott
While Tom Loftus would come up just short of his first win, falling to Brady Storhoff in a playoff, his performance was still noteworthy it what was Putt Craft’s second event.
7. Erik Haselius | 2nd Place | Field Size: 19 | October 22, 2022 | Loon’s Nest
Unlike most of the players on this list so far, Erik Haselius has missed a total of 0 events since his debut. He has five career wins and 20 career top-five finishes.
6. Joel Brown | 2nd Place | Field Size: 23 | March 31, 2021 | Ace Course
With the exception of Josh Benesh, no player has sniffed victory closer than Joel Brown. In his debut he lost a playoff with Dan Westley and he’s been trying to shake that 2nd place feeling ever since.
5. Owen Pendleton | 1st Place | Field Size: 5 | August 16th, 2023 | Veteran’s Memorial Park (Youth Event)
Owen “The Natural” Pendleton took home the five stroke win in his first event which certainly won’t be his last.
4. Anthony Dunkel | 1st Place | Field Size: 7 | April 22, 2021 | Midwest Golf Dome
Anthony Dunkel won both the first Putt Craft event as well as his first event. He has 12 top-five finishes, including one last weekend.
3. Shawn Brown | 1st Place | Field Size: 14 | June 3rd, 2021 | Lilli Putt
A five stroke victory in Shawn Brown’s debut was just the beginning. A “Player of the Year” award as well as 20 wins and 37 top-five finishes (in addition to many other accomplishments) has put Shawn Brown’s name beside some of the best to ever play the sport.
2. Brady Storhoff | 1st Place | Field Size: 17 | May 12, 2021 | Dred Scott
In Brady Storhoff’s debut he took down a field of 17 that included a playoff with Tom Loftus. Storhoff has 10 top-five finishes since.
1. Darryl Humenny | 1st Place | Field Size: 18 | June 17, 2021 | Midwest Golf Dome
In our second (and final) trip to the Midwest Golf Dome, Darryl Humenny was one of only 18 players to finish under par. If you’ve played this course you’d know it’s one of the hardest things to do on the entire circuit.
Honorable Mention:
Dan Radke | 3rd Place | Field Size: 19 | October 22, 2023 | Loon’s Nest
Grant Faherty | 3rd Place | Field Size: 19 | July 28, 2023 | Rogue Eagle
Jacob Hodge | 3rd Place | Field Size: 17 | December 31, 2021 | Grand Slam Coon Rapids
Ben Briselden | 3rd Place | Field Size: 7 | September 14, 2021 | Dred Scott
Andy Stahlman | 3rd Place | Field Size: 7 | December 8, 2023 | Grand Slam Burnsville