Laven Rallies to Win Northwest Amateur by One Shot
Jackson Laven of Okoboji (right) surged from behind in Sunday’s final round of the Northwest Amateur, carding a 4-under 68 to capture the title by a single stroke. Laven finished at 12-under-par for the tournament, edging out Arthur’s Axton Miller, who had led most of the way at Spencer Golf & Country Club and finished as runner-up.
Laven took a one-shot lead with a birdie on the 18th hole while Miller was playing in the group behind. Miller responded with a brilliant approach shot on 18, leaving himself a 12-foot birdie putt to tie. The putt narrowly missed, sealing Laven’s comeback victory.
Laven’s steady final round featured five birdies and just one bogey — a strong response after an up-and-down third round earlier in the day on Sunday.
In the Senior (50–59) Division, J.D. Anderson of Johnston claimed the title with consistent rounds of 69-70-70, narrowly holding off Jon Brown of Adel by one stroke.
Joe Palmer of Norwalk cruised to victory in the Senior (60+) Division, winning by four shots over fellow Norwalk native Gary Ellis.