Sauer takes fourth at Gateway's final event

CREVE COUER, Mo. -- Gabe Sauer chewed on a Snickers bar and, despite the slogan, it wasn't satisfying.

While he stood off the to the side eating his chocolate treat there were three boys who Sauer played with collecting trophies and having their picture taken. They'd finished in the top three; Sauer finished fourth.

He munched on his snack and thought about what could have been Tuesday afternoon at Crystal Springs Quarry. The Jackson High School senior-to-be was one stroke away from taking home some hardware in the Gateway PGA's 18-hole boys 16-19 division. He was one stroke from making that drive down Interstate 55 with a trophy and a boost of self-confidence. Instead he was left with a fourth-place finish and his melting, nutty treat.

"I didn't play like I wanted to play," he said.

Sauer shot an 82 which, combined with his 76 on Monday, put his two-day total at 158.

Justin Robinson of Cahokia, Ill., won the division with a 155 after shooting 77 and 78. Ben Lifritz was second with a 156 (74, 82), and Billy Lawrence was third with a 157 (78, 79).

All three of those players were in the final group with Sauer. He knew he was close, but he couldn't shed the one stroke he needed. Instead, over the last three holes, he had two double-bogeys and a bogey.

Sauer said the disappointing finish will only serve to inspire him next year.

"I gotta win this," he said. "Next year I'm hoping to win it."

Noteworthy

In the boys 16-19 tour division, Kirk Lohmann of Cape Girardeau shot a 171 (81-90). Bryan Bohme of Ballwin posted a 145 (69-76) for medalist honors.

In the boys 12-13 18-hole division, Tanner Werner of Jackson shot a 165 (83- 82) and Eric Hayes of Cape Giradeau posted a 171 (86- 85). Both finished well behind winner Adam Welch, who shot a 149 (75-74).