MERRILL EMERGES AS TOP GUN AT 2012 MESQUITE SHOOT

MERRILL EMERGES AS TOP GUN

AT 2012 MESQUITE SHOOTOUT

Missourian Claims First LDA Tour Title

Dustin Merrill captured his first LDA Tour title in dramatic fashion, prevailing at the season-opening Mesquite Shootout after an unscheduled detour through the loser's bracket.

Merrill, a 29-year-old Missouri native who hails from Fredericktown and resides in St. Louis, defeated Ryan Cooper 399-387 in the head-to-head final match at Mesquite Sports and Event Complex on Sunday, March 4.

After a subpar first set, the University of Missouri graduate steadily gained momentum during the ensuing elimination rounds. Merrill, who works as a patent engineer, later credited his breakthrough win to keeping "total tunnel vision" and maintaining his focus.

"All I thought about all day was my takeaway and backswing," he said. "I didn't concern myself with success or failure."

Merrill pocketed $10,000 for his victory while Cooper cashed a $6,000 check.

Kevin Shook earned top seed for the match-play semifinals by posting the biggest number in the quarterfinal round, 389 yards. But the Floridian fell to Cooper 394-391 in the first semifinal match.

Defending champion Mike Dobbyn mounted a strong title defense but got dusted 405-372 in the second semifinal match against Merrill. That blast was the longest of the entire tournament.

Shook and Dobbyn each earned $2,500.

Next up on the 2012 LDA Tour schedule is the Alligator Alley Shootout at Duran Golf Club in Viera, Florida on May 4-5. To register for the Alligator Alley Shootout, contact tournament director David Zajac Sr. at (561) 662-4125.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Mesquite Shootout

Mesquite, Nev.

March 4, 2012

Quarterfinals:

(8 for 4 spots in Match-Play Rounds)

Aaron Mansfield, 377

Mike Dobbyn, 381

Aaron Davis, 360

Kevin Shook, 389

Ryan Cooper, 378

Kyle Blakely, 375

Dustin Merrill, 385

Ben Tuaone, OB

Semifinals:

Cooper (4) def. Shook (1), 394-391

Merrill (2) def. Dobbyn (3), 405-372

Final:

Merrill def. Cooper, 399-387