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