Steamboat Pilot & Today

Paul Berry has had a hectic schedule this summer, traveling the state to play in an estimated 15 golf tournaments.

Still the 15-year-old Steamboat Springs golfer wanted to make sure he was in town Tuesday for the eighth annual Cowboy Shootout at Steamboat Golf Club.

"It's not the most important tournament of the summer for me, but it's a fun local one. I really like to play in the local tournaments whenever I get the chance," Berry said as he drove to Evergreen to practice for his next tournament at the Hiwan Golf Club.

The tournament also turned out to be a memorable one for Berry, who won the tournament with a 69.

"It's the first time I ever shot under 70," Berry said. "So I'm pretty excited about the finish."

Berry, who plans to try out for the Steamboat Springs High School golf team this fall, took first place in the 14-15 age division as well as the overall. Tucker Smalley was second in the age group and tied for third overall with a score of 78. Tucker Campbell was third in the class at 84.

Eighteen-year-old Lance Miller won the 16-18 division and was second overall at 76. Henry Howard fired a round of 78 to take second in the older division and tie for third overall.

Ryan Brees was third in the 16-18 class with a score of 81 and fifth in the overall standings.

Michael Weston won the boys 12-13 division with a 9-hole round of 43.

Brad Jones took second with a 47 and Michael Ricker placed third with a round of 65.

Skyler Martin topped the boys 10-11 age division, edging Patrick Weston by a single stroke. Martin finished with a score of 58. Brandon Martin won the boys 8-and-younger division, which competed on five holes at the Steamboat Golf Club.

Brandon Martin finished with a score of 32 and was followed by Billy Kennedy who finished his round with a score of 43.

Organizer Bill Nickey said the tournament had fewer golfers this year than in the past.

But he thinks that's because more junior golfers are traveling across the state to take part in higher-level tournaments. Still he felt like this year's field was one of the strongest in the eight years the event has been running.

Berry agreed.

"I think the field was pretty strong," Berry said. "It's a well-run tournament and it's just a lot of fun."

To reach John F. Russell call 871-4209 or

e-mail jrussell@steamboatpilot.com