Michael Boothman’s approach shot to the par-3 15th at Moose Run’s Creek Course was one for the memory bank. A towering gap-wedge shot from roughly 150 yards sailed through the cool Friday evening breeze, appeared to barely clear the greenside bunker, then carom to within five feet of a back pin.  The ball traveled the last 15 yards on the ground.

“When it was in the air, I thought it was undershot,” Boothman said of the shot that ultimately led to birdie and sealed a 4&3 win over Brad Ross to inject Boothman into the No. 16 spot in the AGB rankings. “Fortunately it caught just on the other edge of the bunker and rolled forward up there. It was a lucky shot.”

Boothman won four straight holes to close out a match that was close throughout. Ross found a little tree trouble on the 12th and 13th holes and Boothman took a 3-up lead on the strength of a borderline amazing 80-foot lag birdie putt on a shaggy 14th green.

“I had a great time with Brad,” Boothman said. “I was able to play with him once before and he’s a great competitor and a better golfer than myself, I have to say. Looking forward to playing him again.”

Boothman is a former corner back for the University of Washington who took up golf while he rehabilitated his right knee. He learned his swing striking 4-iron shots while standing with nearly all his weight on his left leg throughout the motion. Boothman can bomb his drives and showed deft touch with the short clubs, so he won’t be a push over for those looking to challenge him.

Friday and Saturday nights are the best nights for him to have a chance to slip out for a round and he does most of his playing at Anchorage Golf Course.

“I’m looking forward to playing some other folks and have the opportunity to play some other great golfers,” Boothman said.