Photo by Kyle Coburn/NAPGT :: Story by Stacia Golem/NAPGT

After playing August 14, 15, and 16, 2007 at the Fox Ridge Golf Club in Auburn, ME, NAPGT member Todd Westfall brought home a win at the Maine Open that he narrowly missed out on three years ago. In 2004 Westfall came in second after a tie-breaking shootout ended in Shawn Warren’s favor.

“Obviously I wish I would have won three years ago,” said Westfall. “But to come back and win is a good thing—it’s refreshing.”

After Westfall’s lead-tying three under, 69 in the first round of this year’s tournament, the second round brought a scene that looked eerily familiar; his one over, 73 caused him to drop to second when none other than Warren took the lead.

But this did not sway Westfall, who said that he and Warren have become friends in the past year.

“I was never out to beat Shawn, I was just out to beat the golf course,” he said. “That was my game plan all week—[to] hit fairways and greens and just let the birdies show up.”

That mentality, and according to Westfall, his great putts, is what pushed him over the finish line and gave him the win this time around. He shot a two under, 70 on the final day, giving him a four under, 212 for the tournament.

“I was kind of getting anxious to win again, so it feels good to get that part behind me,” said Westfall, who has been flying under the radar this season, making cuts, but not pulling any wins.

“I’m looking forward to the rest of the season,” he said. “I’m practicing harder than I ever have and it seems to be paying off.”