Here is the new Team USA that will represent America at the upcoming Golden Tee World Championship in Orlando.

Golden Tee players come in all shapes and sizes. They also come in varying levels of skill. Bronze Division newbies. Silver Division up-and-comers. And Gold Division professionals. Other than a friendly game or two at the local watering hole, seldomly do these different divisions have the opportunity to play together.

That all changed this year as Team USA opened its ranks for the first time to Bronze and Silver players.

And at last weekend’s live Team USA qualifier, the Bronze and Silver players acquitted themselves admirably. The scoring average of the two Bronze qualifiers was a stunning
–56 for the 54-hole qualifier – better than a birdie a hole! This compares favorably to the Silver average of –60. The
Gold average of –67.8 was again stratospheric – attesting to the unbelievable ability of our sport’s top players.

At stake at this year’s online qualifier were the 11 remaining spots on Team USA. The core of the team is composed of Graig Kinzler, last year’s world champ; Ryan Bourgeois, this year’s national champ; Dean Liakakos, 3-time player-of-the-year (GTGA points); Jason Matkovich, 2-time player-of-the- year (scoring), and Steven Sobe, former 3-time national champ. Detailed Bios are below...

72 players, 24 from each division, descended upon Official’s Time Out sports bar in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. 2 Bronze spots and 4 Silver spots were available, while the Gold players vied for the remaining 5. The final leaderboards and player biographies are below. FULL PLAYER BIOS ARE BELOW!!!
 

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Bronze Division  | 
 

Chad Miller AKA: "Ace/BRONZIE" Age: 25 Hometown: Battle Creek, MI Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 14.91 Lifetime League Points: 1,626,449 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 43 Best Score Ever: - 26	$4,412.00

When it was decided that Team USA would include players of all skill levels, thousands of Bronze division players started the rigorous online qualification process. After 3 grueling months only one man stood at the top. And when the 24 online qualifiers trekked to Chicago to compete live for one of only two spots available to the Bronzies, only one man stood at the top. Chad "Ace" Miller.

Chad's not only representing his country at the Worlds - he's representing an entire legion of "regular Golden Tee players". They're the guys that love the game for what it is: a way to socialize with friends and an outlet for their competitive instincts.

And he's up to the challenge. "This is unbelievable! I can't wait for the chance to represent Team USA! I'm going to give it all I've got!"
 

Jeff McClellan AKA: "Jeff" Age: 25 Hometown: Adrian, Michigan Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 12.61 Lifetime League Points: 828,186 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 10 Best Score Ever: - 24	$175.00

Jeff started playing Golden Tee last year as something to do while hanging with friends at the Brick House in Grand Rapids. He never thought much about it, but the more he played the better he got. And when the news hit that Team USA would represent ALL Golden Tee players, even those from the Bronze division, Jeff thought he'd make a run at it.

And what a run it was, all the way to Orlando!

One of 2 "Bronzies" on the team, Jeff will probably take some good-natured ribbing from his veteran teammates, but he'll be able to handle it. "I don't take things too seriously," he said. "I'm kinda like Goofy in that respect." But when asked how he felt about representing America in the Worlds, he responded, "This is unbelievable! I love the competition of Golden Tee. I'm very happy!"

Silver Division  | 
 

Andy Haas AKA: "Andy" Age: 21 Hometown: Stow, Ohio Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 16.83 Lifetime League Points: 6,128,588 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 251 Best Score Ever: - 29	$13,385.00

Another Silver Division rising star, Andy is the youngest member of Team USA. He started playing Golden Tee in April of 2002 and spends 5 - 10 hours each week playing and practicing.

Andy enjoys a cold Michelob Light when he's playing at Brubaker's, his favorite place to spin a few.

An 8-handicapper, Andy lists golf as his top hobby, and also mentions that it's the friendships he's made that's the most important element of his Golden Tee play.

Goofy is Andy's favorite Disney character - "we're all a bit goofy at times," he said. And on representing America on Team USA, Andy said, "I have looked forward to this for the last few months, and I'm just happy to be a part of it."
 

Mark Firestone AKA: “Stone” Age: 35 Hometown: Everett, Washington Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 17.82 Lifetime League Points: 5,090,597 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 74 Best Score Ever: - 28	$217.00

Mark is one of those players who hasn't made a name for himself in Golden Tee circles, but has the talent and skill to play with the best. He's been playing Golden Tee since 1996 as his low-numbered Gold Card will attest. It's amazing to think he's still in the Silver Division, but so far he's yet to go Gold.

Hailing from Everett, Washington, Mark enjoys playing at the Just Left Pub & Grill. He cites "competition" as his main motivation for putting in 15 hours per week behind the trackball.

When asked what Disney character he most closely resembles, Mark said, "Goofy, I'm easy going and kinda shy, but I like to be goofy at times too."

When asked his thoughts on making Team USA, Mark could only say, "Wow! What an honor!"
 

Craig Rieger AKA: “Craig” Age: 33 Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 16.82 Lifetime League Points: 5,379,244 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 109 Best Score Ever: - 28	$750.00

Although Craig's hometown is New Orleans, he currently lives in Lynnwood, Washington. Playing Golden Tee since 1996, Craig decided to move his game up a notch this past summer and start a serious run at the Worlds. Practicing 15 hours a week at Danny's Pub was the formula for success for this Silver division veteran since it resulted in a trip to Orlando and a spot on Team USA.

When asked what he likes best about Golden Tee, Craig responded that it's the friendships he's made. And he's looking forward to meeting the guys from the World Team. "This is truly unbelievable! I hope to have a lot of fun and meet a great group of guys from the other countries."
 

George Ketchman AKA: “George” Age: 35 Hometown: Vicksburg, Michigan Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 16.29 Lifetime League Points: 5,621,480 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 117 Best Score Ever: - 28	$9,482.00

A member of our Silver Division contingent, George is a Michigan native who enjoys the great outdoors. Besides being a 12-handicapper on the real links, George loves the peace and tranquility of a canoe trip on one of Michigan's many lakes.

Buffalo Wild Wings is George's favorite place to play Golden Tee. And you can usually catch him sipping a Budweiser as he's practices and plays.

If he could be a Disney character, George would choose Pluto because, "he's mellow and doesn't say much…"

When asked how he felt playing on Team USA, George remarked, "I think it will be a great time meeting and competing against players from around the world."

Gold Division  |
 

Jason DeTiege, AKA: "JD" Age: 28 Hometown: Mobile, Alabama Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 19.78 Lifetime League Points: 19,816,647 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 1,330 Best Score Ever: - 31	$31,600.55

One of the steadiest players on Team USA, this is Jason's second trip to Orlando.

Although he's currently living in Elyria, OH, Jason still calls Mobile, Alabama home. He started playing Golden Tee in 2000 and puts in many hours of practice each week behind the trackball.

When asked what he enjoys most about Golden Tee, Jason replied, "It's the competition, and I'm very excited about making the team again and competing in the World Championship."
 

Chris Eversole AKA: "Sole" Age: 25 Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 20.6 Lifetime League Points: 19,899,848 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 936 Best Score Ever: - 32	$22,479.00

Probably the hottest Golden Tee player on the planet leading up to the Worlds, Chris has become the man to beat. As the winner of 4 straight live national tournaments in the past 4 months, Chris has exploded onto the Golden Tee scene in a way never seen before.

Only playing Golden Tee since April of 2002, this Young Gun has attained world-class status faster than anyone else in history, but that doesn't stop him from spinning a few with friends at Mr. C's, his favorite bar in Atlanta.

When he's not playing Golden Tee, Chris enjoys attending sporting matches or watching them on TV. He's a 15-handicapper on the real links, and especially enjoys the friendship and camaraderie of live Golden Tee tournaments.

"I'm extremely excited about being part of Team USA. It's a tremendous honor to represent our country, and we have a great team of guys to do it!"
 

Andy Tellmann AKA: "AT" Age: 25 Hometown: St. Louis Park, Minnesota Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 20.02 Lifetime League Points: 8,885,557 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 311 Best Score Ever: - 30	$24,910.00

Andy calls St. Louis Park his home now, but he's originally from Grand Forks, North Dakota where his favorite Golden Tee bar was Muddy Rivers. He's a hockey, softball, and football fan who also plays real golf to an 18 handicap.

One of our video sport's Young Guns, Andy qualified for this year's Nationals in Las Vegas. He's hoping that the experience he learned there will carry over to the Worlds. There's nothing he'd like more than to bring home the world title and the $15,000 check.

Andy cites the competition and friendships he's made as the most enjoyable aspects of Golden Tee. When asked what Disney character he most resembles, Andy replied, "Goofy, because I like to screw around." It's that type of irreverent humor that's become his trademark.

What's he think about the Worlds and Team USA? "It's the most exciting thing that has happened in my Golden Tee career." From the sound of that, this is one guy who's serious about winning.

 

Steve Churak AKA: "Spider-Man" Age: 32 Hometown: Fox River Grove, Illinois Marital Status: Married (Chick)	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 18.30 Lifetime League Points: 14,007,866 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 645 Best Score Ever: - 28	$23,131.20

This self-proclaimed "Die Hard Cubs Fan" is also a die-hard Golden Tee player. When the qualifying for Team USA was announced this year, Steve was determined to make the team.

A regular at Splinters Sports Club in Palatine, IL, Spidey enjoys a Jaegerbomb or two while playing. He's a 16-handicap on the real links but rarely gets out anymore since the birth of Steve Jr. a year ago.

When asked what Disney character he most resembles, Steve said, "Goofy - the name says it all!" With that kind of an attitude, win or lose, you know Steve will enjoy himself.

"I'm proud to be on the team with a great group of guys. I look forward to keeping the World title here at home in the USA!"

 

Brian Bernhardt AKA: Nickname: "Bernz" Age: 23 Hometown: Vernon Hills, Illinois Marital Status: Single	Special Accomplishments:	Statistics:	2002-03 ITS Earnings:
		Lifetime Scoring Average: - 17.71 Lifetime League Points: 33,737,247 Lifetime Holes-in-one: 935 Best Score Ever: - 30	$2,764.00

One of the Golden Tee "Young Guns", this is Brian's first trip to the Worlds. Although home is Vernon Hills, IL, Brian is currently living in North Liberty, IA where he plays most of his Golden Tee at the Double Inn in Cedar Rapids.

Brian enjoys bowling and hanging out with his girlfriend, Allison, when he's not playing Golden Tee.

Only playing Golden Tee since 2001, Brian attributes his success to the 20+ hours he plays each week. He's motivated by the challenge the game has to offer as well as the friends he's made.

When asked how he feels about representing the U.S. in the Worlds, Brian responded, "I'm speechless. I have dreamed of this since I started playing Golden Tee."