OVERLAND PARK, Kan.. (June 24, 2019) - It was an exciting weekend for former Central Missouri Mules Golfer Alex Springer. Springer won his first professional golf event, and took down a Kansas City legend in the process.

Springer took part in this past weekend's Tom Watson Challenge on the Nicklaus Golf Club at Lionsgate in Overland Park. The Challenge is an annual tournament held by the Kansas City Golf Association and comprised of the top Kansas City area club professionals and qualifying amateurs. 

Springer won the rain-shortened, 36-hole event with a -8, 136. Andy Spencer and Watson tied for second shooting a -6, 138. 

"To get the first professional win under my belt, in my hometown, with my friends and family around, it was awesome," said Springer following the event. The Olathe, Kan. native graduated from Olathe East High School and played on the Mules Golf team from 2014-17, earning MIAA Player of the Year honors as a senior. 

In both rounds Springer shot a -4, 68. He was in a tie with Spencer for second place after round one with Watson's 67 leading the field. He took the lead in round two as the only individual to shoot below 70 in the round and found out he was the winner the morning after. 

"I was sitting on my couch, and I received an email," Springer said. "A little anticlimactic." The third round was cancelled after the course took on five inches of rain leaving it unplayable. 

Springer wasn't the only golfer with a UCM connection. Sam Parrott, who finished up his sophomore year with the Mules in 2019, tied for 20th overall. Parrott shot two rounds of 75 for a 36-hole total of +6, 150. He was tied for ninth among amateurs.

You can continue to follow Springer as he heads to Canada next week to play on the PGA's Mackenzie Tour.