2026 Wilds Invitational Recap
Caldwell Steals the Show with Brilliant 70 as Every Flight Delivers Championship Drama
The 2026 Wilds Invitational lived up to its reputation as one of the premier tests on the Minneapolis/St. Paul Golfweek Amateur Tour. Firm greens, demanding approach shots, and punishing rough made every par feel earned, and by the end of the afternoon only one player managed to break par.
While every flight produced memorable moments, it was Larry Caldwell who authored the round everyone will be talking about.
A Flight:
Caldwell Puts on a Clinic
Coming into the week, the A Flight looked like one of the deepest fields of the season with former winners and multiple players capable of taking home the trophy. By the time the final putt dropped, however, there was little doubt who owned the day.
Larry Caldwell fired a spectacular 2-under-par 70, the only under-par round of the entire tournament.
After making the turn at even-par 36, Caldwell caught fire on the inward nine. Precision iron shots, clutch par saves and confident putting produced a flawless 34, separating himself from a talented field.
Defending points leader Felix Scott played solid golf with a 76, but simply couldn't match Caldwell's relentless consistency.
Andrew Wenning claimed third with a strong 79, while John Boney (83) and Joshua VanCampen (84) rounded out another highly competitive A Flight leaderboard.
Caldwell's performance sends a clear message to the rest of the Tour:
If you want to win A Flight this season, you'll likely have to beat Larry Caldwell first.
A Flight Results
Larry Caldwell — 70 (-2)
Felix Scott — 76
Andrew Wenning — 79
Championship Flight:
Foehse Survives the Battle
There may have only been two competitors in Championship Flight, but neither player gave an inch.
Matthew Foehse and Bho Olson traded punches throughout the afternoon before Foehse held his nerve over the closing holes to secure a 77, finishing two shots clear of Olson's 79.
It wasn't flashy golf.
It was championship golf.
Pars became valuable currency as both players navigated one of the Tour's toughest venues, and Foehse once again demonstrated why he's among the elite players on the Minneapolis/St. Paul Tour.
Championship Flight
Matthew Foehse — 77
Bho Olson — 79
B Flight:
Zahn Holds Off a Crowded Leaderboard
No flight featured more competitors—or more leaderboard movement—than B Flight.
Ten players teed it up knowing one good stretch of holes could completely reshape the standings.
When the dust settled, Geoffrey Zahn emerged victorious with a composed 79.
Kelly Bordewick stayed within striking distance all afternoon before finishing runner-up at 81, while Chris Elbert and Matt Meyers shared third at 83 after grinding through difficult conditions.
Every player experienced highs and lows, but Zahn's ability to avoid the costly mistakes that plagued the field ultimately proved to be the difference.
B Flight Results
Geoffrey Zahn — 79
Kelly Bordewick — 81
Chris Elbert — 83 (T)
Matt Meyers — 83 (T)
C Flight:
Ludeman Continues His Strong Season
Austin Ludeman once again showed why he's becoming one of the most consistent competitors on Tour.
His 76 separated him comfortably from the field as he combined steady ball striking with smart course management.
Steve Ellenson battled to an 87, good enough for runner-up, while Tim Palya finished third at 89.
Ludeman never allowed the field to gain momentum and quietly put together one of the day's most impressive rounds.
C Flight Results
Austin Ludeman — 76
Steve Ellenson — 87
Tim Palya — 89
D Flight: White Finds the Winner's Circle
The D Flight featured three determined competitors battling through every challenging hole The Wilds had to offer.
Spencer White posted a 94 to earn the victory, narrowly edging Paul Marotte (95) in a close contest.
Dennis Dreelin rounded out the flight with a 105, proving once again that perseverance is every bit as important as score on one of the Tour's toughest layouts.
D Flight Results
Spencer White — 94
Paul Marotte — 95
Dennis Dreelin — 105
The Wilds Doesn't Give Away Trophies
The Wilds Golf Club once again reminded everyone why it's one of the premier championship venues in Minnesota.
Only one player managed to break par. Double bogeys appeared on scorecards in every flight. Momentum changed with a single swing. Players who stayed patient were rewarded, while those who got overly aggressive often paid the price.
That combination is exactly what makes the Wilds Invitational one of the highlights of the Golfweek Amateur Tour schedule.
The competition was fierce. The champions earned every stroke. And for everyone who came up just short, another opportunity is already on the horizon.
Think you have what it takes to take down Matthew Foehse, Larry Caldwell, Geoffrey Zahn, Austin Ludeman, or Spencer White?
The next event is your chance to find out.
Join the Minneapolis/St. Paul Golfweek Amateur Tour and experience tournament golf the way it was meant to be played—great courses, elite competition, and a chance to write your own championship story.