Kraft takes GAVL Lehigh Valley Open in a playoff

   Kevin Kraft, the director of golf at the Bumble Bee Golf Center near Harrisburg, rolled in a 22-foot birdie putt on the second hole of a playoff to win the Philadelphia Section PGA’s GAVL Lehigh Valley Open Tuesday at Northampton Country Club.

   Kraft, who starred collegiately at Kent State and played on the Web.com Tour, bogeyed the last two holes of regulation for a 2-under 70 that gave him a 4-under 140 total for the 36-hole event. John Appleget of Wildwood Golf & Country Club, who grabbed the opening-round lead with a 5-under 67, carded a 73 Tuesday, but it was enough to get him into the playoff with Kraft.

   Appleget missed a putt on the first hole of the playoff that would have given him the title. Kraft then dropped his birdie try on the second playoff hole to claim the top prize of $2,250.

   George Forster, the head pro at Radnor Valley Country Club, added a 72 to his opening-round 69 to finish alone in third at 3-under 141. Corey McAlarney of Sunnybrook Golf Club had a pair of 71s to take solo fourth with a 2-under 142 total.

   Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter carded a 4-under 68, low for the second round, Tuesday following an opening-round 75 to finish in a tie for fifth at 1-under 143. He was joined at figure by Whitford Country Club assistant pro Andrew Turner (69-74) and the Country Club of Harrisburg’s Steve Swartz (72-71)

   Terry Hatch of Hidden Valley Golf Club had rounds of 71 and 73 for an even-par 144 total that gave him solo eighth place. Bob Hennefer (73-72) of Indians Springs Golf Club and Terry Hertzog (76-69) of the Country Club of York finished in a tie for ninth at 1-over 145.

   Dave Quinn of The Links Golf Club headed a list of eight players who finished in a tie for 11^th at 2-over 146. Quinn had rounds of 72 and 74.

   Joining Quinn at that figure were Andy Fisher (71-75) of the Philadelphia PGA, Eddie Perrino (73-73) of Eagle Rock Resort, Jordan Gibbs (72-74) of Gulph Mills Golf Club, John Pillar (73-73) of the Country Club of Woodloch Springs, Chris Gray (74-72) of Wild Quail Golf & Country Club, Zac Oakley (74-72) of Heritage Shores Golf Club and Dave Pagett (76-70) of Whitemarsh Valley Country Club.