Hepler, the 2006 Kansas City Masters Runner-up shot a final round 74 that included only one birdie, but his consistent play throughout the round gave him a three-shot victory over Sam Allegri with a two-day total of 149.

Hepler was two strokes back of the leader, Pete Krsnich, as the final group reached the par four fourteenth tee. Krsnich made bogey to Hepler's par on both holes fourteen and fifeteen. With the players all tied at 5-over par for the tournament, Krsnich lost two tee shots into the woods on the left side of the monstrous par five sixteenth hole and ended with a nine while Hepler again parred the hole.

Once Hepler tapped in for par, he held a four shot lead on Krsnich and a three shot lead on the leader in the clubhouse, Sam Allegri. Hepler continued his solid play with two closing pars to become only the second champion in the Kansas City Masters four-year history.

Hepler's former college teammate and good friend at the University of Kansas, Tyler Shelton, had won the three previous Masters since its inception in 2004 but had to withdraw due to the birth of his second child.

Finishing in second place was Sam Allegri, 46, of Kansas City with a 1-over 73 in the final round which gave him a total of 152 for the championship. His round was highlighted by the only eagle of the tournament when he hit his approach on the par 5 eleventh hole to six feet and converted the putt for eagle.

Although the Championship is a non-flighted championship, an award is given to the Low Senior. Ron Eilers, 56 of Lee's Summit and Andy Smith, 52 of Gladstone each shot a two-day total of 153 to tie for the Low Senior honor.

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--Story courtesy KCGA