Around the Green

Dream Come True: Jones Jr. Wins 87th West Texas Amateur

ODESSA – Having a goal set in his mind before the tournament began, Mark Jones Jr. understood what it would take for him to win the 87^th West Texas Amateur. With a target score of 8-under-par for three rounds, he wasn’t too far off.
 
Holding the solo lead after 36 holes, the Odessa product picked up right where he left off yesterday by making five birdies throughout the day with his only bogey coming on his 54^th and final hole. Finishing the day with an exceptional 4-under-par 68, 9-under-par 207 for the tournament, Jones Jr. claimed a three shot lead and the victory, finally accomplishing a one of his biggest goals: winning the West Texas Amateur. The fact that it was at his home course just happened to be the icing on the proverbial cake.
 
“It really means a lot,” said the humble Jones, “I mean the event, this field, there’s just a lot of great players out here. I’ve wanted to win this event for a while and having it at your home course just really helps take the pressure off. I had a lot of fun.”
 
Cory Churchman of Abilene finished three strokes back in solo second at 6-under 210, while Jones’ fellow Odessa native and close friend Micah Rodgers finished third at 5-under 211.
 
Hailing from Dallas, Chuck Palmer managed to come from behind to win the Senior Division in impressive fashion after opening Friday with a 7-over round of 79. After an incredible bounce back 5-under 67 yesterday, Palmer was still five shots behind second round leader John McClure of Austin heading into today’s Final Round. It was clear that he found what he needed to make his move. Firing on all cylinders, Palmer shot a bogey-free 4-under 68 to take the lead.
 
McClure wound up finishing two shots back in a tie for second with Arlington’s Jim Quinn at even par 216, while Jerry Hudgins of Tyler finished in solo fourth at 1-over.
 
Houston’s Chris Larsen rounded out his weekend with a 3-over-par 75 and completed his impressive wire-to-wire, ten shot victory in the Super Senior Division. With a tournament total of 9-over 225, he was too far out of reach. Sam Boyd of Horseshoe Bay held on to solo second finishing at 20-over, while Dan Mask Sr. was third at 21-over.
 
The Old Course at Odessa Country Club played a crucial role into providing the players with a championship experience. The Texas Golf Association would like to extend it’s sincere appreciation to Odessa Country Club staff and all volunteers for their excellent service and hospitality in hosting the 87^th West Texas Amateur Championship.
 
For complete scoring from the West Texas Amateur, please click here.