Around the Green

Gardner, Holstead Win Texas Super Senior

WHITNEY — Texarkana’s Chuck Gardner repeated as champion of the Texas Super Senior Amateur on Wednesday at White Bluff’s New Course. Gardner earned a one shot victory with a stellar 3-under 69 in the final round. In the Legends Division, Wichita Falls’ Bill Holstead secured a wire to wire victory with a final round 11-over 83. His impressive effort during the championship resulted in a five shot margin of victory.

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Winners: Gardner successfully defended his title with a 1-under 215 total for the championship. His final round included six birdies including two on his first three holes. “It’s always good to defend a title,” Gardner said. “I’m not sure if I’ve ever done that. It’s pretty special to play consistent. The window is narrowing a little bit. I’ll be 68 in July and to win it again was good.”

Michael Puls of Irving took home low net recognition in the Super Senior Division.

Legends Division leader Bill Holstead entered Wednesday’s final round with a seven shot lead. He held on to win and rolled in a birdie late in his round on the par-4 No. 4 hole to further the cushion coming down the stretch.

Jay Trahan of Montgomery claimed the low net honor for the Legends Division.

Top Finishers: In the Super Senior Division, Tyler’s Jerry Hudgins finished runner up after an even-par 216 total for the week. A final round 1-under 71 that included three birdies wasn’t quite enough as he finished one shot behind Gardner. Dallas’ Ed Turner and Houston’s Alan Fama put together valiant efforts to claim a share of third place at 3-over 219 for the tournament. In the Legends Division, there was a three way tie for second by host club exemption Ben Hagins, Abilene’s J Wayne Franklin, and David Wagner of Fair Oaks Ranch. The trio finished at 21-over 237 total for the championship.

Course: Nestled along the shores of Lake Whitney, about 15 miles west of Hillsboro, White Bluff Resort features two 18-hole courses – the Old and the New – both of which were designed by 13-time PGA Tour winner Bruce Lietzke. Named after the two most famous courses at St Andrews Links in Scotland, the Old Course was the first to open in 1992, followed by the New Course in 1998. Both courses recently underwent major renovation projects, which included rebuilding and resurfacing all greens and bunkers, as well as upgrading drainage and irrigation systems to improve playing conditions.

The New Course, where the Texas Super Senior is being contested, features tree-lined fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and undulating green complexes. With many holes bending around strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, the par-72 layout, which measures just over 6,300 yards from the middle set of tees, provided plenty of risk-reward opportunities that tested the players’ shot-making and course management skills.

Today’s Super Senior Division was contested at 6,422 yards. The Legends Division competitors played from 5,801 yards for the final round.

Tournament History: First played in 2015, the Texas Super Senior features two age divisions: 65 and older (Super Senior) and 75 and older (Legends). Entries are open to male amateur golfers who meet the age requirements by the first round of tournament play and have a certified Handicap Index® of 12.4 or less (16.4 or less for Legends) issued through a TGA Member Club.

The format for the championship, contested on the New Course, was 54 holes of individual stroke play with no cut. Each age division competed from different tees and yardages, with a separate champion recognized. Prizes were also awarded to low Net scores in both Super Senior and Legends Divisions.

POY Points Race: By winning, Gardner was awarded 1,000 points towards Texas Super Senior Player of the Year standings. Hudgins received 750 for his runner-up performance. A complete breakdown of the Texas Super Senior Player of the Year, including points allocation, can be found here.

About the TGA: The Texas Golf Association was established in 1906 with a mission to promote the playing and advancement of the royal and ancient game of golf in Texas. The association is one of the most respected in the country with an ongoing commitment to its members, contestants, volunteers and all who strive to preserve the great traditions of the game.

For More information about the Texas Super Senior, click here.