Around the Green
The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.
Mickey Jones Wins 2018 Super Senior Amateur
GEORGETOWN – Mickey Jones held off the field on Sunday to win the 2018 Texas Super Senior Amateur in a finish that came down to the final hole. Jones shot a final-round 1-over-par 73 to win his first TGA statewide championship with a total score of 72-74-73—219. Jones’ playing partner Gary Kirwan put up a fight with a final-round 74, but Jones ultimately staved him off down the stretch.
“It’s pretty good because I’ve only been trying for 30 years,” Jones said of his first TGA victory. “I’ve placed third in almost every tournament we’ve had, but never first.”
Jones and Kirwan were tied heading to the par-5 18th hole, but Jones was able to record a par while Kirwan suffered a double-bogey. Jones said he didn’t play very well today, but he played well enough to earn the win.
“I’ve been playing competitive golf for 55 years, and I choked today like I probably choked the first tournament I ever played in,” Jones said. “We all choked. I was the last guy standing out there today.”
He was able to recover after a rocky start that included four 3-putts in his first 11 holes. He said a strong iron game helped him get back on track enough to finish out the victory.
Bill Holstead recorded a round-low 72 on Sunday to finish third, three strokes behind.
In the Legends Division, defending champion Don Grider shot a 77 to complete his wire-to-wire victory. He started the final round with a three-stroke lead, but extended that to seven strokes on his way to a second consecutive victory. Mike Rice came in as the runner-up after posting a final round score of 81.
Grider hit a rough patch near the end of his round, playing a three hole stretch at 4-over, but he finished with two consecutive pars to wrap up the victory.
“I tried to play it safe and that backfired,” Grider said.
The Texas Golf Association would like to thank White Wing Golf Club and its staff for all of their help and hospitality throughout the weekend. Click here for the full leaderboard and more information.
