Hollis Sullivan wins Texas Super Senior Amateur; John Grace claims Legends Division

Hollis Sullivan wins Texas Super Senior Amateur; John Grace claims Legends Division

SUGAR LAND — Hollis Sullivan was able to overcome a five-stroke deficit heading into the final round of the Texas Super Senior Amateur to force a playoff and claim the championship. In the Legends Division, John Grace finished off his wire-to-wire win carding the lowest 54-hole total for a Legend player in Super Senior Amateur history at 216.

Leaderboard

Leaders: Sullivan, of Westworth Village, used a sensational final round to make his way up the leaderboard and claim the Super Senior Amateur in a playoff.  Sitting tied for 5^th heading into the final round after shooting 75-76 Sullivan needed to go low in the final round in order to give himself a chance at the championship.  Sullivan did just that; carding two birdies on the front nine and headed into his final nine at 1-under.  Sullivan made the turn inside the top three when the field around him started to slip.  Sullivan headed into hole 18 at 6-over while then leader David Leiss finished hole 16 three strokes ahead.  On hole 18, a 483-yard par 5, Sullivan needed at least a birdie to give himself a chance and went for the green in two leaving him twenty-five feet for eagle.  Sullivan stepped up and nailed the putt to finish his round at 3-under par 69 and 4-over par 220 for the tournament.  Leiss would then bogey hole 17 and then on hole 18 had to make a four-foot tester for par to force a playoff.  Sullivan and Leiss would move to a playoff on the hole Sullivan just eagled.  Sullivan hit his tee shot first and landed in the right fairway bunker, Leiss then stepped up and hit his drive into the water on the left side of hole 18.  Sullivan would hit wedge out of the bunker into the fairway, Sullivans next shot into the green left him 9 feet for birdie and two putts for the win.  Sullivan would make a par and claim the Texas Super Senior Amateur.  This is Hollis Sullivans first individual Texas Golf Association state championship.

John Grace, of Fort Worth, added to his already stellar Texas Golf Hall of Fame resume with the greatest Legends Division performance the Texas Super Senior Amateur has seen in its nine-year existence.  Grace opened up the week shooting an ever-par 72 that included five birdies on the card.  He would follow up his first round by carding another 72 in round two.  Grace would open the final round of play in the Legends Division with an eight-stroke lead over the field.  Grace’s play in the final round put a stamp on a phenomenal week for the multi-time Texas Golf Association state champion, shooting a third consecutive round of even par that included one birdie on hole 16.  This is Grace first win in the Legends Division at the Super Senior Amateur.  This is Grace 9^th individual Texas Golf Association State Championship.  He adds a Legends Division title to a crowded trophy shelf that includes the Texas Amateur, four Texas Mid-Amateurs, the Texas Senior Amateur, and the inaugural Texas Super Senior Amateur in 2015 at Fair Oaks Ranch.  Both Grace and Sullivan share a home club, Shady Oaks Country Club in Westworth Village a suburb of Fort Worth.

Top Finishers: In the Super Senior Division, David Leiss finished solo second after a final round 73 before falling short on the first playoff hole 18 to Sullivan.  Leiss spent most of the day as the leader until an untimely bogey on hole 17 opened the window for Sullivan. David Pocknall of San Marcos and Bobby Baugh of San Antonio finished tied for third after shooting 224 overall for the tournament.  Gary Durbin and 36-hole leader Jeff Kramer rounded out the top five of the Super Seniors at 226.

Adrian Walmsley of Dallas was recognized as the low net player of the Super Senior Division.

In the Legends Division, Bill Holstead of Wichita Falls finished runner-up to Grace after three rounds of 75-77-73-231.  Gary Kirwan of McKinney finished solo third place in the Legends Division at an overall 231.

Jay Trahan of Montgomery was recognized as the low net player of the Legends Division.

The 2024 Texas Super Senior Amateur saw two players hit a hole-in-one during the tournament.  During the first round Dave Moore of San Antonio carded a hole-in-one of the par three 17^th hole playing at 129 yards with his 9 iron.  The following day the soon to be Texas Super Senior Amateur Champion Hollis Sullivan hit a hole-in-one on hole 7 from 169 yards out with his 6 iron.  Hole 7 statistically played as the hardest hole on the golf course during the second round.

Course: Founded in 1957, River Bend Country Club is one of the Greater Houston area’s most acclaimed member owned country clubs. River Bend Country Club holds rich history that includes the club record once being held by Ben Hogan.   River Bend was designed by Press Maxwell Jr. who has had a hand in designing and renovating other famous courses throughout the United States like Prairie Dunes Country Club in Kansas, a course which his father originally designed.  In 2010 Jeff Blume added to the prestige of the club during a $1.4 million dollar renovation adding rolling fairways, extra bunkers, and changing some green complexes and installing Bermuda grass to the greens.  Blume again added to the course with an additional bunker renovation in 2019.

Today’s Super Senior Division was contested at 6,178 yards while the Legends Division played at 5,720 yards for the first 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, is 54 holes of individual stroke play with no cut. Each age division competes from different tees and yardages, with a separate champion recognized. Prizes are also awarded to low Net scores in both Super Senior and Legends Divisions.

POY Points Race: By winning, Sullivan was awarded 1,000 points towards Texas Super Senior Player of the Year standings. Leiss received 750 for his runner-up performance. Pocknall and Baugh each earned 625 in a tie for third place. Durbin and Kramer received 575 for their tie for fifth.  A complete breakdown of the Texas Super Senior Player of the Year, including points allocation, can be found here.

What’s Next: The next event on the Texas Golf Association men’s calendar is the 115^th Texas Amateur to be played June 13-16 at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas.  The next event on the men’s calendar that includes the Super Senior division will be the 96^th West Texas Amateur at Quicksand Golf Club in San Angelo on July 19-21.

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.

Kramer, Grace Lead After Second Round of Super Senior Amateur

SUGAR LAND — Jeff Kramer of The Woodlands took the lead in the Texas Super Senior Amateur after a second round 72. In the Legends Division, Fort Worths’ John Grace extended his lead to eight shots following another round of even par.

Leaderboard

Leaders: Kramer followed up his first round 74 with another round of steady golf carding even-par 72 that included three birdies to sit at 146 overall through two rounds.  Kramer opened his round with a clean scorecard on the front nine that featured birdies on holes 1 and 4.  Kramer continued his solid play with a par and birdie on his first two holes on the back nine.  Kramer would finish the back nine 2-over after a bogey on hole 12 and a double bogey on hole 16.  He will head into the final round of the Super Senior Amateur just one stroke ahead of the field.  Grace began his second round with extremely steady play, carding a par on the first seven holes.  His clean card would not last the entire nine however when he slipped up with a bogey on hole 8.  Grace’s back nine started and ended on a high note carding birdies on 10 and 18.  Just like the first round Grace was able to keep a cool head following a bad hole.  After a bogey on hole 14 he immediately followed it up with a birdie on 15.  Another bogey on 16 was answered with the forementioned birdie on 18.  Grace sits at even par 144 the lowest two round total in the Legends Division in Super Senior Amateur history.  He will look to hold onto a sizeable lead heading into the final round.

In Contention: In the Super Senior Division, David Leiss of Houston sits one back of Kramer after a second round 70 that included five birdies.  First round leader Bill Ashley slipped down to solo third after a second round 6-over 78.  Bobby Baugh of San Antonio sits in fourth place at 150 overall.  Tied for fifth are Dick Stone of Bullard and Hollis Sullivan of Westworth Village at 151.

In the Legends Division, Bill Holstead of Wichita Falls remained solo second after an impressive 3-over-par 75 that included birdies on holes 16 and 18.  Holstead sits at 152 overall after the second round.  In third place is Dallas’ Dan Nicholson who also shot 3-over during the second round and is now at 156 for the tournament.  Rounding out the top five of the Legends Division are Gary Kirwan of McKinney in fourth place at 157 and Jay Trahan of Montgomery in fifth at 161.

Course: Founded in 1957, River Bend Country Club is one of the Greater Houston area’s most acclaimed member owned country clubs. River Bend Country Club holds rich history that includes the club record once being held by Ben Hogan.   River Bend was designed by Press Maxwell Jr. who has had a hand in designing and renovating other famous courses throughout the United States like Prairie Dunes Country Club in Kansas, a course which his father originally designed.  In 2010 Jeff Blume added to the prestige of the club during a $1.4 million dollar renovation adding rolling fairways, extra bunkers, and changing some green complexes and installing Bermuda grass to the greens.  Blume again added to the course with an additional bunker renovation in 2019.

Today’s Super Senior Division was contested at 6,210 yards while the Legends Division played at 5,805 yards for the second 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, is 54 holes of individual stroke play with no cut. Each age division competes from different tees and yardages, with a separate champion recognized. Prizes are also awarded to low Net scores in both Super Senior and Legends Divisions.

POY Points Race: Super Senior Player of the Year points will be awarded to the Top 20 finishers of Texas Super Senior. The champions will each get 1,000 points towards the statewide honor, followed by 750 for runner-up; 650 for third; 600 for fourth; and 550 for fifth. A complete breakdown of the Texas Super Senior Player of the Year, including points allocation, can be found here.

What’s Next: The final round of the Texas Super Senior will begin at 8:30 a.m. off holes No. 1 and No. 10 at Riverbend Country Club. The leaders of the Super Senior going last off hole No. 1 and the leaders of the Legends going last off hole No. 10.

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.

Ashley, Grace Lead After Round 1 of Super Senior Amateur

SUGAR LAND — Bill Ashley of Levelland posted an opening round 1-under par 71 to lead the Texas Super Senior Amateur. Fort Worths’ John Grace holds a five-shot lead after a stellar round of even par 72 in the Legends Division after 18-holes.

Leaderboard

Leaders: Ashley made four birdies to three bogeys in his opening round to lead by three strokes in the Super Senior Division. Ashleys goal heading into round one was to “start and finish the round with the same golf ball”, a goal he was able to accomplish. Grace positioned himself a top the Legends Division leaderboard quickly after three birdies on holes 14, 16, and 17 in his first nine holes. Grace would shoot two-over-par 38 on his final nine holes but will still head into the second round with a sizable lead.

In Contention: In the Super Senior Division, Jeff Kramer holds solo second place after a two-over-par 74. Dick Stone of Bullard, Sam Manning of Dallas, and Hollis Sullivan of Westworth Village sit tied for third place heading into the second round after each shooting 75. In the Legends Division, Bill Holstead, of Wichita Falls, is alone in second place at five-over par 77. Dan Nicholson of Dallas and Jay Trahan of Montgomery round out the top three after both shooting nine-over-par 81.

Course: Founded in 1957, Riverbend Country Club is one of the Greater Houston area’s most acclaimed member owned country clubs. Riverbend Country Club holds a rich history that includes the club record once being held by World Golf Hall of Famer Ben Hogan. Riverbend was designed by Press Maxwell Jr. architect of other famous courses throughout the United States like Prairie Dunes Country Club in Kansas. In 2010 Jeff Blume added to the prestige of the club during a $1.4 million dollar renovation adding rolling fairways, extra bunkers, and changing some green complexes and installing Bermuda grass to the greens. Blume again added to the course with an additional bunker renovation in 2019.

Today’s Super Senior Division was contested at 6,372 yards while the Legends Division played at 5,937 yards for the first 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, is 54 holes of individual stroke play with no cut. Each age division competes from different tees and yardages, with a separate champion recognized. Prizes are also awarded to low net scores in both Super Senior and Legends Divisions.

POY Points Race: Super Senior Player of the Year points will be awarded to the top twenty (20) finishers of Texas Super Senior. The champions will each get 1000 points towards the statewide honor followed by 750 for runner-up, 650 for third, 600 for fourth and 550 for fifth. A complete breakdown of the Texas Super Senior Player of the Year, including points allocation, can be found here.

What’s Next: The second round of the Texas Super Senior will tee off at 8:30AM off holes #1 and #10 at Riverbend Country Club. Following the second round the field will be repaired based on scores with the leaders of the Super Senior going last off hole #1 and the leaders of the Legends going last off hole #10.

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 Amateur, click here.

Texas Super Senior Amateur Set for April 22-24

Riverbend Country Club in Sugar Land will be the host site for the 9th Texas Super Senior Amateur, to be played from April 22-24.

This year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur will be the fourth TGA championship held at Riverbend Country Club, which most recently hosted the 2022 Women’s Four-Ball, won by Elise Parel and Jacqueline Nguyen.

“We are thrilled to return to such a wonderful venue as Riverbend Country Club,” said Owen Kinney, TGA Tournament Manager. “The club has been a tremendous supporter of the amateur game, and we know the membership and staff are looking forward to showcasing their exceptional facility and providing a memorable experience for the players.”

Designed by Press Maxwell, Riverbend Country Club opened for play in 1957. Maxwell routed the challenging layout through gently rolling terrain and created interest and strategy by incorporating the site’s abundant natural features. In 2010, architect Jeff Blume oversaw an extensive renovation project that included rebuilding and shifting tees and bunkers, reconstructing green complexes, and upgrading irrigation and drainage systems.

“Riverbend is a thorough test of golf from tee to green,” Kinney said. “It’s a very traditional design that demands accuracy and good course management skills and I know the players will enjoy competing for the championship title on this great stage.”

First conducted 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 an up-to-date WHS Handicap Index® not exceeding 12.4 (16.4 for Legends) issued through a member club of the TGA.

The starting field of 84 players (60 Super Seniors, 24 Legends) will play 54 holes of individual stroke play over three days with no cut. Each age division will compete from different tees and yardages, with separate champions recognized. Players who are 75 and older can opt to compete in the Super Senior Division at the time an entry form is submitted. The top three finishers and ties in the Super Senior Division, regardless of age, and the winner of the Legends Division will earn exemptions into this year’s Texas Senior Amateur to be held Sept. 27-29 on the Tournament Players Course at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club in Irving. In addition to the overall Super Senior and Legends champions, awards will also be given to the lowest net scores in each division.

Starting times and pairings for the first and second rounds will be posted online at txga.org no later than April 16. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available on the TGA website once the action gets underway from Riverbend Country Club.

At the 2023 Texas Super Senior Amateur, Chuck Gardner of Texarkana won for the second year in a row with rounds of 72-74-69 on the New Course at White Bluff Resort in Whitney. His one-under-par 215 total was good for a one-shot margin of victory over 2016 champion Jerry Hudgins of Tyler. With the win, Gardner became the first person in the event’s history to successfully defend the title. Bill Holstead of Wichita Falls shot 73-76-83 to claim a wire-to-wire victory in the Legends Division. Holstead, the 1970 Texas Amateur champion, finished at 16-over 232 and well ahead of a trio of players tied at 237. Ed Turner of Dallas and Jay Trahan of Montgomery won low net honors in the Super Senior and Legends Divisions, respectively.

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.

Click here for Results

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.

Davis Maintains Lead at Texas Super Senior

WHITNEY — Saginaw’s Dave Davis turned in a second round 1-over 73 on Tuesday to maintain his lead at the Texas Super Senior Amateur. Davis will take a three shot lead into Wednesday’s final round at White Bluff’s New Course. In the Legends Division, Wichita Falls’ Bill Holstead added to his lead with a second round 1-over 73. He leads by seven over the field and rolled in an impressive four birdies on Tuesday.

Click here for full leaderboard

Leaders: Davis rolled in three birdies on the day en route to the 1-over 73. Back-to-back birdies on the par-5 No. 16 and par-3 No. 17 holes were the highlight to a solid round. “Compared to yesterday it was a struggle,” Davis said. “I putted a little better yesterday. I had the same good swing thought in my head but I wasn’t executing it.” The Saginaw native noted he hasn’t been in contention like this in a while and will look to just play his game in Wednesday’s final round.

Legends Division leader Bill Holstead was 2-under through eight holes before suffering his first bogey of the day on the par-4 No. 9 hole. He bounced back with birdies on holes No. 10 and 17 to cap off the low round of the Legends Division thus far.

In Contention: In the Super Senior Division, Houston’s Steve Moran climbed up the leaderboard into solo second with a 2-under 70 in round two. Moran’s performance pushed himself up four places on the leaderboard. He sits three off the lead and one shot ahead of Tyler’s Jerry Hudgins, who occupies third at 1-over total. In the Legends Division, David Wagner of Fair Oaks Ranch sits in second at 12-over and seven shots back of the lead. Wagner carded a 4-over 76 in round two and sits two shots ahead of host club exemption Ben Hagins and Abilene’s J Wayne Franklin.

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, provides plenty of risk-reward opportunities that will test 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 second 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, which will be contested on the New Course, is 54 holes of individual stroke play with no cut. Each age division competes from different tees and yardages, with a separate champion recognized. Prizes are also awarded to low Net scores in both Super Senior and Legends Divisions.

POY Points Race: Super Senior Player of the Year points will be awarded to the Top 20 finishers of Texas Super Senior. The champions will each get 1,000 points towards the statewide honor, followed by 750 for runner-up; 650 for third; 600 for fourth; and 550 for fifth. A complete breakdown of the Texas Super Senior Player of the Year, including points allocation, can be found here.

What’s Next:  The final round of the Texas Super Senior will begin at 8:00 a.m. off holes No. 1 and No. 10 out at White Bluff’s New Course. Following the second round, the field is being repaired based on scores with the leaders of the Super Senior going last off hole No. 1 and the leaders of the Legends going last off hole No. 10.

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.

Dave Davis Leads at Texas Super Senior

WHITNEY — Saginaw’s Dave Davis posted an opening round of 4-under 68 to take an early three shot lead at the Texas Super Senior Amateur. Davis had three birdies and an eagle on the scorecard at White Bluff’s New Course. In the Legends Division, Wichita Falls’ Bill Holstead will take the lead into round two after an opening 4-over 76.

Click here for full leaderboard

Leaders: Davis birdied two of his first four holes en route to the superb first round. Later in the round, Davis made eagle on the par-5 No. 7 hole (which played as his sixteenth hole of the round). “I’m happy. I haven’t been scoring well when I’ve been preparing and trying to get ready for this tournament,” Davis said. “I kept the ball in play and hit a lot of close approach shots and made some putts.”

Legends Division leader Bill Holstead impressively made par on his first eight holes to highlight a steady first round. He sits four shots clear of the next competitors.

In Contention: In the Super Senior Division, San Antonio’s Pat Youngs was the only other player to post under par in round one. He sits in solo second after a 1-under 71 that put him three back of the lead. Defending champion Chuck Gardner of Texarkana started his title defense strong with an opening round of even par 72. He sits in a tie for third at four shots back of the lead alongside Irving’s Michael Puls. Tyler’s Jerry Hudgins carded an opening 1-over 73 to put himself in fifth heading into round two. In the Legends Division, four players sit in a tie for second at 8-over and four back of the lead including host club exemption Ben Hagins, Georgetown’s Paul Schroeder, Abilene’s J Wayne Franklin, and David Wagner of Fair Oaks Ranch.

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, provides plenty of risk-reward opportunities that will test the players’ shot-making and course management skills.

Today’s Super Senior Division was contested at 6,317 yards. The Legends Division competitors played from 5,867 yards for the first 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, which will be contested on the New Course, is 54 holes of individual stroke play with no cut. Each age division competes from different tees and yardages, with a separate champion recognized. Prizes are also awarded to low Net scores in both Super Senior and Legends Divisions.

POY Points Race: Super Senior Player of the Year points will be awarded to the Top 20 finishers of Texas Super Senior. The champions will each get 1,000 points towards the statewide honor, followed by 750 for runner-up; 650 for third; 600 for fourth; and 550 for fifth. A complete breakdown of the Texas Super Senior Player of the Year, including points allocation, can be found here.

What’s Next:  The second round of the Texas Super Senior will begin at 8:30 a.m. off holes No. 1 and No. 10 out at White Bluff’s New Course. Following the second round the field will be repaired based on scores with the leaders of the Super Senior going last off hole No. 1 and the leaders of the Legends going last off hole No. 10.

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.

Gardner, Franklin Lead at Texas Super Senior

SUGAR LAND — The first round concluded Tuesday morning after a weather delay on Monday afternoon saw almost two inches of heavy rain and lightning halt the first round with two groups left to finish. All competitors now have completed 36 holes, and Texarkana’s Chuck Gardner will sleep on a two-shot overnight lead headed into the final round after a second round 1-under-par 71 in the Texas Super Senior. Gardner is the only player under par after two rounds in the TGA’s first state championship of the season. In the Legends Division, J. Wayne Franklin holds a three-shot lead with one round remaining, following his 5-over 77 on Tuesday.

Click here for full leaderboard

Leaders: Gardner followed up his opening round of even-par with four birdies, one bogey and double bogey to finish with his 71. Gardner, who finished T5 last year, will look to claim his first individual state championship. Franklin, who resides in Abilene, began the second round two shots off Egerton’s lead in the Legends Division. Franklin’s 77 tied for the low round of the day with Ron Hubbard within the division.

In Contention: In the Super Senior Division, first round leader Hollis Sullivan came back to the pack after a second round 5-over 77 and sits two strokes off Gardner’s lead at 1-over 145 through 36 holes. Houston’s Gary Durbin recorded the lowest round of the day in the Super Senior Division with seven birdies and four bogeys en route to a 3-under 69, good enough to sit alone in third place heading into the final round.

In the Legends Division, Franklin will look to hold off first round leader Ted Egerton from Dallas and Fair Oaks Ranch’s Hubbard, who both sit three off the lead at 12-over 156. Wichita Falls’ Bill Holstead is in fourth place at 14-over-par and David Wagner, also of Fair Oaks Ranch, rounds out the top five at 15-over-par.

Course: Founded in 1972, Sugar Creek Country Club is one of the Greater Houston area’s most acclaimed private clubs with 27 holes of championship golf all designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The three nine-hole courses the legendary architect crafted at Sugar Creek feature rolling fairways framed by mature strands of trees, large undulating greens, and numerous bunkers and water features dotting the landscape.

Over the past several years the club has invested millions in facility-wide improvements to meet the needs of a growing and active membership. Texas-based architect Jeffrey Blume supervised the phased golf course renovation project that included extensive updates and enhancements to playing surfaces and infrastructure while preserving the features and strategy of Jones’ original design.

Today’s Super Senior Division was contested at 6,201 yards. The Legends Division competitors played from 5,810 yards.

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, which will be contested on the Trent/Jones Courses, is 54 holes of individual stroke play with no cut. Each age division competes from different tees and yardages, with a separate champion recognized. Prizes are also awarded to low Net scores in both Super Senior and Legends Divisions.

POY Points Race: Super Senior Player of the Year points will be awarded to the Top 20 finishers of Texas Super Senior. The champions will each get 1,000 points towards the statewide honor, followed by 750 for runner-up; 650 for third; 600 for fourth; and 550 for fifth. A complete breakdown of the Texas Super Senior Player of the Year, including points allocation, can be found here.

What’s Next: The final round of the Texas Super Senior will begin at 8:30 a.m. off holes No. 1 and No. 10 out at Sugar Creek Country Club. The leaders of the Super Senior going last off hole No. 1 and the leaders of the Legends going last off hole No. 10.

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.