Mid-Senior Championship

Sutton Crowned Mid-Senior Champion

David Sutton captured the Florida State Mid-Senior Championship at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine.  

Sutton, of Maitland, was five shots back from the second round leader, Paul Melson, from Plantation, going into the final round. Playing the King & Bear course on the last day, Sutton fired a 4-under par 68 and combined with his 72-71 he finished with a three-day total 211. Melson, who was the 2003 Mid-Senior Champion, finished the day with a 75, two shots back from Sutton. Doug Snoap, of Apopka, had a one shot lead heading into the back nine of the tournament over Sutton. Sutton rallied on the back nine with three birdies on holes 14, 16, and 17 to win the championship by one shot. Snoap finished the day with a one-under par 71 to finish one shot back from Sutton. Ken Godwin, of Ocala, finished with rounds of 72-67-75 for a three day total 214. Bruce Scamehorn, from Winter Haven, and Rick Woulfe, of Fort Lauderdale, finished 4 shots back of the champion with a three day total of 215.     

To be eligible for the Mid-Senior Championship, players must be age 40 or older. The Championship is 54 holes of stroke play cut to the low 70 plus ties after 36 holes. Rounds one and two were played on the King & Bear and the Slammer & Squire courses with the final round on the King & Bear course.

Round One Story

For those 40 years of age and above, the Mid-Senior Championship features 54 holes of stroke play over three days. The field will be cut to the low 70 plus ties after 36 holes.

The Slammer & Squire is named for its legendary course consultants, Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen. The course meanders naturally through native flatwoods and hardwood hammocks, and bordering wetland preserves and wildlife habitat. For the first time in history, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus paired to create the King & Bear course. These two golfing legends collaborated on a truly remarkable golf course of unparalleled beauty, challenge and design.

ELIGIBILITY

Must be age 40 or older as of August 18, 2006, and be a member of the FSGA.

ENTRY FEE

$200 ($190 for online entry). Includes cart fees for tournament rounds and prizes.

COURSES

The first and third rounds will be played on the King & Bear course and the second round on the Slammer & Squire course.

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

54 holes of stroke play, cut to low 70 plus ties after after 36 holes.

CARTS

Players are responsible for practice round cart fees.

DEFENDING CHAMPION

Rick Barger, from Merritt Island, fired a 74-69-71--214 to win in a playoff at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie.