Mueller, McIntyre Prevail at NYS Super Senior & Legends at Crag Burn
EAST AURORA, N.Y. -- Jim Mueller of Orchard Creek Golf Club overcame an eight stroke deficit to capture the 28th NYS Men's Super Senior Championship at Crag Burn Golf Club.
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A demanding Crag Burn layout coupled with a second consecutive day of high winds proved to be a formidable test for the field in the final round.
Mueller's 73 (+1) was the best round of the day in either field and was enough to dig himself out of the eight shot hole he began the final round in. Despite the opening 80 (+8) and a double bogey on the first hole of his final round, Mueller settled down nicely, eventually making back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15 to vault himself into the lead. Mueller took a one stroke lead into the clubhouse with two groups still to finish and ended up two clear of the field.
"It feels awesome, I'm still kind of in shock," said Mueller after the awards ceremony. "Starting eight shots back I figured I had to go under par. I'm just glad it was enough."
The victory was Mueller's second NYS title of the season, having already won the Legends Four-Ball Championship at Turning Stone with Kevin Broderick in May. His winning line was 80-73-153 (+9).
"Any win is amazing," Mueller remarked. "I've got a team title and an individual title in the same year now. It's big time."
Finishing runner-up was Rick Dehlinger of Brookfield Country Club. Dehlinger lead after an even par opening round, but like much of the field, struggled in the final round with an 83 (+11). He finished at eleven over for the tournament. Coming in behind Dehlinger were three players - Thomas McKee of Skaneateles Country Club, David Prowler of the Woodside Club and Thomas Fletcher of Tuscarora Golf Club. Each finished at twelve over.
Crag Burn was set up at 6,147 yards for the Super Seniors and played to a par of 72.
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The top of the leaderboard remained consistent in the Legends field. Craig McIntyre of Transit Valley Country Club carded a 74 (+2) to complete the wire-to-wire win. After opening with a 71 (-1) and the only under-par round of the tournament, McIntyre found himself four strokes up heading into the day. Despite a rocky stretch to begin the back nine, McIntyre regained control and closed things out with five pars on his last five holes.
"I didn't lose a ball and was never in the heather," said McIntyre after putting the finishing touches on his win. "I just played consistent, steady golf. I shot one under on the front and made pars most of the way coming in"
McIntyre made five birdies across the two rounds, going 71-74 and finishing five strokes clear of the field at one over par.
"I made a lot of good putts, a lot of par saving putts," McIntyre recalled. "My putting was probably the best part of my game that got me where I am."
John Benware of Binghamton Country Club put together a 76-74 tournament to finish runner-up to McIntyre. The defending champion opened the final round hot with a two-under front nine, but was unable to make up sufficient ground on McIntyre down the stretch. Benware concluded his tournament at six over.
Mark O'Donnell of Transit Valley Country Club also carded a final round 74 (+2) to finish at eight over par, cracking the podium. Jim Burns of Durand Eastman Golf Club finished in solo fourth at nine over, while Dave Benedict of Brook-Lea CC went 75-79 to conclude his tournament at ten over par.
Crag Burn was set up at 5,473 yards for the Legends and played to a par of 72.
The age group winners were; David Prowler of the Woodside Club (+10) in the 65-69 flight, Mark O'Donnell of Transit Valley Country Club (+8) in the 70-74 flight, Randy Young of Bellevue Country Club (+13) in the 75-79 flight and William Weber of Brookfield Country Club (+29) in the 80-84 flight.