Smith Captures 1970 Northern Open

Dayton, OH (1-2 August 1970)

Rick Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana, added another $1,000 to his earnings in the Professional Putters Association by winning the $5,000 Northern Open, an accomplishment which stretched the reigning World Champion's all-time money winnings even farther ahead of his fellow pros.  Smith earned a commanding lead in the two day event by shooting a surprising 61 under par score of 227, a full eleven strokes better than the score which had been anticipated to claim first place on the tough Dayton, Ohio, course.  At the end of the final round, Smith knew that only two men had a chance of catching him, Atlanta's Jimmy Harritos and Baton Rouge's Tom Belcher.  Either of these men would have to shoot a 23 in order to tie Smith.  Harritos took a 28 and Belcher took a 32 and Smith took the tournament.

Several men were in contention at the start of the second day, including such top pros as Harritos, Belcher, Buddy Taylor, Bob Macomber, Daryl Freeman, Bill Baus, Ken Boy, and Jim Pizmoht.  But Smith's superior putting, including a fantastic 24 on his seventh round, virtually assured him of victory.

In the amateur division, the highly favored Mike Baldoza could not score less than 31 during his first day and, by accepting two 35's on the last day, placed himself in a position to be beaten by one of the top Northern Region amateurs, a man such as Roger Hart.  Hart, one of a family which includes three strong amateur competitors, averaged just over 29 strokes per round to finish 53 under par and claim the first prize.  Four strokes behind Hart was Xenia's Gregg Hebrank and Indianapolis' Mark Mikolon.  Eight strokes behind the leader was Darr Stough of Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

Two pros and six amateurs qualified for the World Putting Championship.  John Thomas and Charles Allen won pro qualifying spots.  Jim Nickila, Gary Drake, Gary Wedderburn, Jeff Bennett, Walt Ridd, and James Webb won amateur qualifying spots.

In the special $1,000 Pro-Am tournament held prior to the Northern Open, the team of Gary Understein and Jeff Bennett defeated Jimmy Harritos and Jeff Blaze.  Ironically, Harritos finished second in both the Pro-Am and the Northern Open.