Rodney
Phillips Wins by One Stroke in Lubbock, TX
28 August 2004 - Lubbock, TX - A pleasant
day greeted the players in Lubbock, Texas as the season was winding
down. The course was playing very well in practice prior to the event
and low scores were expected. Things held to form during the first round
as locals Rodney Phillips and Gary Reed took the lead at 12 under 24.
They were not running away with event however, as 12 of the other 15
players in the field were between 26 and 29. Another 24 in the second
round by Gary Reed gave him a solid three-stroke lead going into the
last round over Wade Sahmel with Rodney Phillips and Lee Messinger four
back.
A poor two-under front nine by Gary allowed
a lot of players to get back into contention with nine holes to go. Wade
and Rodney were tied, Lee was two back and Joel Woodall was three back.
Gary played a solid 5 under last nine but playing in the first group he
had to wait as players finishing behind him took their shots. Neither
Joel nor Lee were able to get in position to challenge Gary's score.
Wade came to the last hole needing an ace to go ahead of Gary. Wade just
missed and it was down to Rodney. Rodney played an excellent last nine
missing only one hole on holes 10 through 16, this allowed him to lay up
the dangerous 17th hole and the 18th hole to take
the win. Gary and Wade finished tied for second one back with Joel
Woodall finished fourth three back. The second place finish gave Gary
the automatic state spot. Additional spots went to Jody Kimble and Mike
Chisum in match play competition.
The amateur division saw Tommy Tritz in his first
ever Texas State event take the opening round lead at 9 under 27. An
awesome second round 12 under 24 from Adam Sahmel put him in a tie for
the lead with Chance Marett, who shot an impressive 11 under 25 in the
second round himself, and David Chisum. With Carey Bailey one back and
James Taylor and Mickey DeLucca two back it was going to be a tight
final round. It was Carey Bailey who separated himself from the pack on
the front nine of the last round. His 6 under 12 gave him a two-stroke
lead with nine to go. A last nine 4 under sealed the win and state spot.
James Taylor and David Chisum finished second two back. Additional state
spots went to Robbie Vaughn and Mike Huckaby in match play competition.
Article and scores
provided by Lee Messinger.
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