John Tritz
Wins by One Stroke
in Lubbock, TX
29 August 2004 - Lubbock, TX - The weather
in Lubbock on the second day was even nicer than
Saturday with slightly higher
temperatures but less wind. Mike Chisum took advantage of the good
conditions shooting a 14-under 22 to take the
opening round lead. Jeffrey Smith was one back with Cliff Matthews and
Keith Barfield two back. With all of the rest of the 17-player field,
with one exception, under 30, Mike would have to continue his strong
play to take the win. A second round 24 by Mike was best in the second
round but with six other players shooting either 24 or 25 Mike was not
able to separate himself from those players in contention. He did hold a
two-stroke lead over Brice Bergesen and three over John Tritz and Keith
Barfield.
A six under 30 in the last round by Mike opened the
door and John Tritz walked through. His last round 10
under 26 put him in at 33 under 75 one stroke ahead of
Mike. Playing behind both Mike and John only Keith
Barfield was in good position to take the win from John.
Keith was unable to take advantage shooting a 3 under on
the last nine that left him tied with Mike one back of
John. Brice Bergesen and Joel Woodall finished tied for
fourth three back. This was John's first professional
win on the Texas State Tour and he earned a spot in the
state finals. Additional spots went to Steve Tanton and
Joel Woodall in match play competition.
In the amateur division Player of
the Year leader Chance Marett shot an opening round of
12 under 24 and a last round of 11 under 25. These two
rounds were enough to offset an average middle round and
give him the win. Both David Chisum and Seth Smith shot
their best round in the second but both players lost too
much ground in rounds one and three to win. Chance
finished at 28 under 80 with Seth and David three back.
Mickey DeLucca finished alone in fourth, four back of
Chance. Seth Smith earned the automatic state spot in a
playoff over David while David went on to match play and
got a spot there. Todd Cabe also earned a state spot in
match play.
Article and scores
provided by Lee Messinger.
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