SCORING | GALLERY (to come)
LATROBE — On a day where thousands of football fans descended on Latrobe for the start of Steelers training camp, just down the road area golfers took their shot at the second WPGA Senior Series of the year.
Two friends at St. Clair Country Club, R.T. Walker and Alan English, each took home victories at Latrobe Country Club.
Walker, competing in his first Senior Series competition, was inspired to play by English.
“We were having drinks one night and he said that I should play in this,” said Walker, who racked up 34 Stableford points to take the Senior division. “I signed up and I’m really glad I did.”
Fueled by three birdies, Walker credited his ability to keep the ball straight off the tee — a key when playing the tree-lined fairways of Latrobe Country Club.
“I was driving the ball right down the middle all day long and my putts were dropping,” he said. “It’s a tight golf course. Placement was everything today.”
Todd Homan of Park Hills Golf Club and reigning WPGA Senior Amateur champion Artie Fink each had 33 points, tying for second place.
English followed the lead of Walker, winning the Super-Senior division for players ages 65 and older.
“I drove the ball great today,” said English, who collected 32 Stableford points and posted four birdies, all on the front nine. “I hit a lot of irons close. I got on a stretch and made three birdies in a row. A double bogey always pops up, but I didn’t lose anything. I just didn’t get points.”
The long-time WPGA player was delighted to see the large field, including the successful debut of Walker.
“I’ve been playing these events for years and years,” English said. “He asked me what the story was with it and I said that it’s a great thing (the WPGA does) for seniors. I told him he really should play in it. It’s a great way to meet some new people and have some fun. And he has some game.”
The daily challenge of St. Clair Country Club, he felt, paid off for both players as they took their game to Westmoreland County.
“St. Clair is a hard course,” English said. “The greens are fast and hard and everyone there has pretty good short games. That helped here today.”
Ron Hinish and Brian Flannigan each scored 31 Stableford points to finish second in the Super-Senior division.
Ray Marsh claimed the Net division title with 36 points, while Brian Forester placed second with 35 points.
Besides the results, the champions enjoyed the day, as well as the experience at Latrobe Country Club, which is accented throughout with memorabilia from Arnold Palmer’s legendary career and life.
“I’m going to play in these more,” said Walker. “I haven’t played this golf course in probably 20 years. It was a lot of fun and it was wonderful to come back. This is hallowed ground. It’s really nice to be here, where the king was.”
For media inquiries, please contact WPGA Director of Communications Josh Rowntree.
