Hopson Wins Texas State Senior Title
8/25/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Aug. 25, 2003
TYLER, Texas -- SFA Golf coach Mike Hopson, of Lufkin, won a hard fought battle in the final round of the 2003 Texas Golf Association Senior Amateur Championship at Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler, earning a two stroke victory over defending champion Billy Clagett, of Austin and Andy Wall, of Tyler. All three either led or shared the lead at various points during the final round of the 54 hole championship. Hopson birdied number and 16 and number 18 coming home for the two shot win.
"It was really hard work out there," Hopson said. "It made a big difference for me to be in the same group (with Clagett and Wall) and know what was happening."
Hopson finished with a one over par 72 in the final round for a one over par total of 214. Wall closed with an even par 71, while Clagett posted a 74 to tie for second at 216.
In the Super Senior division for players 65 and over, Chuck Ribelin of Dallas was the winner by four strokes over Gerald McFerren of Austin. Ribelin posted rounds of 75-75-72=222, while McFerren finished with a 74 for his 226 total.
Play was suspended for exactly one minute during the final round so players could observe a moment of silence in honor of the late Bill Penn. Penn, longtime Executive Director of the Texas Golf Association, was often a strong competitor in the State Senior Amateur. His involvement as a participant and administrator helped develop the tournament into a strong state championship.
Hopson and Clagett shared the 36 hole lead at even par, with Wall and Bert Rogers of The Woodlands three strokes back heading into the final round. Wall had pulled even with Hopson on the 10th hole, while Clagett had fallen two back. It wasn't until a tap in birdie on the par 5 16th hole that Hopson had the lead outright again, and his birdie on the final hole gave him a two stroke victory. However, it was a couple of pars that were key to his win.
"Getting it up and down on number 12 may have been the turning point," Hopson said, adding "that, and the par save on 14 kept me in it." After an errant drive on number 12 forced him to just pitch back into the fairway, he was able to hit his third shot on the par four close enough for an easy putt. On 14 his approach sailed over the green, but he made a lengthy putt to save par there as well.
