LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Sept. 8, 2017)–Sam Myers (gross) and Don Blanton (net) hit birdie hot streaks in the final round of the Clark County Senior Amateur held Sept. 7-8, 2017, at Boulder Creek Golf Club to win their respective divisions. Myers birdied five of six holes in the round while Blanton had a string of six straight net birdies en route to the victories. Ed Thiele (gross) and Bruce Swanson (net) won Silver division titles. — By Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider staff.
Boulder Creek Golf Club opened in 2003 and features 27 holes—the Coyote Run, Desert Hawk and Eldorado nines. The Desert Hawk and Coyote Run nines were played for the tournament.
In the Senior Division-Gross, Myers came into the second round five shots out of the lead after an even-par 72 in the opener. His hot streak started on the fourth hole of the second round as he birdied five of the next six holes en route to a two-stroke victory over Brigham Gibbs and Todd Roberts.
“I struggled (Thursday) with four bogeys and four birdies but I got off to a hot start today and that helped,” Myers said. “I had three birdies in a row (and five over six holes) and just kind of held on. I eagled 13 and then we got dumped on (with rain) on the 18th tee and I double bogeyed it. I stunk it up on that one.”
But despite the final-hole double bogey, his overall game was solid.
“I started hitting it close and made a couple of putts,” he said. “And I chipped one in. I got hot in the middle of the round and that carried me.”
Senior Division-Gross
- Sam Myers, 72-68—140
- Brigham Gibbs, 71-71—142
- Todd Roberts, 74-68—142
- Senior Division-Net
For Blanton, his recent consistency is paying off.
“I’m the highest handicap here by a long way,” the 21-handicapper said. “But I just tried to play conservatively and get it around. Whether I finish dead last or stumble into a win, I’m just out to have a great time.”
Blanton’s scoring run started on the 7th hole and continued through the 12th. He credited his ball-striking for the streak and the victory.
“I kept the ball in play for the most part and just had one out of bounds,” he said. “And those out of bounds shots are what usually really hurt high handicappers.”
He added Las Vegas, the SNGA and its players have been just what the doctor ordered–especially for those just learning the game and trying to improve.
“When I moved here two years ago I joined the SNGA for the chance to play with these guys and just learn from them and lower my handicap,” he said. “These guys have been really great to play with. And the SNGA does a great job.”
Senior Division-Net
- Don Blanton, 67-69—136
- Jeffrey Blake, 77-65—142
- Kelly Knievel, 76-70—146
- Silver Division-Gross
Ed Thiele, the Senior Division-Gross winner, had a mixed bag when it came to his golf game over the two-day event.
“My irons were pretty good, my putting was a little shaky and my driver was so-so,” he said of his 71-71—142 total. “And (Friday) was a tough day. It was a two-club wind most of the day. I was just trying to get something into play most of the day.”
He wound up with a three-stroke win over John Garrett.
Thiele added a rain delay actually helped him.
“I had a half a sandwich during the delay and it helped get me focused for the last six holes,” he said. “I played just well enough to win.”
Silver Division-Gross
- Ed Thiele, 71-71—142
- John Garrett, 73-72—145
- Jeffrey English, 72-74—146
Silver Division-Net
For Bruce Swanson, the formula for victory in the Silver Division-Net was simple: “I didn’t miss a fairway (Friday) and when you drive the ball well, it gives you much easier approach shots into greens.”
That formula resulted in rounds of 70-67—137 and a two-stroke victory over John Kelley.
“I didn’t putt very well (Thursday), but today I played just as solid and made a couple of more putts,” Swanson said. “I didn’t played Army golf (left, right, left), I played marching band golf…right down the middle. Do that and it’s a lot easier to score.”
Silver Division-Net
- Bruce Swanson, 70-67—137
- John Kelley, 70-69—139
- Keith Redmann, 71-70—141
