Michael Welch finding his groove on the Hooters Tour
By: Jeff Sinkiewicz on 03/14/10 09:19 PM
Welch was leading going into the weekend before Russell Knox took the reigns after carding a 68 early this morning as they were finishing up the third round that was suspended due to darkness yesterday. With Welch's 70 in round three, the two shot swing put Knox from one down to one up over Welch going into the final round.
The playing conditions in the final round today were obviously tough since just four of the seventy players managed to break 60's. Welch nearly found disaster after trading a couple of birdies and bogeys to stay even on the ninth tee, Michael double bogey'd the very hole he made eagle on a day ago to put himself +2 at turn. Welch came out birdie-birdie on the back and then once again swapped a couple of birdies and bogeys to finish at even par today and -11 for the week. Knox was also even par on the 18th tee before making double on the final hole of the tournament putting him one shot shy of victory. Knox finished tied for second at -10 with Todd Bailey and Phillip Pettitt Jr. This was the second straight week that Knox played the bridesmade.
Jim Renner (69-71-72-72) remained consistent as usual finishing tied for 15th at -4, Matt Parziale (75-68-78-71) had a tough third round but managed to cash for the second time in as many weeks finishing tied for 48th at +4, George Zolotas also had trouble in round three as he carded an 81 after carding 72's in his first two rounds. George finished with a 73 in his final round. Jon Curran missed the -1 cut this week. New England golfers have had early success on the Hooters Tour this season as they are near perfect in players cashing each week.
The NGA Hooters Pro Tour moves north in two weeks to Rock Barn Golf and Spa in Hickory, NC. Sink the Putts follows New England Golfers on the NGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour.
