CONCORD — Jeff Sluman offered senior aficionados a lesson in what practice, hard work and determination can archive as a rookie on the Champions Tour.
When he began playing as a 50-year old rookie last September, Sluman’s game was “in tatters.” His highlight in 17 starts was a tie for second place this season, until near flawless play at Nashawtuc County Club in late June earned him his coveted first victory, at the longest running 54-hole event on the senior tour – the Bank of America Championship.
Sluman, from Rochester, N.Y., carded a tournament-best and final round 8-under-par 64 to come from behind and beat Loren Roberts by two strokes. Sluman’s three-round total was 17-under 199, one off the tournament record set by Allen Doyle in 2003, while Roberts, who shot a final round 67, finished with 201. Rhode Island-native Dana Quigley, with 11 years on tour, finished tied for third with Mark McNulty, six shots back after firing a final-round 68.
“When I turned 50 in September, I knew that my game needed a lot of work; it was a little bit in tatters,” said a happy Sluman after his round, whose career highlight was winning the 1988 PGA Championship. “I felt like I had enough game to win out here, but in the few chances I had earlier this year I didn’t get it done.”
For his stellar effort Sluman picked up a first-place check of $247,500, from the $1,650,000 purse. Roberts received a check for $145,200, while Quigley and McNulty each took home $108,900. First round leader Tom Kite, exploded out of the pack with a course-record tying 63, and missed a short putt for the course record 62. But, Kite faltered badly with a second round of 72, and third round total of 76, including hitting a ball out of bounds on No. 18. He finished tied T-20 which paid $18,893. Defending champion Jay Haas, who was recently crowned the 2008 US Senior Open champ, also had a tough outing, carding rounds of 68-72-75-215, for a check of $5,775.
“Since turning 50, I have been working hard on my game,” said Sluman whose last PGA Tour win came in 2002 at the Greater Milwaukee Open. “I’m just very happy to finally win, and I feel like I can relax a little more and have some fun. You have satisfaction any time you win. Every tournament is different but equally satisfying.”
Loren Roberts, playing in his 14th tournament of the year, has 11 top-10 finishes, and is considered one of the best putters on the Champions Tour, earning the nickname “The Boss of the Moss.”
“Jeff came out and kept going, while I kind of put it in neutral,” Roberts said. “When you’re playing against a guy who shoots 64, you have to make some putts. He just kind of took it to everybody and steeped on the gas. He made two 30-footers on the last two holes. You know it’s your time when that happens.”
Jeff Sluman is winless no more on the Champions Tour!
Bank of America Notebook
According to Tournament Director Tracy West, the Bank of America, will continue to play a prominent role in the 2009 event, although the Bank and officially ended its primary sponsorship and the tournament does not have a presenting sponsor. Sources from the Champions Tour say it will take a minimum three-year commitment from a presenting sponsor and a financial commitment of $3.5 million each year, which parallels the cost of running an LPGA Tour event.
Another stupid oversight by the PGA Tour and Champions Tour had two Tour tournaments being played in New England over the June 20-23 weekend, as the Traveler’s Championship was won by Stuart Cink, at the TPC River Highlands’ course near Hartford, CT.
Among the 78-player field, three familiar New England golfers included Allen Doyle (76-70-70), Acton’s Kirk Hanefeld (71-69-71) and “Ironman” Dana Quigley, who still holds the record for most consecutive tournaments at 278.
Six eagles were recorded at the 6,741-yard, par-72 Nashawtuc CC: Mark Johnson No 12; Tom Purtzer, Chip Beck, Fred Gibson on No. 5, and Mark McNulty and Jim Colbert on No 10.
Course superintendent Paul Miller again received praise from many of the players for the superb condition of the greens and fairways.
Ageless Gary Player, 72, almost shot his age in all three rounds, registering 73-72-73-218, for a T-57 finish and small check for $3,300.
Craig Stadler, withdrew after the second round with a hip injury.
Jeff Sluman won his first Champions Tour event in his 18th career start and his victory ended a drought of six years and seven days. Also, the victory makes him the seventh player to win the event in his first appearance, joining Jay Haas (2007), Bob Gilder (2002), Tom McGinnis (1999), Chi Chi Rodriquez (1986), (Arnold Palmer (1982) and Bob Goalby (1981).
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