Golden, Harman Win Regional Events

Southwest – Cole Golden shot an opening round 69 against a strong field that featured several current and past USGTF champions at a windy Ridgeview Ranch Golf Course, which hosted the USGTF Southwest Region Championship May 4-5 in Plano, Texas. Tough, tricky greens and somewhat wet conditions after several days of wet weather had hit Texas earlier in the week greeted the competitors. Southwest Region director Bruce Sims and Master Lee carded 76, while Brent Davies and Chris Tyner shot 77. Grant Gulych, Jeff Kennedy, and D.B. Merrill came in with 78.

Golden continued his fine play on day two and was never threatened, as only Davies was able to get within three shots on the back nine before Golden responded with a birdie on the next hole. Golden finished with a 69-74 – 143 for a 1-under-par total. Davies finished in second place after shooting 70, which was the low round of the day, for a 147 total. Lee played solidly all day after shooting a fine round of 74 for a 150 total, coming in third place.

Southeast – Mark Harman made a statement that he is still a force to be reckoned with at GlenLakes Country Club in Weeki Wachee, Florida, this past May. The reigning U.S., Canadian and World Cup champion from Ridgeland, South Carolina, set a Southeast Region Championship scoring record of seven under par (70-67 – 137) to best Ron Cox of Henderson, Tennessee by five shots. Richard Crowell from Pensacola, Florida, and Rich Lively of Rockledge, Florida, took third and fourth, grabbing the balance from the $1,200 purse.

Cox, leading by a stroke heading into the final round, and Harman battled shot-for-shot on the front nine, but on the back nine, lightning struck. Harman eagled the par-4 13th hole, where he hit a punch shot from 125 yards under a tree which found the bottom of the hole. He carded six birdies in addition to the eagle to pace his final round score. Thanks goes out to GlenLakes head pro Tom McCrary, who has hosted us for several years.