Philadelphia (GAP) Father & Son Championship (Older)
WEST CHESTER, PA (June 1, 2006) -– Ron and Doug Cusick of Tavistock CC finished the day with a 4-under-par 68 to win the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s 95th Father & Son (Older) Championship Thursday at Radley Run Country Club (par 72, 6,578 yards).
Before the tournament was suspended due to the threat of lightning, the Cusick’s completed their sub-par round by firing six birdies and only two bogeys. All together the father and son team was a combined 4-under-par on the course’s four par fives with four birdies.
"We took advantage of the par fives and tried to hit as many greens as possible," said Doug, 24, from Marlton, N.J.
The pair’s strong suits came into play with Ron’s accuracy off the tee and Doug’s strong mid-to-short iron game.
"We played to our strengths," said Ron, 53. Added Doug, "He hits the driver as straight as anybody around so that makes it easy. It takes a lot of pressure off me."
The tournament, which dates back to 1911, pairs fathers with sons 18 years or older, in a selected drive, alternate shot format.
The pair’s tournament-low round would not come without some tribulation as the team almost lost its lead on No. 9 (par 4, 364 yards), the duo's last hole of the day.
"Doug hit it out of bounds and we had to take my shot, which landed in a tough spot behind a pine tree," Ron said.
Ron’s drive would come to rest 124 yards from the pin on the left side of the fairway in a difficult position that left no clear line of sight to the green.
With their hopes of making par now in Doug’s hands, he took a wedge and bent his shot around the tree setting up their approach to save par.
"When you’re 4-under-par, you’ve got to find a way to make par," Doug exclaimed. "I just swung the club and it worked. The more I think the worse I play."
The Cusick team’s one-stroke win brought an end to Neil and Michael McDermott’s chances of repeating as Father & Son (Older) champions.
Neil and Michael, of Llanerch CC and Merion GC, respectively, would finish tied for second with a 3-under-par 69.
"We have a good time together," said Michael on playing with his father. "Our [playing] styles work well together."
For the McDermott family, it would have been its fourth Father & Son title in the last five years.
Dave and Kevin O’Brien of Ceadarbrook CC were the other team to finish with a 69.
Bob and Jeffrey Davidson of Philadelphia Publinks GA took low net in the championship competition with a 66.
Former GAP President William Walsh and his son Chet of Philadelphia CC won the Super-Senior competition with a 72, playing from shorter tees at 6,037 yards.
Arthur and Arthur Jr. Kania of Overbrook GC took home the Super-Senior net prize with a 68.
For complete results, click on the tournament link above.