Mike Occi
(Golfweek Photo)
FORT MEYERS, FL (January 10, 2017) -- With a final round even-par 72 Mike Occi was able to seal the deal and capture the Gateway Senior Invitational at Gateway Golf & Country Club. After knocking on the door for much of last year in AmateurGolf.com Ranking events Occi was able to pick up his first victory in a ranking event since 2015.
Occi, who was 2-under for the week, was able to avenge a third place finish at the Gateway Senior one year ago. The week began with a 2-over 74 that left the Columbia, MD resident in third place but his second round 4-under 68 vaulted him to the top of the standings.
Defending champion and first round leader Sam Till Jr (Ft. Wayne, IN) ended up second and three-strokes back at 1-over. In third it was the 5-over Owen Joyner (Bonita Springs, FL), fourth was owned by Steve Groom (Raytown, MO) at 6-over while Robert Polk (Bonita Springs, FL) finished fifth at 8-over.
In the Super Senior Division George Washburn (Frederick, MD) won with a birdie on the first playoff hole defeating Paul Schlachter (Bridgeville, PA). Washburn and Schlachter ended regulation tied at 6-over.
Third place in the division at 7-over was shared by 36-hole leader Bill Everett (Hebron, NH) and Tom Elfers (Estero, FL).
The Legends Division went to Edward Craig (Orlando, FL). Craig tallied a 54-hole score of 12-over to win by two shots over four others.
Among those sharing second were Jeff Belfore (Naples, FL), John Blank (Frostburg, MD), Bill McDonald (Topeka, KS) and opening day leader GM Bingman (Medina, OH).
ABOUT THE Gateway Senior Invitational
Second tournament of the major senior amateur
season. 54-hole stroke play tournament with Senior
(ages 55+), super senior (65+), legends (70+) and
super legends (75+) divisions.
View Complete Tournament Information