Christovich, McGibney Co-champs of the 74th Harvey Penick Invitational
Top row: Patrick Christovich and Peter McGibney
Bottom row: Jay Pumhprey and Ron Hackleman
AUSTIN, Texas (October 9, 2011)--Patrick Christovich (New Orleans, LA) and Peter McGibney (Dublin, Ireland and Austin, TX) were declared co-champions of the 74th Harvey Penick Invitational at Austin Country Club, while Jay Pumphrey and Ron Hackleman, both of Georgetown, TX, won the Senior and Super Senior Divisions.
Both players came into the tournament playing great golf, with Christovich winning the Louisiana Mid-Amateur and making match play at the U.S. Amateur, and McGibney finishing in the top 4 in four of his last six in-state tournaments. But it was Neal Barfield of Dallas who took the lead after day one, opening with a 3-under 69. Barfield would back up on day two, allowing Christovich and McGibney to take the lead at even par with identical scores of 74-70, and setting up a shootout for the final round. But when heavy rain moved in to the Austin area, which was much needed for the record-breaking drought but too much at once for play to continue, the final round was canceled. Brian Harris of Kokomo, IN finished third at 2-over, while three players finished tied for fourth at 3-over.
Pumphrey shot a first-round 73 and followed it with a 77 in challenging conditions on day two for a one-shot win over Mac McGee of Midland, TX, with Peach Reynolds of Austin, TX finishing third, three shots back. New for 2011, the Super Senior Division was won by Ron Hackleman, who shot 76 and 75 for a five-shot win over Chip Bridges of Monarch Beach, CA. Larry Walsh of Mountain City, TX finished third.
Click here for results of the 74th Harvey Penick Invitational
ABOUT THE Harvey Penick Invitational
54-hole stroke play invitational that has
quickly become one of the premier
amateur
events in the region. Mid-Am and Senior
Divisions.
The tournament honors the late Harvey
Penick,
the renowned golf teacher who had an
82-year
association with Austin Country Club.
Penick, a
Texas native, began his career at the age
of
eight as a caddy at Austin Country Club,
became the assistant pro there at
thirteen,
and was elevated to head professional in
1923
upon graduation from high school. In 1971
he
was named Professional Emeritus when
his son,
Tinsley, succeeded him as Head
Professional.
Harvey Penick taught golf for seven
decades
and coached the University of Texas golf
team
for 33 years. Among those whom he
taught to
"take dead aim" were Ed White, Betty
Jameson, Morris Williams Jr., Betsy Rawls,
Mickey Wright, Kathy Whitworth, Tom Kite,
Ben Crenshaw, and Sandra Palmer.
Visit www.harveypenickinvitational.com for complete
tournament information.
View Complete Tournament Information