AUSTIN, Texas (Sept. 23, 2012) -- Mike Allen posted a second consecutive 69 and finished the Austin Mens City Senior Championship at four under par, good for a four stroke victory over Marshal Hinton, who finished at even par 142. At the start of play, John Perez held the lead with a first round 68 at Lions Municipal Golf Course. Allen was one stroke behind and Hinton was two behind at 70.
As the front nine unfolded, the lead changed hands several times and the threesome of Perez, Hinton, and Allen finished the front nine with 39, 37 and 37 respectively. Nunber nine proved to be a turning point when Perez suffered a triple bogey 7 while Hinton and Allen posted bogey 5. That placed Perez at even par, Hinton at even par and Allen at one under for the championship headed into the back nine.
Allen, who had suffered putting woes on the front nine, rolled in a 25 footer for birdie on 10, another 20 footer at 13 and a three footer for birdie on 14 to gain a commanding lead within his threesome. On 16, Allen two putted from the back fringe, and added two more regulation pars at 17 and 18 to post a 32 on the back nine and 69 for the day, good for a four stroke margin over second place Hinton at even par.
Meanwhile, back in the pack, Bubba Sykes, Steve Trafton and Steve Woods were posting solid rounds of 70, 71, and 72 respectively. Mark Baldree posted 73,73 for 146. Shown here, Bubba Sykes and wife Robin celebrated his good play.
As is always the case at Muny, players sat around and discussed the day's play. Tony Pitifer an and Wayne Smith sat at the bench outside the clubhouse and reminised about the good and bad shots of the day. For Smith, it was the second shot at #18, where he hit his approach shot close to the hole, had it hang on the lip and then fall in for an eagle. Nice going Wayne.
There were the support groups that are so important to the players and that create the great sense of community that abounds at Lions Municipal golf course. Shown here is one of Steve Trafton's grandchildren, along with his wife Angela, who were enjoying the day and the activities of the golf tournament. The grandchild did not have a clue about what was going on with the golf tournament but she seemed to enjoy the festivities and playing with the bucket used for practice balls.
In the Super Senior Category, Larry Walsh posted a 67-71=138 to claim the title. Walsh, who has won numerous titles in his career had added this to his list. Larry White finished second and Lester Lundell finished third. Lundell has won the Junior City Championship, the City Championship four times, the senior city championship several times but has yet to add the super senior championship to his resume. No doubt he will give it another shot next year.
All in all, it was a great day with great weather and Lions Municipal was in good shape. All the participants enjoyed the pace of play and the event.
In a final note, Allen took this picture with Robin Sykes and Morgana Trafton to celebrate his vistory. He seemed to enjoy it.
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ABOUT THE Austin City Senior
36 hole stroke play senior event held at one of
the oldest and most historic city courses in
Austin. Senior and Super Senior divisions.
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