Birdie, Birdie finish earns Hunter and Segreto Champions Cup Invitational title
From left to right John Hunter, Jackie Burke Jr. and Brad Segreto
(Photo from George Adams)
Editors Note: Story via George Adams of Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TX (May 1, 2016) - Houstonians John Hunter and Brad Segreto birdied #17 and #18 to fire an 8 under par 63 to secure the 49th annual Champions Cup Invitational title at the 7,003 yard, par 71 Champions Golf Club Jackrabbit course in Houston. Hunter and Segreto captured their first Champions Cup title via and 8 birdie, no bogey round on the treacherous Jackrabbit course at Champions. Their final score of 264 (20 under par) equals the tournament record for the 72-hole best ball event.
Three teams tied for second place at 268, 16 under par.
Steve Marlin (Houston) and Mike Sullivan (Houston) shot a sizzling 64 during the final round which included five birdies and an eagle three on the 603 yard ninth hole, but never could pull closer than one shot to Hunter/Segreto.
Defending Champions Kyle Maxwell (Houston) and Derek Meinhart (Illinois) recorded a solid 68 with five birdies and two bogeys. They had pulled within one shot after the par 3 190-yard island green, but made pars on #17 and #18 to finish tied for second.
Kevin Hermis (Houston) and Matt Van Zandt (Houston) post a five birdie, no bogey final round of 66, which also put them into the tie for second place.
Fifty-six two-man mid-amateur teams, from 18 states and Japan competed in the 2016 event. The field was loaded with top amateur golfing talent that included over 200 appearances by the competitors in various USGA national championships. Average handicaps of the 112 players was +2.1 strokes per round.
This 49th annual event was contested at Champions Golf Club (Houston, Texas) Jackrabbit Course, which has hosted multiple USGA, Sectional and Texas events over the years. Originally constructed in 1964 by George Fazio and completely renovated by Tom Fazio in 2002. The Jack Rabbit course has been consistently rated as one of the top courses in Houston and ranked among the best in Texas. The 7,003-yard, par 71 layout offers a true test of golf, demanding a variety of shots and ultimate precision.
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ABOUT THE Champions Cup Invitational
Champions is Jack Burke's club, and the
Champions Cup is his
invitational tournament. This is a special
place, full of history and
worthy of the championships it has hosted,
which include the Ryder
Cup, U.S. Open, U.S Amateur, U.S. Mid-
Amateur and multiple Tour
Championships. The Champions Cup is a 72-hole
four-ball event with
no cut. It is a very popular tournament that
attracts a very strong,
competitive national field. To be considered
for entry, players must
maintain a maximum USGA handicap of 3, be
at least 25 years old
and submit playing accomplishments to be
considered. Walking is
required but long pants are no longer
mandatory. Contestants are
urged to stay at the homes of Champions
members (at no cost), but
can arrange their own accommodations if
desiring to do so. The tournament formerly
required both contestants
to be from the same state but has since
waived that requirement.
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