Six shots back and well out of the lead, Sullins closes with a 7-under 65 to take the title
After firing a tournament-best 7-under-par, 65 in the final round, Randall Sullins of Claremont, N.C. claimed the 14th Carolinas Super Senior Championship at Rolling Hills Country Club with a score of 5-under-par, 139 following two days of fierce competition.
Six shots back and well out of the lead, Sullins came into the final round with no intentions of taking home the title. However, after firing a 6-under-par, 30 on the front nine, Sullins knew that something special was unfolding.
“It was the first time that I didn’t miss a shot,” said Sullins. “Making the turn, I was praying a lot. I was just trying to concentrate on my routine and my setup. I relied on that and prayer.”
He barely skipped a beat heading into the back nine. After bogeying the par-3, 11th hole, Sullins responded with back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th and would remain 7-under to close out his round. Next, he had to wait on the remaining six groups to come in before knowing if he would become the next Carolinas Super Senior Champion.
“I didn’t even look at the leaderboard, but everybody was telling me,” said Sullins. “I knew there was a chance at a playoff, so I went to the driving range to hit some balls.”
A playoff wasn’t necessary, though, as the round one leader James Pearson of Charlotte, N.C. finished the tournament in solo second at 2-under-par.
Although there was a big difference in Sullins’ scorecards from the two days, his mindset didn’t change too much. “I was overswinging yesterday,” said Sullins, “so today I tried to stay more in control of my golf swing.”
Facing such a large deficit heading into the final day wasn’t the only reason the 65-year-old wasn’t expecting to claim the championship. He also hasn’t been working on his game recently because he’s been busy teaching his two nephews how to play the game.
He jokingly added that the day they can finally beat him on the course will be the day he stops playing golf. But until then, Sullins will be able to add to his new trophy shelf and chase more CGA championships.
Doug Owens of Albemarle, N.C. took home solo third with a score of 1-under-par, 143. Finishing in a tie for fourth place at even-par, 144 was Lennie Barton and Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C.
Robert Desjardins of Matthews, N.C. captured the 70+ division with a 6-under-par, 138. Rolling Hills has been his home course for over 30 years and that showed as he shot two steady rounds under par. Artis Pike of Kernersville, N.C. took home solo second with a score of 4-under-par, 140. Finishing in a tie for third place at 1-over-par, 145 was Wayne Pyrtle of Burlington, N.C. and William Boles of Wilson, N.C.
About the Carolinas Super Senior
The championship is 36 holes of stroke play. Players select which division to compete if eligible: Championship Division (Men Age 65+); Approximate yardage = 6100 yards. 70+ Division (Men age 70+); Approximate yardage = 5500 yards
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