Jack Hall (Brunswick Country Club Photo)
Jack Hall knew he was striking the ball well enough through the first two rounds that if he could make some putts, he was in good position to lift a trophy at the end of the tournament.
With 18 holes left, Hall did exactly that.
Hall won the 2023 Golden Isles Senior Invitational at Brunswick Country Club in Brunswick, Ga., by two shots, shooting 6-under throughout the 54-hole tournament.
Hall shot rounds of 73-68-69 to get to 6-under.
"It was a lot of fun," Hall said. "I Drove the ball really well and didn't get myself into too much trouble. I didn't make any putts the first two days, but I made some putts (in the final round)."
Hall recorded 11 birdies, an eagle, and seven bogeys on the week. In round two, Hall went birdie-eagle-birdie on Holes No. 12, 13, and 14, and that was the turning point.
"That is what really turned it all around," Hall said. "It was my first three one-putts."
Hall added, "It's all about that putter."
Heading into the final round down one shot to Charlie Kirk, the 2009 Golden Isles Invitational winner Hall knew he could up the ground if he kept hitting fairways and greens.
"I know the golf course, so I concentrated on the course, and with maybe, three to five holes left, I looked at where I was and went from there," Hall said.
Hall made birdies on Holes No. 13, 14, and 15 to grab a hold of the lead.
"After those three birdies, I knew I just had to hot some greens, make two putts, and force (Kirk) to make birdies," Hall said.
Kirk finished in solo second place at 4-under after rounds of 70-70-72. Hal Lamb finished in solo third place with rounds of 71-73-71.
Hall missed out on the U.S. Senior Amateur this year and wanted to end the season on a high note because of that.
"When you miss the big tournament, it kills your year," Hall said. "So I signed up for a couple of later tournaments to get over that, and I am glad I did. Winning here certainly feels good."
In the Super Senior Division, Steve Humphrey blitzed the field to win by 11 shots, shooting 8-under. Humphrey shot rounds of 71-69-68 and was the only golfer in the tournament with three rounds under par.
Humphrey recorded 14 birdies, four bogeys, and one double bogey.
Walter Himelsbaugh finished in solo second place at 3-over.
In the Legends Division, Phil Pavoni won at 3-under with rounds of 74-68-71. Pavoni was the only golfer in the division to finish under par.
ABOUT THE Golden Isles Senior Invitational
Senior version of the Golden Isles Invitational that
dates back to
1949. 54-hole stroke play championship with Senior
(55-64), Super Senior (65-70)
and Legends (71 and Older) Divisions.
View Complete Tournament Information