Rob Thompson
ELK GROVE, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2012) -– Despite ideal conditions with temperatures in the mid-70s, sunny skies and no wind, low scores were hard to come by at Valley Hi CC in the third Annual NCGA Super Senior Championship. After the opening 18 holes, former NCGA Senior Player of the Year Rob Thompson and Carl Cowan lead the way with scores of two-over par 74.
Thompson and Cowan, who happened to be paired together today, may have fired the same score and had the same amount of bogeys and birdies—four and two, respectively—but the way in which the two shot 74 couldn’t have been more opposite. Thompson claimed that his ball-striking was excellent, but around the greens he had trouble.
“I hit it exceptionally well. I hit eight greens in regulation on my opening nine (starting off No. 10), and four of those were inside 10 feet, but couldn’t make a putt,” said Thompson. “I felt like I turned a 70 into a 74.”
On the other hand Cowan explained that his ball-striking was poor, but he survived the day by getting up and down.
“I didn’t hit the ball very well, but I chipped well, so I don’t know what to expect for tomorrow,” said Cowan, who openly admits that he rarely competes in many events.
Thompson, who finished runner-up in this event last year in his first year eligible, hopes to improve his position and add another NCGA senior major to his resume. If he were able to do so it would be his seventh, having already won the NCGA Senior (2005), NCGA Senior Match Play (2007, ’08) and the NCGA Senior Four-Ball (2005, ’07 ‘08). For Thompson, a fast-paced golfer, he believes the key for him to get a victory will be staying patient, which can be hard for him to do.
“I just need to slow down, smell the roses a little bit and stay patient,” he said.
Joining Thompson and Cowan in the final group tomorrow at 9:10 a.m. is defending champion James Myers, who fired one of three 75s on the day. The other two at 75 tied for third place, who will go out in the second to last group at 9:02 a.m., include Ron Johsnon of Walnut Creek and Ray Vanyo of Banning. It’s worth noting that the 75 Vanyo fired on Monday matches his age, which he claimed is the 501st time that he has shot his age or better.
Tomorrow’s action begins at 8:30 a.m.
View results for NCGA Super Senior
ABOUT THE NCGA Super Senior
The Super Senior Championship was created in 2010 to
give golfers 65 and older their own championship.
Format is 36 holes of stroke play. Players must have
reached their 65th birthday by the start of the
tournament and have a numeric handicap index on
their club’s Master Report of 9.4 or less on the date of
registration.
View Complete Tournament Information