GLADEWATER – The North Texas team of Derek Abel and Chris Wheeler birdied four of the last five holes to break open a tight back-nine battle and cruise to a four-shot win at the 50th annual Texas Golf Association Four-Ball Championship on Sunday at Tempest Golf Club.
The longtime partners had finished in the top five three different times in the state competition before finally breaking through with the win at 20-under-par. They credited persistence and praised the first-time championship site in the scenic East Texas woods.
“We have played a lot of four-ball together, but never a state title — at least until today,” said Dallas’ Abel.
“This (Tempest) is really nice. It’s a good test off the tee for sure. Coming from Dallas, we don’t get the elevation changes and all the trees they have here. I love it — I could play it again,” he added.
The Houston duo of Kyle Dickerson and Clay Hodge finished second at 16-under, while the Tyler team of Aaron Hickman and Rory Smith tied for third at 15-under-par.