Birdie, Birdie finish earns Hunter and Segreto Champions Cup Invitational title

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.