The two-time Kansas State Senior Player of the Year finally reached the mountain top on Thursday, capturing his first U.S. Senior Challenge championship at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club outside of Portland, Ore. Goode’s victory came in wire-to-wire fashion, as the 62-year old carded scores of 69-71-67 for a winning score of 6-under 207, good for a five shot victory over Bryan Hoops of Tempe, Ariz.
Goode served notice out of the gates he was not going to be denied the coveted championship as made three front side birdies, including one right out of the gates on the par-4 first hole. He gave himself further breathing room by making three consecutive birdies to start the back nine and picked up another on 16 for good measure. With the tournament well in hand, bogeys on the final two holes did nothing to dampen Goode’s spirits, as he cruised to his first-ever USSC championship.
Goode’s stellar performance helped the Kansas A squad, consisting of Tracy Chamberlain, Mark Jolliffe and Mark Elliott along with Goode, to USSC team championship. It marked the first time since 2004 a team from Kansas walked away with the USSC team title.
“It’s so gratifying for these guys to represent their state so well in such a prestigious event,” said Goode. “Pumpkin Ridge is a very challenging and beautiful venue.”
Despite finishing five shots behind Goode for the Senior Individual title, Hoops did not walk away empty handed, as his 1-under total of 212 netted the two-time Arizona Mid-Amateur champion a three-stroke win in the 55-under division over John Bearrie of Marana, Ariz.
Bob Harrington (Portland, Ore.), the 2017 Oregon Senior Men’s Amateur Champion, claimed the Super Senior individual championship with a score of 2-under 211, three strokes clear of Murphy Mitchell (Scottsdale, Ariz.). Harrington was even through his first seven holes on his final round but made four birdies on his way to the clubhouse to seal the three-shot victory.
