HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, CA (August 7, 2005) -- John Dunn of Middletown successfully
defended his title over the weekend of August 6 and 7, capturing the NCGA Hidden
Valley Lake Amateur. This time around, Dunn had to play better and the competition
was stiffer, yet the result was the same as he won the event by 2. Dunn carded
scores of 68-69=137, 7-under-par. It was Dunn's fourth NCGA individual points
title -- he has won two Sonoma County Amateur titles to go along with his pair
of Hidden Valley Amateur victories.
Opening play on Saturday with a 4-under-par 68, Dunn found himself tied with
Adam Lewis, the top golfer at Sonoma State University. Dunn was able to jump
out to a three shot lead on Sunday morning and even a late round errant tee
shot at No. 15 didn't frustrate him. He was able to grind out a bogey to maintain
a two stroke lead that held up for the rest of the tournament. Lewsi carded
a second round 71 to finish solo second. A noted power player, Dunn was the
ultimate iron master as well, hitting 31 of 36 greens in regulation.
Aside from his stellar iron play, Dunn attributed his victory to his knowledge
of the golf course coupled with his patience on the greens. Dunn too great satisfaction
in his win, stating, "It's nice to win once again on the home course."
Dunn will receive 50 NCGA points for his efforts, while Lewis gets 30 points.
Kevin Conover of Windsor was third, following rounds of 74-69=143. His third
place finish netted him 20 NCGA Points. Juan Lopez of Lakeport, the reigning
Lake County Open champion, finished fourth with 78-71=149, earning 10 NCGA Points.
Rounding out the top five were Dan Griffin of Clearlake and Barry Silva of Middletown,
both of who shot 150 and received 2.5 NCGA Points each
In the Net Division, Gary Moran of Lakeport took top prize with 71-66=137 net.
Bob Church of Middletown came in second, after slipping from a 68 on the first
day to a net 77 on Sunday.
In the Senior Division, Don Geiger of Middletown emerged from a very crowded
leaderboard to capture the division - his rounds of 74-78=152 doing the trick.
Andy Martinez Sr of Monterey, the defending champ, scored 74-81=155 to finish
three back in second place.
Story submitted by the Hidden Valley Amateur Tournament Committee.