Todd Doss of Mandeville, La., finally broke through on the Society of Seniors circuit, closing with a 2-under 70 to win the 18th Jack Hesler Tournament by one shot at Marsh Creek Country Club in St. Augustine, Fla.
After two days of cold, blustery weather with winds touching 30 mph, Thursday’s final round brought sunshine and calmer conditions — and the scoring followed. Eight players posted rounds of par or better on the Mark McCumber design, and Doss took full advantage.
Starting the day two shots off the lead, Doss moved steadily up the board. He reached three-under for the round through 15 holes, birdied the par-3 15th to build a cushion, then played solidly home to post 5-over 221 (77-74-70).
He finished one clear of Jack Hall of Savannah, Ga., and David Glabicki of Cary, N.C., who shared second at 6-over. Hall also closed with a 70, while Glabicki signed for a 71.
The victory marked Doss’ first Society of Seniors title, coming after several near-misses last season. “I didn’t look at the leaderboard at all,” Doss said. “I just tried to stay patient and see if I could break par.”
In the Super Senior Division, Bob Beck of Allentown, Pa., rallied to tie Jeff Dandurand of Westlake, Texas, at 9-over, then won with a birdie on the second playoff hole.
The Legend Division ended level at 6-over, with Marc Fried of Solon, Ohio, declared the winner after Keith McKelvy of Granbury, Texas, was unable to stay for a playoff.
In the Super Legend Division, Larry Woods of Louisville, Ky., completed a wire-to-wire win, finishing four shots clear at 5-over 221.