“I was hoping to shoot one or two under and maybe squeak into third or fourth place,” said Ober, who finished second to Sullivan last year. “There were so many good players ahead of me, I honestly didn’t think I had a chance to win.”
But a 2-under 70 on the Wilson course in difficult conditions vaulted him past all eight players and secured him the win. His final-round score was three better than the next best score on a day when virtually every pin was tucked and balls were trampolining off the firm greens.
The win was Ober’s first ever in an open field event that included former champion and 13-time USGA qualifier Michael Turner (71, 77), 15-time USGA participant Keith Kinsel, (72, 80), 12-time USGA veteran Bob Valerio (74, 76), and current Morrison Cup and 2016 SCGA Senior Amateur champ Craig Calkins (71, 75).
“I’ve had some nice finishes over the years in some decent events, but I’ve never won anything other than a couple club championships. To win this tournament against a field like this is something I will never forget.”
David Ober contributed to this report