With rounds of 66-68-71 (-11) West Des Moines’ Gene Elliott captured his fourth (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019) Iowa Senior Amateur title. Elliott made 16 birdies and an eagle over the 54-hole event staged at Mason City Country Club.
“I putted very well all week,” Elliott said. “These greens are small and difficult. They have a lot of slope on them. I wedged the ball really well. I hit wedges to a foot about six time this week. It’s a tight, tricky golf course. It’s a lot of fun to play. Today’s round was difficult, as the wind was blowing. I got off to a hot start the first two days and just tried to hang on from there.”
Lineville’s Jay Gregory, who would ultimately finish runner-up to Elliott, put up a good fight. Gregory posted rounds of 66-70-71 (-9) over the three days, including 13 birdies in 54 holes. Elliott praised Gregory for this play and determination.
“Jay is a great competitor,” Elliott said. “He’s a good friend (too) and he’s tough. I got up four (strokes) today and it didn’t phase him a bit. He fought right back and got within one with six holes to play. I love playing with him and you’ll be seeing a lot more of him.”
Norwalk’s Joe Palmer finished in third place at -6 for the championship.
“It felt like the FedEx Cup trying to chase these guys down,” Palmer said after the round with a smile.
In the Super Senior Division Jim Campbell (pictured right), of Albia, held off a charging Rob Christensen, of Marshalltown, to win by four shots. Campbell posted rounds of 70-71-76 (+1) and made made a total of eight birdies and an eagle over his 54-hole victory.
Fort Dodge’s Dave Sergeant and Fort Madison’s Jim Butler tied for third place with a three-day total of 223 (+7).
Fine play – Jack Peacock, of Cedar Rapids, who is 79 years old, twice beat and shot his age once, shooting scores of 74-74-79 to finish in 7th place in the Super Senior set.
Click here for a full recap of scoring and flight results.