Murphy Holds on to Win CGA Senior Stroke Play

Thornton – Steve Murphy of Black Bear GC shot 77 in the final round for a 213 (-3) total to earn a one stroke victory in the CGA Senior Stroke Play Championship at Heritage Todd Creek. Murphy, who entered the final round with a five-stroke lead, held on to earn a wire-to-wire victory which was his second wire-to-wire victory in three years (2006.) 

Similar to 2006, Murphy entered the final round with a big lead and struggled to hold onto it, and in both cases is was Rick Gorbell of Springs Ranch GC chasing him in the final group. "This time I played better", said Murphy, "but taking a two-stroke penalty on 10 was really frustrating.  I'm just glad I held it together."  

Murphy was sitting even par for the day in the 10th fairway when Gorbell's second shot from the native struck Murphy’s ball moving it a few inches.  Murphy however failed to replace his ball before playing and consequently incurred a 2-stroke penalty. Murphy then made bogey on #11 and Gorbell made par narrowing Murphy’s lead to four strokes.  On the par-4 13th, Gorbell made birdie and when Murphy’s par putt rimmed out, Gorbell was two strokes back.

Murphy settled down making steady pars and keeping his lead until the par-3 17th where his tee shot nearly found the water hazard.

Murphy was forced to take a stance with one leg knee-deep in the water and incredibly was able to play the ball to the center of the green to eventually save bogey.  Gorbell made par and cut Murphy’s lead to one going into the final hole.  On the par-5 18th, Gorbell narrowly missed his birdie attempt settling for par, and Murphy faced a five-foot par put for the victory.  With a confident stroke, Murphy’s putt found the back of the cup securing the win.  Gorbell finished at two-under 214 and in a second place tie for the third straight year in this event. Greg Goode of Murphy Creek GC shot the low round of the day, a two-under 70, to move into a second place tie with Gorbell at 214.

Defending champion Robert Polk of Colorado GC shot 71 in the final round to finish fourth at 215. Five-time champion John Olive of the Broadmoor GC finished at even par 216 to win the Super Senior Division title and finish in fifth place overall.

The Warren Simmons Trophy will reside at Murphy’s home club, Black Bear GC, until the 2009 Championship.

 

FINAL RESULTS 

Steve Murphy, Black Bear GC, 68-68-77--213

Richard Gorbell, Springs Ranch GC, 72-69-73--214

Greg Goode, Murphy Creek GC, 71-73-70--214

Robert Polk, Colorado GC, 71-73-71--215

John Olive, Broadmoor GC, 71-72-73--216

Kelly Crone, Deer Creek at Meadow Ranch, 73-71-76--220

Rick Weston, Meridian GC, 76-71-73--220

Robin Bradbury, Omni Interlocken, 76-73-72--221

Jerry Kidney, Overland GC, 73-76-72--221

Pat Bowe, The Courses at Hyland Hills, 76-72-74--222

Reed Myer, Denver Country Club, 73-75-74--222

Larry Netherton, Highlands Ranch GC, 74-74-75--223

Rich Trout, Rolling Hills CC, 74-76-73--223

Chuck Fisher, Riverdale GC, 73-74-77--224

Sean Forey, Bear Creek GC, 75-74-75--224

Kent Moore, Cherry Hills CC, 76-75-73--224

Frank Fager, Black Bear GC, 76-75-74--225

Brian Mooney, Lake Valley GC, 78-75-72--225

Art Cudworth, Bear Creek GC, 74-77-75--226

Rick George, Castle Pines GC, 72-77-77--226

Hal Marshall, Bear Creek GC, 76-74-76--226

Jim Bantley, Overland GC, 75-75-76--226

Fred Birner, Meridian GC, 76-74-77--227

Mark Franz, Saddle Rock GC, 80-75-74--229

Brady Hendren, Cherry Creek CC, 80-74-75--229

Charlie Post, Colorado GC, 75-77-77--229

Jim Pierce, Black Bear GC, 78-74-77--229

Kronin Kelley, The Heritage at Westmoor, 80-76-73--229

Bill Boyd, Highland Hills GC, 76-75-79--230

David Farabaugh, The Ranch CC, 75-79-76--230

Doug Jones, Tiara Rado GC, 77-76-77--230

Ron Perry, Willis Case GC, 71-77-82--230

Art Doyle, Elmwood Golf Course, 77-79-74--230

Roger Gunderson, Green Valley Ranch GC, 77-76-78--231

Steve Bell, Denver CC, 74-80-77--231

Jerry Beren, Lone Tree GC, 77-79-76--232

Bob Heiny, Highland Hills GC, 79-76-77--232

Frank Carson, Meridian GC, 75-77-80--232

Rod Walters, Indian Tree GC, 79-77-78--234

Don Berthiaume, Highlands Ranch GC, 75-81-79--235

Bruce Hogg, Colorado Springs Country Club, 78-77-80--235

Robert Clark, Lake Valley GC, 75-80-81--236

Kary Kaltenbacher, Glenmoor CC, 76-80-82--238

Gary Potter, Denver CC, 75-81-82--238

David Delich, Broadmoor GC, 74-82-WD--WD