Sabo, Erickson, Petit win at Senior Series #1
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications • April 30, 2024
BEALLSVILLE — Tuesday’s WPGA Senior Series #1 competition presented players with thick rough and afternoon rain at Nemacolin Country Club.
But, in the end, a trio of winners emerged from a field of 47 competitors over three divisions.
In the Senior Division, Craig Sabo of Champion Lakes Golf Course survived a late scare to post a 2-over 73. Sabo’s lead shrunk in the final three holes due to a bogey, double bogey and bogey to end his round — a common thread among all players down the stretch.
“I got to 17 and had a pretty big lead,” said Sabo, who has gone through four swing changes in the last few months. “I normally don’t like playing with a big lead. That’s the most difficult round to play, when you have a four of five-stroke lead.
“I doubled 17, hit a good drive on 18 but was in thick rough. I couldn’t get the 9 iron through the rough and left it 60 yards short. I pitched it up, made the two-putt and won by one stroke. I knew I needed a bogey and that’s what I did on the last hole.”
Paul Bangor of Montour Heights Country Club finished second at 3-over. Bob Ofcharka (Montour Heights Country Club) and Joe Cubellis (Hickory Heights Golf Club) placed third, shooting 6-over.
The Super-Senior Division (age 65+) was once again claimed by Don Erickson, who has had numerous victories in Senior Series events over the years.
“I had three chip-ins,” Erickson said with a laugh. “I had one on the first hole and the second, and I chipped one in on 17… I’ve been a good chipper basically my whole life, but I’ve never chipped in two in a row like that.
“Since we started the Senior Series, it seems like I’ve won one or two of these a year. This was a nice field for the first one of the year. I really enjoy these events.”
Erickson’s victory came by two strokes, as he topped Connoquenessing Country Club’s Stan Namola (4-over). Tim McGuire of Hannastown was third at 5-over.
In the Net Division, Pat Petit of Manor Valley Golf Club finished with a gross score of 91 (Net adjusted to an even-par 71). Dale Flohr, Kevin Sharkey and Jeffrey Wilkins tied for second.
Two more Senior Series events are scheduled in 2024, with The Links at Spring Church hosting on July 16 and Totteridge Golf Course welcoming senior golfers on September 17.
For more information on playing in the WPGA Senior Series competitions, click here.
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For media inquiries, please contact WPGA Director of Communications Josh Rowntree.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and nearly 37,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.