Sports

Rhoads’ senior title highlights other men’s flight winners

Derek Barichello

ALBANY — Dan Rhoads went out on top.

The two-time winner, creator and director of the Albany Amateur City Championship won the men’s senior championship flight by four strokes — after trailing Tom Hall by two Saturday — for his third title in four years.

The championship comes as Rhoads is set to move to Gainesville in August.

“It was nice to win it again, especially since I’m leaving,” said Rhoads, who fired a 71, the best score on Day 3. “I avoided those bad holes and put together a complete round. I had a few putts fall that I haven’t been able to get.”

Rhoads said he expected a dogfight as runner-up Hall, who led coming into Sunday, and third place finisher Ben Benford all birdied the first hole.

Blake Raney also tied for third.

And Hall held the lead up until the Par 3, No. 15 when he tallied a double bogey to fall behind.

“It was back and forth until then,” said Hall, who has not won the tournament and now finished runner-up three times in a row. “(Rhoads) was just making some great shots.”

However, Benford, who fell out of contention, nailed a 40-foot putt on No. 17 for birdie.

“That’s the best putt I’ve had all week,” said Benford, who is competing in his first tournament since the death of his son Wesley six weeks ago. “I’m definitely glad I played.”

Now with Rhoads on his way to Gainesville, the tournament will be looking for someone new to run it.

“I’m hoping someone will pick it up,” Rhoads said. “Everything is already in place and it should be easy to take over at this point. All it takes is someone to step up and do it.”

After the trophy presentation ceremony conducted by Rhoads, Helen Kirbo and Benford presented Rhoads with a “Thank you” plaque and those in attendance gave him a standing ovation.

MEN’S 1ST FLIGHT

Though Blake Clanton fell short in his attempt at an overall title, he had the first flight championship to fall back on. Clanton finished six strokes ahead of Craig Taylor, who posted a 74 on Sunday for second place. Scott George took third place 17 strokes off the pace.

MEN’S 2ND FLIGHT

Jodie Knight won his second consecutive title after shooting a 76 Sunday.

Knight won the men’s third flight last year and hopes to do the same in the first flight next year.

“I just want to keep improving,” Knight said.

Knight won by three strokes as Phil Rouse finished runner-up and Lester Tomlinson finished third (eight strokes back).

MEN’S 3RD FLIGHT

Roosevelt Brown completed his amazing comeback from 12 strokes back on the opening day to finish six strokes ahead of runner-up Brad Renshaw and win his first title in only his first year playing. Toby Lay took third, nine strokes behind, and Round 1 leader Jerome Hubbard ended 11 strokes behind Brown.

MEN’S 4TH FLIGHT

Charlie Paul Taylor Jr. proved the fourth flight was no laughing matter. His overall score of 250 would have won the third flight and been good for fifth place in the second flight. Adding to that accomplishment, Taylor did it on little sleep.

“I work the third shift at Miller Brewing Company (Friday and Saturday night),” laughed Taylor, who won his first title. “It’s been hard to concentrate and focus but I took a huge nap after playing Saturday.”

Coming in second five strokes behind Taylor was Jim Dickey Jr., while Paul Wells ended up third.

MEN’S SENIOR 1ST FLIGHT

Sam Waters, who was the oldest golfer to compete in the tournament at 69 years old, proved age doesn’t matter as he won the senior’s first flight by seven strokes for his first title. Chris Glover took home second place and Lenny DeLamar wound up in third.

SENIOR 2ND FLIGHT

Gary Eller took care of business at his home course Sunday to win his first senior title. And it’s been just that kind of week for Eller, who recorded the first hole-in-one of his life on No. 17 at Flint River on Thursday.

“It’s been a very enjoyable weekend,” Eller said. “I shot a good final round (at home).”

Prince P. Reid III. finished runner-up and Bill Lane finished third.

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