SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — Gene Jones fired a final-round 67 to claim the $7,500 first-place check Monday in the National Patriot Senior Invitational at National Golf Club.
Jones, an Orlando resident and High Point native, finished the 54-hole senior professional event with a score of 16-under 200. That was good for a six-shot victory over former PGA Tour player Dave Rummells of Kissimmee, Fla., who finished at 206 and earned $5,000.
Jones and Rummells were paired together in the final round, giving Rummells a chance to run down the second-round leader. However, Rummells missed several birdie putts early in the round and Jones pushed out to a safe lead with three straight birdies beginning at the 10th hole.
It was Jones’ first appearance in the National Patriot Senior Invitational, and he liked what he saw.
"I played on the (PGA) Tour for a year and this has all the makings of a Tour event," Jones said. "They know how to run this tournament, the facility is fantastic and I just like Nicklaus courses."
The first two rounds included a pro-am format, and Jones said he got into a groove with his two amateur partners.
"We had good chemistry the first two days and that carried over to today," said Jones. "I was accurate off the tee and putted well. I never had a penalty shot or had to pitch out of trouble."
Rummells, a member of the PGA Tour from 1986-98, said a balky putter kept him from making a run at the title.
"I had some chances early and just couldn’t get it going," said Rummells, who shot 70. "Gene had a spell in the middle of his round where he made three birdies in a row and kind of did me in."
The round of the day was turned by Tim Conley of Braselton, Ga. Conley fired an eight-under 64 to set the competitive course record at National. That vaulted Conley from back in the pack to a tie for third at 209 with Jack Ferenz of Vero Beach, Fla., and Mike Smith of Titusville, Fla. All three took home $3,166.66.
This was the fifth year for the National Senior Patriot Invitational, and National’s director of golf Tom Parsons was pleased with the quality of players the event attracted.
"We had a very strong field with the most under-par scores we’ve ever had," Parsons said. "We really believe in this tournament and we look forward to hosting it in the future."
The pro-am portion of the tourney helped raise $20,000 which was divided between two military-related charities, said tournament director Spike Smith.
National Patriot
Senior Invitational
National Golf Club,
Southern Pines, N.C.
Final Results
Gene Jones, Orlando, Fla., $7,500 68-65-67–200
Dave Rummells, Kissimmee, Fla., $5,000 68-68-70–206
Tim Conley, Braselton, Ga., $3,166.66 78-67-64–209
Jack Ferenz, Vero Beach, Fla., $3,166.66 67-67-75–209
Mike Smith, Titusville, Fla., $3,166.66 69-69-71–209
Rod Spittle, Columbus, Ohio, $2,125 70-75-67–212
Jim Chancey, Altamonte Springs, Fla., $2,125 72-73-67–212
Harry Taylor, Old Hickory, Tenn., $1,750 68-75-71–214
Pat McGowan, So. Pines, N.C., $1,375 71-71-73–215
Mitch Adams, Cary, N.C., $1,375 70-74-71–215
John Ross, Freeman, W.Va., $875 72-71-73–216
John McGough, Jacksonville, Fla., $875 73-72-71–216
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