Rob Wilkin, Head Golf Professional at Heritage Park Golf Course, prevailed in a playoff to win the 10th Watson Challenge.
Wilkin, who led by 4 after the first round and 1 after the second round, and Watson battled back and forth all day. Watson’s round started off with some fireworks on the second hole, where he holed a 4-iron for an ace to get to 4-under for the tournament. Watson made the turn with the lead and looked in control heading to the par 3 15th. Wilkin knocked one close on the short par 3 and made birdie, while Watson found the hazard short of the green and made bogey. Wilkin would not hold the lead long, however, as a double bogey at 16 handed the lead right back to Watson. Unfortunately for Watson, a bogey at the 17th would put Wilkin and Watson into a tie, and Watson would not lead again.
Watson’s birdie attempt on 18 just slid by the hole, and the players headed to the 10th tee for a sudden-death playoff. Wilkin and Watson played 10, 11, 12, and 10 again, before the tournament was decide on the 11th hole. Both players missed birdie putts, but only Wilkin was able to convert his par putt, earning the victory.
Next year’s Watson Challenge will be contested at Milburn Country Club.
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