Ferris has stroke of luck in first pro victory

By BRANT JAMES

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 14, 2001

Former Hernando High School and South Florida golfer Doug Ferris won his first professional tournament last Sunday, collecting a $7,500 check as a one-stroke winner in the North Dakota Bobcat Open at Fargo Country Club.

Ferris used a 15-foot putt on the 18th hole to fire a 71 round and 7-under 209 for the tourney, which was a stroke better than Pat Moore and James McLean.

"It was 15 feet that looked like 25 to me," Ferris told The Forum newspaper. "But I had a lot of confidence with the putter today.

"I was rolling the ball well, and I got a good read off the other guys' putts," he said. "I knew what it was going to do."

BEAR OF A START: The Central High girls started the season on a roll at 3-1.

The team's No. 1 player, Francesca Gonzalez, medaled in three of the Bears' first four matches. Katie McCabe produced the best score in a 206-224 win over Citrus.

McCabe's performance is more impressive considering she beat by a stroke Morgan Owen, an All-Hernando/Citrus first-team selection last season.

Gonzalez carded a birdie and two pars for a 43 last Thursday in a win over Hernando. She had a 49 in a 233-283 romp over Springstead and a 44 in a season-opening 216-206 loss to Citrus.

"I'm pleased with our progress," Central coach Lois Hooper said. "I only hope that the girls realize that we still have our work cut out for us. Course management and consistent putting are two areas where we need to focus."

SUPPORT: The Florida-based National Competitive Golf Tour will donate 50 percent of all revenue generated from this weekend's tournament at Fox Hollow Golf Club to the American Red Cross, according to a news release from tour president Larry Howes.

Competitors may opt to donate any portion of their winnings to the Red Cross in their name.

The tournament will begin 11:45 a.m. Saturday. Anyone interested in playing may call (407) 281-6882 or (877) 465-3452.

SEVEN HILLS: Barb Fleming shot a 61 on Aug. 28 to win the A Flight in the "best 16 of 18 holes" game in the Seven Hills Ladies Golf League.

Cindy Holland (61) was second.

Margaretha Samuelsson (56) won the B Flight, ahead of Rose Kundrith (61).

Eloise Reich (58) captured the C title, beating Sharon Norris (59). Connie Calnan (53) took the D ahead of Betty Tooker (57).

On Sept. 5, Sue Cawood shot a plus-1 to win the A Flight in the weekly points game.

Bev Johnson (minus-1) was second, and Janice Sandlin and Barb Fleming (minus-3) were third.

Other place-winners were: B Flight, first, Rose Kundrith (plus-2); second, Bobbie O'Connell (minus-1); and third, Margaretha Samuelsson (minus-3).

C Flight winners were: first, Jane Szeltner (even); second, Sharon Norris (minus-4); and third, Eloise Reich (minus-5). D Flight, first, Connie Calnan (even); second, Shirley Wilcox (minus-3).

WELLINGTON: Isabel McDonald shot a 67 on Thursday to win the Wellington Mixed Golf League low net game.

Bill Houser (69) was second. Phil Daniele and Walt Moore (70) tied for third.

- Please report news and scores to Brant James at (800) 333-7505, ext. 1430, fax to (352) 848-1412, or e-mail brant@sptimes.com.

BOBCAT NORTH DAKOTA OPEN

Aug. 30-Sept. 3

At Fargo Country Club

209: Doug Ferris (69-69-71).

210: James McLean (68-76-66), Pat Moore (68-72-70).

211: Don Berry (71-73-67), Todd Kolb (70-72-69), Mike Christensen 69-69-73.

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