Sherrill Britt tops pros at CPGA Senior Open in Southern Pines
Sherrill Britt
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — Fifteen years of playing events in the Carolinas has finally paid off for Sherrill Britt in 2015. Earlier this year, Britt, a 50-year-old general contractor from West End, N.C., took home his first CGA win with his victory in the Carolinas Mid-Amateur Championship in Raleigh. Now he can add his win in the Pine Needles/Mid Pines CPGA Senior Open to his list of accomplishments in 2015.
Britt enjoyed a three stroke lead after the first day of the tournament where professionals and amateurs play side by side. His first-round 66 gave him the lead over pro Rick Lewallen of Kannapolis, N.C. Pro Christopher Hodge of Greer, S.C., finished his first day three strokes behind Lewallen and six off the pace set by Britt. The first round was played at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club.
Britt wrapped the tournament up on his inward nine on day 2 at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club. With a bogey and a birdie, his outward nine was completed at even par (35), but four backside birdies on nos. 10, 12, 14 and 16 gave him a 4-under par 67 on top of his first-round 66. His final total of 10-under par 133 was seven strokes better than runner-up Lewallen and 14 strokes better than third-place finisher Hodge.
Other amateurs to post a top-10 finish were Bill Long of Ahoskie, N.C. (T5), Keith Waters of Raleigh and Ed Galbavy of Seabrook Island, S.C., and Reidsville, N.C.’s Patrick Brady, who finished in a tie for the tenth spot.