Tom Watson wins 5th Watson Challenge
Bryan Norton
Parkville, MO (June 9, 2013) — Let there be no doubt, the best golfer in Kansas City is Tom Watson. The final group of today’s round is the pairing the city has been hoping for. One of the most successful amateurs in the history of the city, Bryan Norton, and Midwest PGA Section perrenial favorite, Sean Dougherty rounded out the final group with Watson as play began on the rain soaked National Golf Club.
Immediately out of the gates, Watson set the tone for the day. With birdies on holes 1, 2, and 5, Watson raced out to an insurmountable lead. ”This was a really difficult golf course, with all the rain we have had, it was like playing out of U.S. Open rough,” said Watson. “I know a little about how to play the golf course, since I designed it, but that also means that I know where all the trouble is as well. I hit the ball great all week. I missed one fairway each day and that’s what you have to do to be successful.”
This makes the fifth Watson Challenge win for the event’s namesake. Watson won the 2008,2009, 2010, and 2011 championships prior to this year’s event. “I’m very happy with the win, but happier with how this event is affecting the game in Kansas City,” continued Watson. “I started this tournament with the hope that it would inspire players to play more and increase the competitiveness of golf in Kansas City. It seems like we are having success.”
While they did not claim the tournament title, Sean Dougherty and Bryan Norton did go on to claim the Runner-Up and Low Amateur medals for the event. The other big winner from this weekend’s event is the First Tee of Greater Kansas City. Thanks to the generosity of the event’s major sponsors and the work of tournament chairman Mark Henderson, the National will contribute over $70,000 to the First Tee of Greater Kansas City. The proceeds will go to improve the lives of children in Kansas City through the values inherent in golf.
View results for The Watson Challenge
ABOUT THE
The Watson Challenge
The Watson Challenge, founded in 2007, is the
vision of
Tom Watson who came to the Kansas City Golf
Association with the purpose of determining the best
player in the greater Kansas City golf community
while
raising money for area charities. The Watson
Challenge
has a field of 48 players, which is comprised of the
best
professionals and amateurs living in the greater
Kansas
City golf community.
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