Mike Allen shot 76-70 = 146 to capture the TGA South Region Seniors Championship by three shots. A first round 76 in cold windy conditions left Allen two shots behind the lead and tied for third place.
Taking advantage of better weather on the second day, Allen fashioned a front nine 33 that put him in contention for the title. Facing the more difficult back nine, he struggled through holes 10-13 with three pars and a bogy. This stretch of holes saw Allen receive the benefit of a favorable bounce on #10 that saved him from out of bounds, encounter an unplayable lie on #12, and hit a ball into the hazard on #13. He regained his form on #14 and played the final five holes even par on the Gary Players course at the Woodlands Country Club.
Defending Senior Champion David Pocknall of Katy finished 2nd at 149, with Jamie Held in third at 151 and Tom McGraw in fourth at 152. Held and McGraw are consistent performers in the TGA Senior Tournament Series.
Allen said "It's nice to play well and be in the winners circle again. Although I hit 14 greens in regulation and had 28 putts, a few loose shots made it more exciting than I wanted it to be. I'm glad my decision making and nerves held up". See the award presentation photo here and see the full story at the TGA website.
