Burke emerges youngest WCMA champ

Published in Sports on June 6, 2005 1:58 PM

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DUDLEY -- Neal Benton and Matthew Vilsack pulled to within two strokes of 36-hole leader Jonathan Burke in the final round of the WCMA at Southern Wayne Country Club, but it wasn't enough to overcome the teenager from Lane Tree Golf Club.

Burke's three-over 74 was enough to become the youngest champion of the 54-hole tournament.

Stan Adams, who began the day one stroke behind Burke, managed to take the lead at one point of the match. But a couple erant shots down the final stretch opened the door for Burke. Burke and Adams were within one stroke or less of each other through much of the match. However, a birdie on the difficult 190-yard par three number five turned the tables in Burke's favor.

Jonathan Greene made a run for the title from the first flight group, carding the low round of the day, a four-under 67, to trail Burke by only one stroke. Burke stepped onto the tee box of the final hole knowing he needed at worst a par to trump the 218 Greene already had in the club house.

Burke fired a perfect drive down the center of the fairway, setting up a perfect approach to the 18th green. His two putt was enough to take the title.

Brewer takes Senior Division title

Bill Brewer stepped onto the number one tee box with a five-stroke lead over John Zambelli, and walked way with the Senior Division title with the same five-stroke advantage when all was said and done.

Brewer struggled at times, but Zambelli could not take advantage. Both would shoot four-over for the day.

Newsome wins

Super Seniors

John Newsome saw his five-stroke advantage fade away as Mickey Nance picked away at it all day. The two Super Senior Division contenders were even going into the final hole. Nance blocked his drive to the right and in the edge of the trees. Newsome's drive split the fairway. Nance pulled his approach, which was also long, and Newsome dropped his center green. The ensuing two putt and Nance's bogie was enough for Newsome to take the title.