WCMA: Clark Rose defends Open Division championship

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on July 15, 2013 1:46 PM

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Clark Rose chose not to look at the leader board during the final round of the Wayne County Men's Amateur at Lane Tree Golf Club on Sunday afternoon.

The decision paid off with a second consecutive victory.

Rose fired a final-round 68 and erased a four-shot deficit to repeat as the Open Division champion with a two-day total of 139.

"I told myself that my job was to go out and play well and hopefully put up a low number," Rose said. "There was no reason to worry about what other guys were doing. If I got beat, fine. But ultimately it worked out."

Bradley Jones and Brandon Campbell tied for second place at 142. Former Amateur champion Lionel Sutton, Hayden Gardner and Dustin Smith each shot 143.

Wet conditions plagued the three-day event, which was shortened to 36 holes. Players battled through downpours at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course on Friday and were forced off the course when the second round at Southern Wayne Country Club was canceled due to thunderstorms.

"No one was happier to see the second day rained out than me," Rose said. "I had my sister's wedding, so I was happy to sit around and enjoy the reception and not have to rush back and tee off in round two."

Tim Rose rallied for a two-shot win in the Senior Division. Rose won his second WCMA title in the past three seasons with a 145 total. Stan Adams finished second at 147, followed by Jeff Jackson at 153.

John Zambelli continued his run as one of the most successful players in amateur history with a win in the Super Senior Division. Zambelli claimed his fifth trophy -- two as a Senior and three as a Super Senior -- with a total of 141.

Roland Gurley finished runner-up with a 150. Former champ Charlie Waters carded a 151.

"All things considered, I think this tournament was excellent," tournament committee member Parker King said. "To have one day washed out and still have the kind of exciting finish we had was pretty remarkable."

Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries was the title sponsor of the 2013 Wayne County Men's Amateur. Next year the course rotation will include Walnut Creek Country Club, Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course and Southern Wayne Country Club.