PETER SENIOR had another disappointing weekend on the US Champions Tour at the Principal Charity Classic in Iowa after a bright start in the first round.
The event was won by America’s Tom Pernice Jr after a two hole sudden death playoff with compatriot Doug Garwood.
Senior shot a 5-under 67 in the first round at the Wakonda golf club in Des Moines but followed that on the weekend with rounds of 75-74 to finish on even par tied for 50th.
That has been pretty much the story for the 54 year old Aussie in his fifth year on the Champions Tour, some very bright patches but just failing to put the three rounds (or four in the majors) together to make it to the top.
Still, he has had five top 20’s in his nine starts this year, with his best a T11 at the ACE Group Classic in February. Senior is still looking for his maiden Champions Tour victory, as is fellow campaigner Steve Elkington, who was out of action this week.
Pernice closed with a 3-under 69 to reach 12-under and match Garwood (71) who birdied the final two holes in regulation in just his fourth start of the season.
The two Americans played the par-4 18th hole twice in the playoff, with Pernice sinking an eight foot birdie putt at the second attempt to take his third victory on the 50-and-over tour.
“I really hit the ball good all week and really kept the ball in play in the fairway when I needed to and holed some key shots at key times,” Pernice said.
Bill Glasson (64), Jay Haas (67), Mark Calcavecchia (70) and Michael Allen (71) finished one stroke off the lead tied for third place.
Champions Tour Results