Mid-Senior Championship

Melson Wins State Mid-Senior Championship

Paul Melson won a playoff to claim the Florida State Mid-Senior Championship at Pelican's Nest Golf Club in Bonita Springs. The Championship concluded on the final day just as it did after the first round of play.

Paul Melson, of Plantation, and Lee Booker, of Naples, were tied as the leaders over the 144 player field. Going into the final day, Melson was two strokes back from Booker, the leader. On the 18th hole in the final round, Booker made birdie to force a playoff only to have Melson clinch the Championship after one playoff hole. For the tournament, Melson shot a 69-74-74--217 as Booker recorded a 69-72-76--217. Joseph Cristillo, of Crystal River, claimed the third spot, shooting 73-74-73--220. In fourth place, Jeff Sunday of Orlando, recorded a 74-74-77--225.

Participants in the Mid-Senior Championship must be 40 years of age or older. The Championship consisted of 54 holes of stroke play cut to the low 70 plus ties after 36 holes.

Golf Digest, The New York Times and Florida Golfer have all ranked Pelican’s Nest Golf Club among the best courses in Florida. Designed by world-renowned golf course architect, Tom Fazio, the course includes 36 holes of professional golf. The Hurricane and Gator Courses have been recently renovated, including the greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, and irrigation system.

ELIGIBILITY

Must be age 40 or older as of August 22, 2003 and be a member of the FSGA.

ENTRY FEE

$200. ($190 for online entry.) Includes cart fees for tournament rounds and prizes.

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

54 holes of stroke play, cut to the low 70 plus ties after after 36 holes.

FLIGHTS

None. No age divisions.

COURSES

Hurricane and Gator

CARTS

Players are responsible for practice round cart fees.

DEFENDING CHAMPION

Englewood’s John Corzilius broke the competitive course record for the Crooked Cat Course while winning the title at Orange County National Golf Center in Winter Garden. His final scores were 64-67-73--204.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements have been made at the Hyatt Regency-Coconut Point for $99 per night. Call (941) 390-4272 and identify yourself as an FSGA competitor.