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Bruce Berlet has covered golf in CT for over 30 years.

October 2011 Archives

Way to go, Kevin

By Bruce Berlet on October 20, 2011 4:01 PM | Comments (0)

A double round of congratulations to Kevin Giancola for winning his fourth Connecticut Section PGA Match Play Championship and clinching his sixth Player of the Year award.

The standout from Golf Quest Family Sports Center in Southington beat former PGA Tour player Tom Gleeton of the Country Club of Waterbury 4 and 3 to win the championship at Race Brook Country Club in Orange.

Giancola earlier clinched a third Player of the Year title in four years with a 2-up semifinal victory over Senior Player of the Year Fran Marrello of Canaan CC. Giancola has 328.50 points to Marrello's 312.75 and tied Bob Kay for second-most championship titles in section history with 10. Marrello is the career leader with 18.

"I hit a lot of greens and was able to make a lot of pars," Giancola told ctpga.com. "I had only one bogey this afternoon on number two where I hit it in the water just like yesterday. With the wind up and the greens so fast, if you can make pars, you'll be in good shape. In these conditions, it was good enough to win."

"My match against Fran is what any player wants. To have the two best players in the Section going head-to-head to advance to the finals, and having your fate in your own hands for Player of the Year. It's always fun to win, but this takes a lot out of you. These weren't (five) easy matches. None of them were easy. I just won a few holes in a row on Fran and on Tom and that was the difference.

"In match play, you make different decisions based on your partner and strategy does change. It was a good finish, and I look forward to playing the Del Kinney (Championship) later this month."

Giancola was presented with the Bob Kay Trophy and first-place winnings of $1,000. Gleeton reached the final with a 3-and-2 victory over Tony Kelley of Wyckoff Park CC in Agawam, Mass.

Congratulations, Travelers

By Bruce Berlet on October 19, 2011 7:33 PM | Comments (0)

Major kudos to the Travelers Championship for raising more than $1 million for local charities thanks to this year's tournament, won by Fredrik Jacobson.

Here's the release from the tournament:

HARTFORD, Conn. (Oct. 19, 2011) -- The Travelers Championship, Connecticut's PGA TOUR event, announced today that the 2011 tournament generated $1,035,000 for more than 100 charities throughout the region. Since its inception in 1952, the tournament has raised more than $29 million for charity.

"The opportunity to generate more than $1 million for charity for the third straight year is remarkable, and would not have been possible without the continued support of our sponsors, volunteers and the thousands of fans who came out during tournament week," said Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube. "The Travelers Championship continues to be recognized as a premier stop on the PGA TOUR, and as we prepare for 2012, we encourage everyone to show their support. Be it a charity participating in a fundraiser, sponsors utilizing the tournament to grow their business, or fans and volunteers coming out to be part of the excitement, this event is a community partnership that offers a role for everyone to be involved."

The Travelers Championship donates 100 percent of net proceeds each year to nonprofit organizations throughout New England through a variety of fundraising programs. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has been affiliated with the tournament since it began and became title sponsor in 2007. Since then, the Travelers Championship has generated nearly $5 million for charity and an estimated economic impact of $135 million for the state of Connecticut over the five-year period.

"At Travelers, we are pleased that the Travelers Championship has made such an impact on the community by generating significant dollars to help nonprofit organizations deliver support to those who need it most," said Andy Bessette, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Travelers. "Travelers is proud to be part of a world-class PGA TOUR event that benefits charity, and we appreciate the dedication of the volunteers, fans, sponsors, players and tournament staff who play a vital role in making the tournament a success."

The Travelers Championship has impacted hundreds of charities over the years, including The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp based in Ashford, which provides a different kind of healing to seriously-ill children. Through on-site and off-site programming as well as a Hospital Outreach Program currently active in 21 sites throughout the Northeast, Camp provides transformational friendships and universally accessible activities that empower children coping with diagnoses such as cancer, sickle cell anemia and hemophilia. In 2011, Camp programs will serve more than 17,500 children and their families. All services are free of charge.

"The Travelers Championship is so special not only because of the generous support provided by every sponsor and participant, but also because of the broad public awareness that it generates for our mission," said James Canton, chief executive officer of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. "We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Travelers Championship and lead sponsor Travelers for their devoted generosity and belief in our mission, which has allowed us to serve more seriously ill children and their families than ever before."

More than 100 charities were beneficiaries of the 2011 Travelers Championship through hundreds of thousands of dollars raised in the Birdies for Charity pledge-based fundraiser and the Chip In for Charity ticket-sales fundraiser. Additionally, the Travelers Championship raised awareness and funds for local charities through a variety of special events like the Blum Shapiro 5K for Camp Courant, Walmart Classic for The First Tee of Connecticut, Military Appreciation presented by Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Golf Digest Junior Pro-Am, Michael Bolton Benefit Concert, Women's Day presented by Travelers, Newman's Own Foundation Philanthropy Day and The REACH Concert Series.

For the fourth consecutive year, J.H. Cohn LLP was the presenting sponsor of Birdies for Charity, by supporting administration of the program and contributing to a bonus fund for the charities that raised the most money.

"J.H. Cohn LLP is proud to continue our partnership of this great community event. The Travelers Championship's mission of giving back is complementary to our firm's values," said Frank Longobardi, managing partner for J.H. Cohn LLP Connecticut office. "Our firm is committed to supporting Birdies for Charity by providing all administrative support and creating a Birdies Bonus Bucks incentive program again in 2012. We urge all nonprofit organizations to explore this program and hope to see the funds raised continue to grow each year."

J.H. Cohn LLP presented checks to the top 10 charities of the Birdies for Charity program. The First Tee of Connecticut raised $37,778.96 for their organization and received an additional $5,000 from J.H. Cohn LLP for finishing as the top charity in 2011.

Preparation has already begun for the 2012 Travelers Championship, which will be held June 18-24 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. The Travelers Championship offers special fundraising programs so that all nonprofit organizations in the region can utilize the event as an easy, effective fundraiser. For more information, please visit www.TravelersChampionship.com.

A most worthy cause

By Bruce Berlet on October 11, 2011 9:07 AM | Comments (0)

The Travelers Championship and TPC River Highlands in Cromwell will hosting its Birdies for the Brave Golf Outing on Monday at the home of the PGA Tour's annual stop in Connecticut.

Birdies for the Brave is a military outreach initiative proudly supported by the PGA Tour, and this fundraising event underscores its mission of giving back to eight outstanding nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting U.S. troops and their families:

HOME FOR OUR TROOPS
· Supported by tour player Phil Mickelson, the only back-to-back winner in the Travelers' 59-year history; www.homesforourtroops.org

SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION
· Supported by Mickelson; www.specialops.org

NAVY SEAL FOUNDATION
· Supported by University of Hartford grad Jerry Kelly, Vijay Singh and Frank Lickliter II; www.nswfoundation.org

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
· Supported by Lickliter II, Jason Gore, Nick Watney and Boo Weekley; www.woundedwarriorproject.org

OPERATION HOMEFRONT
· Supported by Corey Pavin; www.operationhomefront.net

GREEN BERET FOUNDATION
· Supported by 2010 Travelers Championship winner Bubba Watson; www.greenberetfoundation.org

UNITED THROUGH READING
· Supported by Rory Sabbatini; www.unitedthroughreading.org

MILITARY WARRIORS SUPPORT FOUNDATION
· Supported by Ted Purdy; www.militarywarriors.org

Donations and net proceeds of sponsorships will be divided by PGA Tour Charities, Inc. between the eight charities.

The event has a 9 a.m. shotgun start and a shamble format. Entry fee is $300 per person and includes golf, tee gift and late lunch at Morton's in Hartford around 2:30 p.m., and a silent auction will be held. To enter or for sponsorships, contact Kevin Kniss at 860-635-5000, ext. 139 or kevinkniss@pgatourpc.com.

Not many better charities than this.

Aulenti, Whaley cited

By Bruce Berlet on October 11, 2011 7:32 AM | Comments (0)

Kudos to Angela Aulenti and Suzy Whaley for earning two of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Teaching and Club Professional's major awards.

Aulenti, head pro at Sterling Farms Golf Club in Stamford, was named Northeast Section Professional of the Year. Whaley, a teaching pro at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, was named Teacher of the Year. The University of Virginia's Kim Lewellen is coach of the year.

The LPGA T&CP executive committee will select and announce the overall national award winner in each category from among the five section award winners in the coming weeks.

The LPGA T&CP membership, founded in 1959, boasts the largest membership of women golf professionals in the world. LPGA T&CP members are certified as golf instructors, coaches and business managers through a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the changing needs of the golfing public.

More than 1,300 strong, LPGA T&CP members are dedicated to the advancement of golf and serve throughout the golf industry as head professionals, assistant professionals, teaching professionals, directors of golf, owners of golf schools and facilities, golf administrators, college and high school coaches and more.

LPGA T&CP members support the LPGA's various grassroots programs that were created to involve women and youth in golf as well as contribute to the overall growth of the sport. These programs include LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, LPGA Tour Junior Clinics, the LPGA Front Row Experience Presented by Michelob ULTRA, and LPGA Golf Clinics for Women.

Congratulations to all the section winners and best of luck to Angela and Suzy on winning the national awards.

Historic first for Gliha

By Bruce Berlet on October 10, 2011 8:48 PM | Comments (0)

Don Gliha of Connecticut Golf Academy in Manchester will enjoy the ultimate Connecticut Section PGA daily double and make history at the annual Special Awards dinner at MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort on Nov. 20.

Gliha was among four people, three posthumously, to be named for induction into the section Hall of Fame. Now the section's board of directors and the Special Awards committee has named Gliha the Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor bestowed upon a PGA of America member.

He is the the first section member to be honored as Golf Professional of the Year and to be inducted into the Connecticut Section PGA Hall of Fame in the same year. Gliha is the only living member of this year's class of inductees that also honors Henry Bontempo, Wally Cichon and Joel Smith.

As Golf Professional of the Year, Gliha was cited for overall performance as a golf professional, leadership, service to the section, the ability to inspire fellow professionals and promotion of the game. He is the 54th recipient of the Professional of the Year award since 1952 when the Section Special Awards Program began. He was previously honored in 1987 as the Bill Strausbaugh award recipient, in 1988 and 1998 as the Teacher of the Year and in 2004 as the Horton Smith Award recipient.

"Gliha is an icon in the business," section president John Korolyshun said. "He has been a great head professional and great teacher and has served the section well for over 34 years. There isn't anyone in our section who does not admire, respect and love Don Gliha."

Gliha was elected to PGA membership on Jan. 1, 1977. After serving as Black Hall Club head professional, Gliha built and still operates the Connecticut Golf Academy. He served as section president for three years (1984-86) at a time when the section officers had little administrative support.

"Gliha had to do a lot more than many presidents did because the executive director (Bob Shea) was very sick," Korolyshun said. "It was a time where the president had to step up and help the executive director run the programs. He was in a very tough position at the time and did a great job keeping the Connecticut Section running and moving forward."

An extremely decorated PGA Professional, Gliha is one of only three section pro to be a two-time Teacher of the Year. Gliha is the only section member to be classified as Master Professional, the highest PGA Membership status that can be achieved. He continues to be an active participant in section tournaments and education seminars, particularly on the subject of coaching and instruction. This year, Gliha won the Legends Division in the 60th Senior Connecticut PGA Championship at Fox Hopyard GC in East Lyme and was one of the oldest players to compete in the 80th Connecticut PGA Championship at the Black Hall Club.

Gliha is also the first section member to be honored as Golf Professional of the Year and to be inducted into the Connecticut Section PGA Hall of Fame in the same year. Gliha is the only living member of this year's class of inductees that honors Henry Bontempo, Wally Cichon, and Joel Smith.

Others section award winners are George Connor, Gillette Ridge GC-Bloomfield, Teacher of the Year; Jon Janik, Tashua Knolls GC-Trumbull, Junior Golf Leader; Sean Busca, Clinton CC, Horton Smith Award; Tim Gavronski, Shuttle Meadow CC-Kensington, Bill Strausbaugh Award; Shaun Maher, Stanley GC-New Britain, Assistant Professional of the Year; Kyle Hedstrom, Stanley GC, Merchandiser of the Year-Public; Ryan Hall, Golf Club of Avon, Merchandiser of the Year-Private; and Mike Perreault of Northhampton, Mass., Golf Sales Representative of the Year.

"This year's Special Awards winners are a good mix between our seasoned statesmen and professionals that are the new face of the section," Korolyshun said. "These are PGA professionals who have put a great deal of time and effort into the section and also young, energetic aces of the PGA of America for the next decade."

The Junior Golf Association Players of the Year are Abbey Doski of Sandy Hook and Patrick Albanesi of Avon. Jack Kelly Sportsmanship Award winners are Barbara Wilson of East Lyme and David Szewczul of Farmington, son of longtime standout Dave Szewczul, who could become the first Connecticut State Golf Association Senior Player of the Year and Player of the Year in the same year in 2011. The award winners will be joined at the ceremony by a yet to be named President's Award recipient and the Section Player of the Year and Senior Player of the Year.

Congratulations and best wishes to all the award winners and Hall of Fame inductees, especially Don, one of the most proficient and funniest after-dinner speakers I've ever heard. Can't wait for his acceptance speeches in November.

Golf loses a giant

By Bruce Berlet on October 9, 2011 12:43 PM | 2 Comments

So sorry to hear of the death of E.B. "Pete" Broadbent, one of the legends of the game in the state, especially with the Connecticut State Golf Association.

I got word of the sad news from Lida Tingley, another of the state's golfing legends and member of the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame. In as fitting an end imaginable, Broadbent died at 85 while at an assisted living place overlooking part of New Haven Country Club, where he spent countless days playing and working for the CSGA since joining the club in 1950.

Broadbent, inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame in 2008, served extensively on various boards and committees at New Haven CC, CSGA, U.S. Golf Association and other golf organizations. He was president of NHCC, CSGA and Junior-Senior Golf Association and remained a member of NHCC, CSGA Board of Directors, Connecticut Senior Golf Association and the U.S. Senior Golf Association after his retirement.

For 18 years, Broadbent served on the USGA Senior Amateur Championship committee and was an official and referee at the championship. He also was a longtime on-course official for New Haven CC, CSGA, Florida State Golf Association, Connecticut Women's Golf Association and Bear's Paw CC in Naples, Fla., where he resided in the winter with his wife of 56 years, Ginger, a longtime contributor to the CWGA who thankfully has recovered from recent surgery.

"Golf was the love of his life, and I think I was No. 2," Ginger said with a chuckle. "But I had my moments, too. When we first got married, Peter said he wouldn't play on Sunday, but you can't imagine how many member-guest tournaments that he played in that ended on Sunday. He just loved playing at Hartford Golf Club with Linc Kinnicutt, who became a real close friend.

"And Linc would come and play with Peter and New Haven Country Club. And Peter loved to go to Cape Cod to play in member-guests at Wiano and Oyster Harbors. It was terrific."

In the NHCC 1998 centennial book, Broadbent was described as the best golfer never to win the club championship, which was a great frustration for him. Four times he lost in the finals, three times to fellow Hall of Fame service award winner Herb Emanuelson, each time on the 36th and final green. Broadbent never won the club's Member-Guest either, despite losing in the final match four times, always on the 36th green. Appropriately, NHCC named its member-guest in Peter's honor this year.

It might have been partly that frustration that led him to found the club's Member-Member tournament, now named for 1956 Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Clare. He managed to win that title three times, once with Veggo Larsen, who had been something of a father figure to him since his dad died in 1940.

The rules of golf were always a point of interest and emphasis for Broadbent. He attended the USGA Rules School 12 times and said, "I learned something new every time."

When inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame in the Distinguished Service category, Broadbent said, "I'm humbled, deeply grateful, I really am. I think my club (New Haven CC) deserves the honor as much as I do, or anybody else does. It has done so much for golf. I think it has hosted more championships over the years as any other club.

"The game of golf has meant everything to me. I dont' look upon any of it as a chore. It was an enjoyment. My whole life ins golf has been an enjoyment."

Broadbent, who graduated from Yale in 1948 with a degree in bachelor science and engineering, was CSGA president in 1987-88 and a member of the board of directors until close to his death.

Broadbent called himself "a rules nut" and attended the USGA rules school 12 times.

"I wanted to become an expert about the rules," he said at his Hall of Fame induction. "I've forgotten more about the rules of golf than most people ever knew."

Yes, it was people like Broadbent who shaped the game and their clubs from within. He was a model for those who love and give back to the game of golf, and my deepest condolences go to Ginger, one of the nicest people that you will meet anywhere.

Broadbent is survived by Ginger, his wife of 56 years, children Peter, Eric, Michael and Susan Mary Redinger, their spouses, and seven grandchildren. Friends may visit with his family at Beecher and Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden on Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. and may attend a memorial service at Beecher & Bennett on Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Masonic Charity Foundation Quality of Life Fund, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492, or to a charity of your choice.

RIP, Peter, and hit 'em straight in that Great Golf Course in the Sky.

Szewczul Still Scorching

By Bruce Berlet on October 7, 2011 4:55 PM | Comments (0)

We're starting to run out of superlatives for Dave Szewczul, who has celebrated his induction into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame with the best year of his long and distinguished career.

The standout from Tunxis Plantation Country Club in Farmington made it a hat trick of victories in two weeks when he rallied to beat Ryan Leahey and win the Connecticut State Golf Association Public Links Championship at Hunter Golf Club in Meriden.

Despite an opening, 2-under-par 68, Szewczul trailed Leahey by three strokes. But he birdied the 18th hole to cap a closing 70 for 138 and a three-stroke victory over Leahey from Orange Hills Country Club. It enabled Szewczul to become the first player in the modern era to win three CSGA major tournaments (New England Senior Amateur, Connecticut Senior Amateur and Connecticut Public Links) in consecutive weeks.

"What can I say?" Szewczul said via email. "I''ve practiced hard and have been really working on my mental and thinking process. I have an inner peace in my life and tremendous support from my family and friends that allows me to play with a clear mind. You have to be able to channel your thoughts and control the situation at that moment.

"This has truly been an amazing run and a special part of my career. I've been blessed to be able to play at this level for all these years and look forward to what future challenges lie ahead. To look back on these last three weeks and see what's been accomplished is truly special. You enter these tournaments to test yourself and to be able to be victorious in all three is very gratifying.

"I'd like to share this with everyone who has been with me throughout my career because without them, this could not have happened. They know who they are."

Leahey led by two with nine holes to go, but the back nine belonged to Szewczul, who previously won the Public Links in 1992, 1993 and 1995. When Leahey bogeyed the 12th and 13th holes, the two were tied for the lead. Szewczul bogeyed No. 14 but birdied the 15th, leaving him tied with Leahey again. But Szewczul parred the last three holes while Leahey made three bogeys to shoot 76.

Rob Tedoldi Jr. (Tallwood CC-Hebron) shot a closing 70 to tie for third at 146 with Manny DaSilva (Blue Fox Run-Avon), who had 75.

Szewczul's record fourth Public Links victory clinched CSGA Senior Player of the Year and moved him into second in the Player of the Year points race behind Tom McCarthy of Twin Hills CC in Coventry (620 to 525). If he wins both, it would be a first in CSGA annals.

Moraghan coming home

By Bruce Berlet on October 4, 2011 10:03 PM | Comments (0)

He has Connecticut roots, twice represented the state in the Tri-State Matches, helped a Taft School-Watertown grad reach the PGA Tour and his late father was a past president of the Connecticut State Golf Association and is a member of the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame.

So it seemed appropriate that Mike Moraghan was named to succeed retiring Ron Drapeau as CSGA executive director, effective Dec. 1. And nothing against the other top candidates, but I had a rooting interest for Mike since I've known him since our formative years in Litchfield and future marital ties between his sister and my brother.

"I'm thrilled to be coming back to Connecticut and excited about the job," Moraghan said. "I've lived in Virginia for 30 years, but I've always kept in touch with golf in Connecticut. I've known and followed guys like Tom Gleeton, Fran Marrello, Dick Weigold, Bill Hermanson and Dave Szewczul, whom I was paired with in my first golf tournament outside of Litchfield County, the Hartford Courant Junior Tournament of Champions in 1969. Dave hit the ball a mile, and when I went home, I told my dad to watch out for this guy. And I remember beating (future PGA and Champions Tour player) Ken Green when I was a senior and he was a freshman in high school

"My dad had such a huge influence on my life, and I really fell in love with golf because of him. My whole foundation in golf was rooted in Connecticut, and I remember all kinds of characters in the game there, so I'm really looking forward to getting back."

The 56-year-old Moraghan was born and raised in Litchfield, learning to play at Litchfield Country Club and the Country Club of Waterbury, where his father, Marty, was a multiple club champion who later became CSGA president in 1977-78, the longtime CSGA tournament director and officiated at dozens of U.S. Golf Association events. Marty died on Aug. 14, 2009.

Mike twice played for Connecticut in the Tri-State Team Matches against Massachusetts and Rhode Island and also competed in two U.S. Amateur Championships, a British Amateur, British Mid-Amateur, Bermuda Amateur, Canadian Amateur and Canadian Mid-Amateur, as well as professional tournaments throughout the United States and Canada.

After graduating from Wake Forest in 1977 and having his best season ever two years later, Moraghan turned pro in the fall of 1979 and played the Space Coast Tour in Florida and the open tournaments throughout the Northeast. He played for pay for two years before happening upon video production.

"A friend of mine and I were videoed one day, and I couldn't believe how much there was to it," Moraghan recalled.

So Moraghan founded and was president of Miridian Films, Inc., producing video programming for clients that included the USGA, the National Steeplechase Association and the University of Virginia, where he has been employed for 22 years as men's golf coach and most recently as executive producer of the athletics department. His players have included PGA Tour player Steve Marino, whose father is a Glastonbury native, and Taft School grad James Driscoll, a three-time All-American who has played on the PGA and Nationwide tours for five years. Driscoll's best finish this year is fifth in the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell.

Moraghan takes over fulltime after Drapeau retires Dec. 31. But Moraghan will unofficially begin his duties in early November at a three-day conference of the International Association of Golf Administrators that he will attend with Drapeau and other CSGA officials.

"It'll be a nice chance to meet some of the guys and other administrators from around the country," Moraghan said.

Drapeau, who lives in Essex and graduated from Bentley College, became CSGA executive director on Feb. 1, 2006, replacing Bruce Wilson after his six-year tenure. Before joining the CSGA, Drapeau was in executive manager for 35 years, the last 12 in the golf industry, most recently as chairman and CEO of Callaway Golf. He also has served as a director of Golf 20/20 and Play Golf America, both organizations focused on growing the game of golf, as well as director of the National Golf Foundation.

"Golf is an extraordinary game," Drapeau said. "It is extremely difficult for most beginners and yet addictive at the same time. The handicap system allows individuals of varied skills levels to compete on an equal basis, and it is the only sport where competitors, both professional and amateur, routinely call penalties on themselves.

"While in retirement, I intend to play more than I have in recent years. I have enjoyed working at the CSGA so much I plan on becoming a volunteer."

Welcome aboard, Mike, and happy trails and retirement, Ron. Well done!!!!

An emotional, meaningful win

By Bruce Berlet on October 3, 2011 1:31 PM | Comments (0)

Major ups and congratulations to 2009 Travelers Championship winner Kenny Perry on notching his first Champions Tour victory under the most trying of circumstances Sunday.

And we're not talking about the cold, blustery conditions for the second straight day in Cary, N.C.

Perry nearly withdrew from the final round of the SAS Championship on Saturday night when he learned his 59-year-old sister, Kay, had died after a lengthy bout with breast cancer on the second anniversary of the death of his mother, Mildred, from the same hideous disease.

"When I heard the news last night, it was a long night," Perry said after a stirring finish that enabled him to rally for his first win since his three-stroke victory at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell 15 months ago. "I didn't sleep a lot, thought about just getting on a plane and heading home. But dad was great. He called me and said, 'Son, you just need to go out there and represent Katy today.'

"It made a lot of sense, but it was pretty tough. October 1 I lost my mom two years ago, and October 1 now I lose my sister. I was numb out there. I didn't care about the outcome or the finish, I was just trying to do the best I could do and just keep my head on my shoulders."

The always personable and often emotional Perry achieved his goal when he birdied the 16^th hole and then made a 30-foot putt for eagle 3 at No. 17 to shoot a 2-under-par 70 and beat Jeff Sluman and John Huston by a stroke.

"I just started crying," Perry said when asked about making the long, decisive putt on No. 17 and then peering skyward at his mom and sis. "I had to somehow hold it together, and I felt like they were looking down on me and kind of got it down there and in the hole."

But the 51-year-old Perry said he managed to keep his emotions under control most of the day.

"I was very calm all day. I had no nerves," Perry said. "Normally I'm a little jumpy, a little jittery, tense. Today, I just felt like I was on a low. I was really down. I was kind of depressed, and my swing was in rhythm. It wasn't fast, and I had great control of the golf ball

"(But) it has just been a tough day, and I thank God for getting me through it. I've got a great family, I've got a great support group at home (in Franklin, Ky.), and I can't wait to get home. I know a lot of people have lost loved ones. We weren't expecting (to lose her). I just wanted to say goodbye to her. We thought we had some time, and when it happens like that, it gets to you."

Perry, a 14-time winner on the PGA Tour, had an 11-under total of 205, the highest winning score in tournament history at Prestonwood Country Club. Sluman also shot 70, one less than Huston.

As if playing just hours after the death of his sister wasn't difficult enough, Perry made a double-bogey 7 at No. 12 after hitting his approach into the water.

"Normally I get pretty frustrated and pretty upset over that type of deal, and they get to me inside," Perry said. "I was able to just plod along, just play along.

"I really wasn't thinking a lot about winning. I just wanted to make her proud and somehow, you know, the eagle fell in the bottom of the cup on 17, and I felt like I know they are watching. I felt like I had some help up there. Excited to win, but I'd rather have my sister back."

If anything positive can come out of such a sad and tragic situation, it's that Perry's success inspires people to get checkups for cancer, especially breast cancer in light of it claiming the lives of his mother and sister. So if you have any questions or doubts, use this as a lesson to be diligent about testing, especially when a loved one is involved. An early detection can save a life.

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