Shaheen wins Westlake city crown

By Louis Bonnette

Special to the American Press

Hank Shaheen won the Westlake men’s city championship Saturday by shooting a 3-under-par 105 over 27 holes at The National golf course.

The tournament was shortened by nine holes and the final round scheduled for today was canceled due to expected inclement weather stemming from Hurricane Ida. Players teed off Saturday with 18 holes then went back out and shot nine more holes to complete the tournament.

Shaheen owned a fiveshot lead after 36 holes and wound up with a six-shot victory on a 175 score (70-67-38).

Reid Giardina turned in the second-best score with a 72-70-39—181.

There was a battle early in Saturday’s opening round. The players started on the backside and Giardina moved to within one shot with birdies on Nos. 17 and 18 while Shaheen bogeyed the 18th.

Going back to the front nine Shaheen, who will play in the USGA national mid-amateur championship later in September in Massachusetts, birdied four of the first six holes and took control.

Rounding out the top five were Cody Vincent (75-73-38—186), Thad Gaspard (78-76-38—192) and Gabe Hayes (74-84-37—195).

The championship flight was the only one to play 105 holes. The others played 36.

David Huber took the first flight with 84-40—124 while Dwayne Hightower (87-39) and Walt Dulany (86-40) tied for second with 126. Mike Beglis shot 81-38—119 to win the second flight by six shots as Kendall Thornhill posted a 125 (81-44) and Chase Koonce a 128 (89-39).

Jack Fontenot was the third flight winner with 84-36—120 followed by Andrew Hebert at 122 (83-39) and Lloyd Guillory l26 (85-41) and Chris Fontenot shot 126 (84-41) to win the fourth flight with Doug Zettlemoyer second (90-43—133) and Alex Buller third (91-43—134).

Those not making the cut in the championship flight were placed into a president’s flight and played nine holes for that title. Landen East took the top spot with a 1-under-par 35 while David Martin and Cody Stroud tied for second with 38.

Tournament director and club pro Dave Kaspar said the event came off fine even though players did have to play through occasional rain and wind.

“I’m pleased that we were able to get it in,” he said, adding that the course will be closed today and Monday.

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