Abita Springs, Louisiana May 18, 2019
Robby McWilliams of Benton seized a victory at the 30th LGA Senior Amateur Championship in a dramatic come from behind finish. This is McWilliams’ first LGA Senior Amateur Championship victory in just his second attempt. McWilliams finished runner-up in last year’s Senior Amateur Championship but is no stranger to the winner’s circle having claimed an LGA Mid-Amateur title at Southern Trace Country Club in 2016. His impressive Final Round three-under par 69 in blustery afternoon conditions would prove good enough to defeat 36-hole leader Tommy Brennan of Covington by one shot.
McWilliams began his day in the penultimate group five shots back of the lead. A steady dose of pars to start the round followed by a birdie on the par 4 5th hole would help close the gap on the lead turning at one-under par 35. McWilliams stumbled at the par 4 10th hole making bogey. Meanwhile, Brennan holed out for eagle on 9 from 147 yards with a 9-iron seemingly shifting the momentum. When McWilliams stepped on the 11th tee he was once again starring down a five-stroke deficit. McWilliams showcased the resilience of a champion making back-to-back birdies on the 11th and 12th holes to close in on the lead. McWilliams final birdie of the championship was carded at the par 5 17th hole bringing him to three-under par for the round and two-under for the championship. A routine par on the home hole was all McWilliams needed to secure the victory. McWilliams and Brennan both highly decorated LGA Champions performed brilliantly as they were the only players in the field to finish under par for the championship.
Rounding out the top 5 are: 2006 & 2008 LGA Senior Amateur Champion John Davis of Lafayette with rounds of 71-74-72 one-over par 217 54-hole total, Brad Mosing of Lafayette with rounds of 73-76-69 two-over par 218 54-hole total and 2016 LGA Senior Amateur Champion Ken Buchan of Monroe with rounds of 74-71-74 three-over par 219 54-hole total. Mosing’s 69 tied the low round of the day shot by eventual Champion Robby McWilliams and was the only other under par round shot on the final day.
It was a perfect late spring day for the Final Round. Temperatures in the upper 80s with a breeze out of the South, gusting occasionally in the afternoon. The Ron Garl designed Money Hill Golf & Country Club Track played to a par 72 at approximately 6,554 yards. The golf course was the perfect showcase for the top Seniors in the state of Louisiana. The 31st edition of the LGA Senior Amateur Championship will be conducted at Koasati Pines at Coushatta in Kinder, LA.
Click here to view complete Championship Results.