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Woo Strikes Again
July 13, 2002 | Men's Golf
July 13, 2002
University of Louisville golfer Charlie Woo captured the Investors Group Ontario Men's Amateur Championship on Friday after a thrilling finish to the 80th edition of this storied event. Woo, playing on his home course - the York Downs Golf & Country Club, posted an even-par 72 on Friday and finished the event two under par for 72 holes.
Woo and his family emigrated to Canada from South Korea only four short years ago. "A lot has happened since then, once I learned about some of the events here in Ontario, it was my goal to win the Ontario Amateur - now I want to win the Canadian Amateur," said an elated Woo.
Having led by as many as four shots as he strolled off the eighth green, Woo was seemingly in control of the outcome. However, a double bogey on the par five, 11th hole followed by a birdie by his nearest competitor - Brampton native Sean Donnelly saw that lead evaporate. A miraculous up-and-down on the par three, 13th may have restored his fortunes.
"That (chip) on 13 was huge, I had to hit it over the bunker and hopefully get close to the hole, I got it to five feet and made the putt. I think that was the turning point in the match," a relieved Woo explained as he shot a smiling glance towards Donnelly.
"I had to stay aggressive the whole time during the back nine, because I knew Sean wasn't going to give up," said Woo.
Donnelly played brilliantly today, posting a one-under 71 for a four-day total of 288 (even). Knowing full well that his chances of overtaking Woo were dwindling, the Grand Canyon University student turned it into high gear as their group made the turn for home. Birdies on 12 and 16 narrowed the lead but Woo persevered to win by two shots. "I played exactly the way I wanted to play and I tried not to pay attention to anything else," said Donnelly.
An opening round 69 had Donnelly in contention form the outset. "I was in my own little world," opined Donnelly. "There's no use in getting upset, everything would be fine if I stayed in my own world."
Jeff Crowe and Craig Revell, both natives of Kingston and members of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club finished tied for third at 293(+5). Crowe shot a two-under 70 today while the 17-year-old Revell wowed onlookers with a three-under 69 in the final round.
As a result of finishing in the top four, Woo, Donnelly, Crowe and Revell will go on to represent Ontario at the Inter-Provincial Championships for the Willingdon Cup. This event is run in conjunction with the Canadian Amateur Championship in Edmunston, New Brunswick from August 12-18, 2002. The first two rounds of the competition are used to determine the Inter-Provincial Champion, but also serve to determine the top 64 players who advance to match play.
Woo recently completed his freshman season at the University of Louisville, a year he would soon like to forget. "I played poorly for most of the year, so I really wanted prove something this summer," said Woo. "I also wanted to prove to my coach that I wasn't a bad player." Earlier this year, Woo captured the Greater Toronto Area Golf Association's Toronto Star Amateur in convincing fashion.
The reigning Ontario and Canadian Club Champions Champion - Brad Pemberton of Port Hope came up a little short in his ascent up the standings. The Dalewood Golf & Curling Club member posted scores of 78-76-74-69--297. He managed to make one of the biggest charges of the week jumping from 74th to 46th to 20th and finally settling for a tie for 6th place. Bill Seagris of Red Rock and veteran linkster Mark Brewer of Pickering shared 6th spot with Pemberton.
1998 Ontario Amateur Champion Michael Hospodar will probably look back on his horrific third round 81 with dismay. Even with that nine-over round yesterday, the Brantford native managed a top five performance.
The Golf Association of Ontario is the governing body for amateur golf in the province and mandates policies on behalf of over 500 member clubs and 100,000 individual members. The GAO conducts provincial championships, camps, clinics and seminars.
