SEVEN HILLS — The low-gross title in last weeend’s annual Seven Hills Men’s Open golf tournament came down to the final shot.
And then a few more shots.
Jordan Fraser, the former manager at Seven Hills Golf and Country Club, dropped a birdie putt on the first playoff hole Sunday to edge Shaun Zealand of Victoria after the two golfers finished with 36-hole totals of 150.
“He made his putt, and I didn’t,” Zealand said with a shrug. “He made a nice birdie; you gotta give him credit.”
The win gave Fraser his second Men’s Open championship, and he and Zealand were followed by another pair of former champs. Paul Butcher finished third with 153 and last year’s winner, Chris Kalnay, was fourth at 158.
“Not this year,” said Kalnay, who was doomed by a 12-over-par 83 on Saturday but who acquitted himself with a 75 over Sunday’s final 18 holes.
The low-net title went to Kenn Oliver, whose handicapped score of 131 was four strokes better than runner-up Duane LaDouceur and eight strokes ahead of third-place Rob Jones.
The pro crown went to Kevin Black, the first-year Seven Hills manager and club pro, who carded an eight-under-par 136. Black’s weekend was remarkably consistent as he shot a four-under 68 each day to easily outdistance Doug Petrie (149) and Ryan Sykes (171).
The tournament, which drew 59 golfers, was played in sunny, warm conditions after morning fog burned off each day.
“It was a wonderful weekend,” said Black. “Great weather, the course was in great shape, great food. People seemed to have a good time.”
Fraser had the best round of the weekend among amateurs with his 72 on Saturday, which gave him a one-stroke edge over Zealand going into the final round. Both players slipped a bit on Sunday, with Zealand shooting 77 and Fraser 78 to force the playoff.
The two played in separate groups, leaving the result a mystery until scorecards were tallied in the clubhouse following the round.
