Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 19, 1993 TAG: 9307190011
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
"I was lucky enough to play as well as I did this week because I've been playing more," said Giles, 50, who has won a record seven State Amateur titles and was the winner in two VSGA Opens before the VSGA and VGPA merged the tournament in 1985.
Trailing Giles - who shot a 72-hole total of 278 - with scores of 281 were pro Jack Snyder of Palmyra, who had a 69; three-time State Amateur champion Tom McKnight of Galax, who shot 71; and touring pro Bobby Wadkins, who shot 73.
Their tie over the 6,684-yard Willow Oaks Country Club course was worth $6,029 each to Snyder and Wadkins, while McKnight finished no lower than a tie for third for the seventh time in the past nine years.
"I played as good as I've ever played," said Snyder, 36, who had a bogey-free round until he hit into the trees on the 17th hole.
"I felt like I was in position to win the tournament, but I hit three bad shots," said McKnight, 38, who won the first merged Open eight years ago.
"The first two holes [which he bogeyed] really set the tone," said Wadkins, 41. "I left a lot on the golf course. I gave myself chances, but I just didn't make anything."
Simon Cooke, a 20-year-old University of Virginia sophomore from Richmond, shot 70 and finished fifth at 283. Pro Rick Schuller of Centreville earned $3,389 with a 70-284 finish.
Tied at 285 were pros Sam Stein of Richmond, 69, and Mike Moyers of Stanardsville, 70, and two-time State Amateur champion Keith Decker of Fieldale, 71.
A record 14 players finished the 72 holes under par.
by CNB