THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 23, 1995 TAG: 9508230634
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Scott Shupe sank a short putt for par on the second extra hole to win the Tidewater Amateur Junior golf tournament Tuesday at Cypress Point Country Club.
Shupe edged defending state champion Matt Paulson in the playoff. The two 16-year-olds waited an hour for the 17-18 division leaders to conclude play, then returned to the first tee of the 6,600-yard, par-72 course.
Both golfers made par on No. 1. On the par-five second, they each drove into the left rough. On his third shot, Paulson landed in the rough just to the left of the green and couldn't get up and down, rimming out a par putt. Shupe was on the fringe in three and two-putted for the winning par.
``It's pretty nerve-racking,'' Shupe said of the playoff. ``The full-swing shots aren't that hard. But on the putts, your hands are shaking. My first birdie putt, I had about 3 feet left (for par). It seemed like 10 feet.''
Shupe won an automatic invitation to the Tidewater Amateur tournament slated for Labor Day weekend.
Paulson entered the playoff with the apparent edge. He posted the low round of the tournament, a 3-under-par 69, Tuesday after opening with a 4-over-par 76. He birdied three of his first four holes.
``When I get off to a good start, I try to get more birdies, but I usually end up shooting even,'' Paulson said.
``After I've been sitting around I can't really get into the playoff at all. I'm all relaxed by that time.''
Shupe shot an first-round 75 to enter Tuesday's play three strokes back. He carded a 1-under-par on the outward nine, then birdied the 10th, bogeyed 13 and 14 and came back with birdies at Nos. 15 and 18 to close the day at 2-under-par 70.
Paulson took the 15-16 trophy. He was followed by Chris Thayer with a two-day total of 147 and Ryan Garland, defending champion Ben Keefer and Kevin Miller, who tied at 148.
In 17-18 play, Andy Gregory recorded a 1-over-par 73 for a 148 total and the championship. He was followed by first-round leader Chad Wilson at 149 and Jason Copeland, Matt Spruill, Graham Wilson and Chris Boos at 151.
In the 12-14 age group, Trey Clower won a one-hole playoff to edge Derek Ausherman. Both carded a 159 total.
Travis Ausherman won the 11-and-under title with an 85. Lonnie Clark was second with an 87.
In girls play, Clyler Buckles won the 15-18 group with a 155. Kim Strong was second with a 161.
Kristen Shew won the 14-and-under award with a 185. Samantha Keith and Michele Graham were second at 187. by CNB