Thursday, September 22, 2011

Krogness hangs on for Championship Flight crown

By Brandon Tucker
September 21, 2011 7:02 PM ET 

LA QUINTA, Calif -- Larry Krogness had a little breathing room heading into the final round of the Golf Channel Am Tour Senior National Championhip. 

And he needed every bit of it. 

The 62-year-old from Sonoma, California shot a 78 on the Norman Course at PGA West to hold off K.C. Fox by two shots, shooting a 7-over 295 in the four-day event. It was Krogness's second win in a row on the Am Tour. He won the Empire Ranch Championship in July back in California. 

Fox, leading by one shot heading into the third round, opened the door for Krogness at the La Quinta Mountain Course with a 78. Krogness took advantage with a 72 that give him a two-shot advantage over Curt Langille, who eventually placed third. 

”Sleeping last night was not comfortable,” said Krogness. “I just managed to hang on and play well enough to win.”

The Championship flight trophy came down to the 72nd hole. Fox needed to make a 15-footer for birdie and hope Krogness missed his 8-footer. When Fox missed, it took the pressure off Krogness, who made his bogey putt. 

”Everybody struggled at times today,” said Krogness. “It’s a tough golf course and is grueling playing four days out here.”

Playing through the finish line

Mark Palmer, though likely out of contention barring a meltdown from the group ahead, chipped in for birdie on the 18th hole, giving him a 72. The chip-in earned him medalist honors (he tied with playing partner Kevin Culligan but won the backnine tie-breaker). 

The chip-in on the finisher not only placed him tied for fourth in the flight, but also gave him two skins on the afternoon. 

Just proof that you should never call it quits.

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