For Tim McDermott, his busy schedule limits his ability to play in high-profile local golf events. But this year, he carved out time to compete in the Super Senior Division of the Apogee Investment Management Championship.
McDermott’s tournament debut was a winning one as the 66-year-old captured the Super Senior title on May 21 at Tuscarora Golf Club. Playing on his home course, McDermott carded a 3-over-par 74 and led the 36-hole event from start to finish. His 3-over 146 total was nine strokes better than runner-up Tom Fletcher.
“This is huge for me,” McDermott said. “ I’ve never really won anything. I haven’t competed in many District events over the years. So this is great to get out there do it by myself.”
While the Super Senior Contest, for players 65 years and older, concluded at Tuscarora, the AIM Senior Championship will be determined Friday at Drumlins Country Club.
Defending champion Kevin VandenBerg holds a three-shot lead over Robert Hughes heading into the final round. VandenBerg carded a 3-over 74 in the second round for a 3-over 146 total.
The Senior Contest field was cut to the top 12 with the cut line falling at 16-over 159.
Hughes moved up the leaderboard with a 2-over 74 in the second round. At 6-over 149, Hughes earned a spot in the 8:24 a.m. final group at Drumlins with VandenBerg and Nick Masterpole (7-over 150).
In the Super Senior Contest, McDermott built a seven-shot lead with first round 72 at Beaver Meadows.
“My wedge play at Beaver Meadows was really good,” McDermott said. “I had so many good birdie looks and converted five of them, coupled with five bogeys. So that round was relatively stress-free. Today being familiar with the course helped me.”
Fellow Tuscarora members Tom and Dan Fletcher never threatened in the second round. McDermott put an exclamation point on his win with a chip-in on No. 17 from the rightside bunker.