Defending Champion Dave Carich looks for back-to-back wins
at the Indiana PGA Senior Championship after posting a 4-under-par, 66 at Ulen
CC during round one. Carich heads
to tomorrow’s final round with a two-shot lead over Scott Morris.
“I hit it out of bounds on the par-5, 3rd but
tried to stay patient,” said Carich of Harbour Trees GC. “I knew there would be some birdies out
there and I had three in a row on holes 12, 13, and 14. That got me right back in contention
and then I managed to finish well after the short rain delay.”
After winning last year’s Senior Championship at The Players
Club in Muncie, Ind., Carich qualified for the Senior PGA Professional National
Championship. He failed to make
the cut, and says that will be his goal this year if he qualifies.
“If I am able to qualify tomorrow, not only do I want to
make the cut, but I also hope to finish in the top 35 and qualify for the
Senior PGA Championship at French Lick,” Carich said. “I hope to play well tomorrow and give myself those
opportunities.”
Morris of Gray Eagle GC was the only other player to better
par today. Morris fired a
2-under-par, 68 and is only two shots back.
“I got off to a rocky start, but my putting really saved
me,” Morris said. “I had 26 putts and was 4-under-par for my last 12 holes. I will not be trying to qualify for the
National Senior Championship because I am visiting my daughter in Paris the
week of the event. Regardless, I
still hope to win tomorrow and continue to play well.”
The Senior Championship is the Section Championship for
Indiana PGA players 50 years of age and older. Players have the option of signing up to qualify for The
2014 Senior PGA Professional National Championship (PNC), but it is not a
requirement. If tomorrow’s winner
is registered for the national event, then he and four other players will
qualify for the event. The 2014
Senior PNC will take place November 13-16 at the Wanamaker and Ryder Courses in
Port St. Lucie, Fla.