Columbus, Ind. – Seven hours after he posted his round of 69, Kenny Cook
finally claimed the title of 2012 Indiana Section Mobile Pro Shop Southern Open
champion. After playing in the morning
wave, Cook waited out the afternoon wave, including an hour weather delay,
before securing the win.
Cook, an amateur from Noblesville, is coming off a stellar
2011 golf season. After finishing
runner-up at the 2011 USGA Mid-Amateur, Cook feels is game is better now than
it was last season.
“I have a new driver and I am hitting it well,” said
Cook. “My distance control has always
been the strength of my game.”
Cook was disappointed with this performance on the par 5s at
Harrison Lake CC, playing the four holes just one under par. While waiting out the afternoon tee times, he
spent much time on the practice green working on his putting. With 29 putts during his round, Cook admitted
his knowledge of the greens led to a few missed opportunities.
“It’s always tough to win in a big field and this was a
solid field of players so it definitely builds confidence,” Cook said.
Unfortunately, due to his work schedule and national
tournament schedule, Cook plays in only a few state events each year. He plans to play in the Sectional Qualifier
for the US Open, as well as qualifiers for the US Amateur and the US
Mid-Amateur.
“My first goal is to qualify for the US Open at Olympia
Club,” said Cook. “And I would really
like to work my way back into the finals at the US Mid-Am.”
Full tournament results can be found here.
Chris Clemens, a PGA Teaching Professional at Southern Dunes
GC, finished one shot back of Cook after a three putt on the final hole. Clemens won the Pepsi/Club Tournament Series
at The Trophy Club on April 16th.
With his victory and runner-up finish to start off the season, Clemens
is currently in command of the TaylorMade PGA Assistant Player of the Year
race.