Steve Hudson, a four-time SOS champion, added a fifth title to his growing resume with a victory in the 2017 Fall Classic, held at the Deer Creek Golf Course, Savannah, GA.
The Landings Club, fast becoming a second home to the Society rolled out the welcome mat; closing it’s Deer Creek course for a week prior to the event in an effort to ensure perfect conditions. And perfect they were.
Hurricane Irma left most of the lowlands devastated with flooding and tree damage.
While the surface conditions were miraculous, the story of the event was the improbable northerly wind, gusting to 20 mph daily. Holes playing into the breeze required an extra measure of metal.
Hudson a three time Alabama Player of the Year planted his spikes and fired a three-under par 69 in the opening round. His score was good for a three shot lead over Keith Decker, Matinsville, VA and Jack Kearney, Peachtree City, GA.
As the winds continued in round two, Hudson posted a two-over 74 to Decker and Kearney’s 75’s. Mooresville, NC’s Mike Arnold jumped into second place with rounds of 74-73.
Hudson made the final lap in 71 strokes for a 214 total. Decker’s last round 70 was good for the low round of the day, but four strokes short of Hudson. Arnold was next at 221.
In the Super Senior division, it was long hitting Evan Long, Charlotte, posting scores of 74-74-73—221, one shot better than 2016 SOS Player of the Year, Gary Kirwan, McKinney, Texas.
Dayton Ohio’s Skip Snow grabbed victory from The Landings member Frank Costanzo by returning scores of 74-73-76—223. Snow’s win was his third SOS title. Costanzo held the first round lead with a blistering one-under 71, but added an 80-77 for a 228 total. Also at 228 was Marietta, GA’s Jim Kamis (79-73-76).