Crown Colony Golf and Country Club in Ft. Myers was the repeat site for the 2021 SOS Ralph Bogart Tournament presenting exquisitely manicured fairways and greens. Routinely considered the finest conditioning of any course the SOS Rota, Crown Colony once again floored the players.
Ninety-six SOS members enjoyed the great conditions, warm sunshine and gentle gulf breezes. Conditions were perfect for an exciting event.
Rusty Strawn, McDonough, GA entered the event riding a wave of success. With four 2021 senior victories, and six top five 2021 finishes already in the books, Strawn was ready to add icing to the cake.
Carding rounds of 71-68-70 Strawn posted a winning score of 7-under 209, which was good for a six-shot victory over his closest pursuer, Brian Keenan, Tampa, FL who finished at 1-under 215. This was Strawn’s second consecutive SOS victory, and his fourth over all.
Strawn’s second round 4-under 68 stretched his lead entering the last round. He was able to post 16 pars and two birdies in the final round for a 2-under 70 and the victory. Strawn’s win, while not as exciting as 2020’s playoff win over Jack Kearney, was every bit as satisfying.
Strawn and Keenan were the only two players to finish under par Crown Colony, while Michael Kelley, Westerville, OH managed to finish at even par 216.
Mike Arnold, Fort Myers, FL and Bill Barnes, Bonita Springs, FL tied for the Super Senior championship at the end of regulation at 1-under 215. It took an extra hole on Arnold’s home course to secure the title.
Don Donatoni, West Chester, PA fired rounds of 72-67-77 for a 216 total, good for a six shot win over David Crocker, Bluffton, SC. in the Legend division. Peter Van Ingen, Palm Beach, FL and Pete McDade, Lakeland, FL were tied for third at 225. This is Donatoni’s third SOS title.
Jim DuBois, Coral Gables, FL, added a fifth SOS title to his resume with a win in the Grand Master Division by one stroke over Rusty Napier, Shalimar, FL and Jack Marin, Durham, NC finishing at 9-over 225.