Powell and Robar take Green Towels after playoff
After falling a stroke short of forcing a playoff with Rick Persichetti and Kelly Arnold in the 2008 Memorial Tournament, John Powell and Joe Robar returned to Gateway Golf Club this year as one of the favorites to win the Green Towels. A nearly flawless round that included 7 birdies and no bogies set a new scoring record of 7-under par 65 at the Memorial but extra holes were needed when the team of Erik Johnson and Mike Pearcy matched the record. Pearcy and Johnson, in their 2nd year on Tour but playing in their first major championship, were aided by 3 eagles and may have won in regulation if not for a double-bogey at the par-3 5th hole.
The playoff, the 4th in the last 10 Memorials, saw Powell/Robar calmly make 2-putt after 2-putt while Pearcy/Johnson struggled with the flatstick. A 3-putt bogey on the first playoff hole but them behind but the 4-putt 3rd hole sealed their fate. With Powell setting up his partner, Robar sank the winning putt on Gateway’s severely undulating practice green and the 2 earned their first Tour victories on a major stage.
“PC” Carlos and rookie Scott Wyka finished in 3rd place at 4-under 68. Three teams tied for 4th with 69’s – including the defending champs, Persichetti and Arnold, the ’07 champs, Jeff Klipa and Victor McCoy, and DeVonne Mowry and rookie partner Eric Kelsey.
John Powell and Joe Robar – 2009 Memorial Tournament champs
Full results and history: Harbour Pointe Open
