Moran Birdies Final Hole to Hold off Record Setter
Wily Veteran Tom Moran birdied the final hole Saturday to hold of a record setting performance by rookie sensation Zach Palmer. Moran went bogey free over his first 15 holes to take the lead. But on a course that is always known for low scores, Zach Palmer eagled the 14th hole (his 15th) and finished at 4 under net on a Tour record 65 gross score. Moran was finally bit by the bogey badger on the 12th and 13th, but rallied for that final birdie on the 14th (his 18th) to take the prize. Chuck Withey took 3rd with a 3 under par 68 and Jeff Pasz tied with Old Tom Litzler for 4th. On course prizes went to Scott Wilsey and Ned Loving who broke the Klipster’s heart. Notables: Litzler led the field with 27 putts and 10 fairways, Greg Paddison hit 11 greens while Moran, Ryan Kiekbusch and Shane Witowski had 10. Paddison finished in the money and moved to 3rd in all-time RJMO winnings. Palmer’s performance included hitting 16 of 18 greens which is also a Tour Record, topping Corey McCue’s record by 19 hours. His Gross score tops Don Ward’s previous record of 69, set at the 2020 Senior Open. For Moran, this is his 7th Tour win in his 295th start.
With rumors swirling that this could be the last Reatha Jackson Memorial Open due to family members gradually scattering across the country for warmer climates, the event topped the $10,000 mark in all time donations to the Alzhiemer’s Association at $10,295 raised!
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