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Local golf: Tequesta's Watson takes first-round lead at Florida State Senior Open
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NAPLES — Craig Watson of Tequesta, playing at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club for the first time, fired a 6-under 66 for the first-round lead Friday in the 32nd annual Florida State Senior Open.
Watson made eight birdies, five on the front nine, and bogeyed twice on the course playing its full 6,470 yards.
“I played a fabulous front nine, then started to slap it around a little on the back,” he said, “but I putted well all day.”
A former New York area club professional, Watson, 53, was playing amateur golf in recent years before working to regain his membership status in the PGA of America this summer.
“I’ve been working with my dad on a regular basis and he’s a super coach,” the younger Watson said. “We’re having a nice father-son weekend.”
Bob Watson, head professional at Westchester (N.Y.) Country Club for more than 40 years, shot 80 Friday, second in the 80-and-over age group.
Robert Hess of Casselberry was low amateur with a 67, and was tied for second overall among 159 pros and amateurs 50 years and older. Hess eagled the par-5 Nos. 8 and 14. He’s tied with A.J. Duncan of Naples, who had five birdies in a bogey-free round.
Other age group leaders among the professionals were Ted Mandes, West Palm Beach, 60-64, 69; Mike Joyce, Amelia Island, 65-69, 69; Bill King, Port St. Lucie, 70-74, 72; Paul Kelly, Port St. Lucie, 75-79, 77; and Ken Mast, Crystal River, 80-over.
Defending champion Mike San Filippo of Hobe Sound opened with a 70.
The tournament continues through Sunday with players in the 75-79 and 80-over flights completing their 36-hole competition today.
Florida State Senior Open
Naples Beach Hotel & GC, Naples
6,470 yards, par 72
Craig Watson, Tequesta 66
A.J. Duncan, Naplesa 67
A-Robert Hess, Casselberry 67
Don Brigham, Port S t. Lucie 68
Jim Chancey, Altamonte Springs 68
Jacques Legere, Fort Myers 68
Steve Waugh, Naples 68
Adam Adams, Coconut Creek 69
Mike Joyce, Amelia Island 69
Ted Mandes, West Palm Beach 69
Mike Smith, Titusville 69
Jerry Tucker, Stuart 69
John Calabria, Naples 70
Ric Nalyd, Naples 70
Mike San Filippo, Hobe Sound 70
Brian Staveley, Winter Haven 70
David Bartoe, Jacksonville 71
A-Lee Booker, Naples 71
Marion Heck, Fort Myers 71
Jim Jewell, Naples 71
Doug Lacrosse, Tampa 71
Wyatt Meyer, Tampa 71
Michael O’Connor, Fort Pierce 71
Lee Cimney, Trinity 72
Tom Hilliard, Tavernier 72
Bill King, Port St. Lucie 72
Jackie Miller, Naples 72
A-Amateur
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