Saucon Valley CC’s McCool grabs Senior Amateur; Brookreson takes Senior Silver Cross

 “We’ve been butting heads forever and it’s just an honor to play and compete against such great players and gentlemen,” said McCool of Brookreson, last year’s Senior Amateur Champion. “It doesn’t matter how old we are, it’s always the same names.”

  And that was exactly the case for McCool mid-way through today’s round when he found himself one stroke behind Brookreson after 27 holes.

  McCool’s first-round, two-stroke lead on the field, which included a five-stroke lead on Brookreson, quickly vanished after McCool carded a 4-over-par 39 on the front nine while Brookreson fired a 2-under-par 33. A remarkable swing in its own right, but especially eye-catching considering McCool’s first round 34 on the front side came under rain soaked playing conditions just two days before, the antithesis of today’s final round weather.

  McCool, who carded two bogeys and a double bogey before making the turn, admitted to some leaderboard watching as he approached No. 10 (par 3, 176 yards).

  “I thought [Brookreson] lit the afterburners and was gone,” McCool jokingly said.

  Things appeared to be that way until Brookreson made what turned out to be a very costly error.

  “I saw the No. 10 hole marker on my left and what I thought was the tee marker on the right,” said the 58-year old from Huntingdon Valley, Pa. “I guess I was wrong. It was a mistake but that’s golf.”

  Brookreson went on to card a seven on the hole but maintained his composure and finished the remaining eight holes 1-under par. The back nine included a birdie on No. 12 (par 4, 413 yards), where he stuck his approach shot to within six feet left of the hole.

  That composure helped Brookreson earn the 2006 Senior Silver Cross Award, making him the sole recipient of the award in it’s three year existence.

  “I just feel lucky to be able to win it,” he humbly stated.

  Meanwhile, McCool settled down and finished the back nine at even par with two birdies and as many bogeys, virtually assuring him the victory.

  On No. 11 (par 5, 545 yards), McCool hit a 6-iron from about 160 yards out and left himself 10 feet left of the hole for birdie.

  “I played fairy well,” he said. “I had to.”

  In the Super Senior Division, Jay Howson, Jr., of St. Davids GC and Joseph Scott, Jr., of Kennett Square G&CC tied for first place.

  “It’s nice to share this with Jay,” Scott said.

  Howson added, “It was tough out there. I haven’t won anything in a little while so it’s nice to share this.”