2019 Yearbook.indd

48 | IOWA SENIOR AMATEUR W ith rounds of 66-68-71 (-11) West Des Moines’ Gene Elliott captured his fourth (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019) Iowa Senior Amateur title. Elliott was hard to catch, making 16 birdies and an eagle over the 54-hole event staged at Mason City Country Club. “I putted very well all week,” Elliott said. “These greens are small and difficult. They have a lot of slope on them. I wedged the ball really well. I hit wedges to a foot about six times this week. It’s a tight, tricky golf course. It’s a lot of fun to play. Today’s round was difficult, as the wind was blowing but I got off to a hot start the first two days and just tried to hang on from there.” Lineville’s Jay Gregory, who would ultimately finish runner-up to Elliott, refused to go down easy. Gregory posted rounds of 66-70-71 (-9) over the three days, including 13 birdies in 54 holes. Elliott praised Gregory for this play and determination. “Jay is a great competitor,” Elliott said. “He’s a good friend (too) and he’s tough. I got up four (strokes) today and it didn’t phase him a bit. He fought right MASON CITY COUNTRY CLUB, MASON CITY AUGUST 16-18, 2019 El l iott earns four th Iowa Senior Amateur t it le Champion Gene Elliot (West Des Moines) carded three consecutive under par rounds