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Mike Bell of Indianapolis
rammed in a birdie putt on the first playoff hole of the 2007 IGA Senior
Amateur Championship to win a repeat title. Up until that moment, the title
could have been won by any number of Indiana senior amateur golfers, not the
least of which was Tom Perry, Indianapolis, who bogied the last regulation hole
to force a sudden-death playoff against Bell. 
Bell, who has been participating
in tournaments worldwide after his stunning USGA Senior Amateur Championship
title in 2006, has found little time to compete on the local IGA circuit.
However, back-to-back wins for the IGA Senior Am Championship in 2006 and
2007 were key for Bell. “I really needed this win,” stated Bell, I have been
playing some really tough courses and my confidence was shaky.”
Explaining, “I played really well today,
with only two bogeys and six birdies for a 68,” Bell attributed his win to
solid play. His only moment of concern came on the seventeenth when a drive
into the fairway bunker netted a topped second shot, which ultimately resulted
in a bogey and the loss of the lead, which contributed to the need for a playoff.
Meanwhile, the last foursome
containing the four low score shooters from round one included leader Ron
Carter from Monticello, Perry, Jerry Caplinger of Shelbyville, and Bill Barnes
from Carmel. In addition to those four, Jim Anthony from Franklin, 2003 Senior Champion, and
Tim Miller of Kokomo, “04 and “05 Champion and “07 Match Play Champion and Jerry McMullin of Carmel, put in
their bids for the title.
In the end, the championship not only went to the best
competitor, but the championship once again reiterated that fact that
competition between golfers encompasses sportsmanship, camaraderie, friendship,
and mutual respect. The friends competing for the title enjoyed the day, the
competition and the chance to showcase their considerable golf talents. Cheers
to all the Senior IGA competitors.
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