Prep Golfer Vincent Leads Palm Springs to Team Title, Then Wins Individual Honor

When it was all over, O.D. Vincent sat in the thick grass of Stockdale Country Club with his legs crossed, quietly accepting congratulations. For the Palm Springs High School junior, it had been a 36-hole day.

The first 18 holes were for his team. Vincent shot a one-under-par 70 to lead the Indians to the SCGA-CIF Southern California team title with 385 total. The second 18 were strictly personal.

“I built myself up for this tournament,” Vincent said after winning the individual title with a three over-par 145 (70 and 75), one stroke better than Steve White of La Canada and Bob May of Hacienda Heights Los Altos. “First, I wanted the team to win, and we did. Then I wanted to win myself. I came here to win.”

Vincent’s plans were nearly thwarted by May, who was paired with Vincent for the final 18 holes. May and Vincent were tied at 70 through the first 18, and were tied at three-under going into the final hole.

On Sunday, won the American Junior Golf Assn. Desert Classic at Mission Hills, Vincent’s home course. And it was May who came back from a three-stroke deficit after 27 holes and made the SCGA the most exciting post-season tournament of the year.

In the girls’ competition, which covered only 18 holes, Joan Pitcock of Clovis West was a surprise winner in sudden-death over Pearl Sinn of Bellflower, the favorite. Both finished regulation at 73, two over par, but Pitcock had a birdie in the second hole of sudden death to clinch the victory.