SoCal PGA Championship : Experienced Dave Defeats Tom in Battle of Barbers

Tom Barber wanted to emulate his father, Jerry, and win the $45,000 Toyota Southern California PGA championship at age 43. But another Barber, Dave, wouldn’t let him.

In a 36-hole final of unrelated Barbers, Dave, of Bakersfield, defeated Tom, of Griffith Park, 7 and 5, Thursday, winning the 45th annual tournament at the long and difficult Wood Ranch Golf Club.

Dave, 39, who also won in 1978 and was a defeated finalist two years ago, earned $7,000 and got a car, plus exemptions into the Los Angeles, San Diego and Bob Hope PGA Tour events and the PGA club pro tournament.

“Dad won in ’59 when he was 43, and I’m 43, so I thought it would be nice if I won,” Tom said. “But I’m just pleased to have reached the final round.”

Tom, who has worked around the Griffith Park clubhouse since he was a teen-ager, upset Arne Dokka, Terry Wilcox and defending champion Jim Woodward of the host club to gain the final. He won $4,500 as runner-up.

Dave, head professional at the Bakersfield Country Club since 1980, had too much tournament experience for Tom. The Bakersfield pro played in seven straight national PGA tournaments, starting in 1977.

Twice, after Tom had rolled in long putts for birdies that appeared to be winners, Dave made hole-saving putts.

Dave was even par for the morning 18 holes on the 7,020-yard par-72 course, which gave him a 4-up lead. Tom cut it to three with a 30-foot birdie putt on the 25th hole in the afternoon, but that was his last gasp.

Dave won four of the next six holes, all with pars, as Tom’s aching back and tired feet got the better of him.

“Playing eight rounds in four days is a tough assignment for once-a-week golfers,” Dave said. “I know I’m tired. But not as tired as I was two years ago at La Jolla, where I lost on the last hole to Paul Wise. When you lose, you’re always tireder.”

Tom smiled and nodded in agreement.

“At least a Barber’s name will be on the plaque,” Tom said cheerily.

Dave will play next month in the California Open at Mission Hills and La Quinta Hotel--the same courses where the PGA club pro tournament will be played later in the year. Tom will join his father, now 70, in the Jeremy Ranch senior best-ball partners’ tournament next month in Utah.

“What a thrill that will be for me,” Tom said. “I’ve never played with my dad in a big tournament like that, and I’ll be around all those old fellows who used to baby-sit me when Dad was playing the tour.”