Demsey Gets Hot on Second 18, Beats Berganio for Amateur Title
In appearance and personality, the differences between Todd Demsey and Dave Berganio are as vast as the Pacific Ocean they strolled alongside for six hours Friday while competing in the 81st California Amateur golf championship at Pebble Beach.
Demsey, 20, who defeated his rival 5 and 4 to win the 36-hole final, could pass for 16 with a baby face and blond hair. Raised in Del Mar, Demsey has a quiet demeanor.
Berganio, who is 23, but looks older with a stubbly beard, is from the streets of Pacoima and Sylmar. He is a blend of wounded lion and Roberto Duran.
Their differences in golfing were evident after playing even for 20 holes Friday. Demsey began his onslaught by winning hole No. 3 when Berganio bogeyed. Demsey then had three consecutive birdies to surge to 4-up, virtually ending the match in a 35-minute blitz of straight iron shots and terrific putting.
A demoralized Berganio brought the match to an end when he missed an 18-inch putt for par on the 14th hole.
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