A Winner in ‘99, He Now Needs Exemption

Gary McCord may have won the 1999 Toshiba Senior Classic, but that doesn’t mean much in 2001.

McCord, who defeated Allen Doyle, John Jacobs and Al Geiberger in a playoff to win two years ago, needed a sponsor exemption to get in this year because he did not finish high enough on the money list last year to gain automatic entry.

Only the top 31 finishers on the previous year’s money list are fully exempt. McCord finished 33rd. Still he got the exemption from sponsors, who were kind enough to throw in a past champion’s preferred parking spot.

It turns out that McCord was also a sponsor exemption in 1999.

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A steady rain delayed the start of the afternoon pro-am and shortened it to nine holes.

The rain began during the morning pro-am round, but contestants completed play in sloppy conditions.

The afternoon round, scheduled to tee off at 12:30, was delayed until 2:15 and shortened to nine holes.

Tom McGinnis, a Monday qualifier, and Dave Stockton won the morning round tied at five-under-par 66.

The afternoon competition was split into front nine and back nine. Don Bies and McCord won the front nine by shooting one-under-par 34. Bobby Walzel won the back nine with a two-under-par 34.

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Premier pairings for the first round Friday include: Tom Watson and defending champion Allen Doyle at 10 a.m.; Bruce Fleisher and Lanny Wadkins at 10:30; Tom Kite and Chi Chi Rodriguez at 11:20.

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Tom Kite will lead a short-game clinic at 1:30 p.m. today at the putting green. Kite will demonstrate proper techniques for shots on and around the green. The clinic is free and open to the public.

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The SCPGA Foundation will conduct an NCAA workshop at 8:15 Sunday to educate college-bound junior golfers about scholarships, eligibility, the NCAA Clearinghouse and resume writing.

A panel that includes college golf coaches, athletic directors, players and parents of NCAA golfers.

Cost is $26 for one, $46 for two and $62 for three. Each attendee receives ticket to the Senior Classic final round. Information: (714) 776-4653.

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Ted Goin won a playoff Tuesday for the final Monday qualifier spot over Gary Vanier and Ray Carrasco.

The three players shot 69 Monday at Strawberry Farms and tied for the final berth. Goin won on the second hole of the playoff.