Updated report from NGA Tour Winter Series Championship

HENDRY FOURTH BUT NOT

TOO UNHAPPY WITH FLORIDA

MINI-TOUR FINISH

Elgin-born Joel Hendry was not too unhappy with losing a share of the lead to finish fourth in the NGA Tour Winter Series championship at Black Bear Golf Club, Eustis in Florida at the weekend.
Hendry, Scottish amateur youths champion in 1999 and 2000, started the fourth and final round in joint pole position in the chase for the $14,000 jackpot prize. But the 28-year-old shot a two-over-par 74 for a 14-under-par 288 and had to settle for a $5,000 reward for fourth place.
Joel’s co-overnight leader, American Jeff Schmid, suffered a bigger slump under pressure. He finished with a 76 and dropped to joint seventh place and a $3,375 pay-out.
Another American Brian Stuard went on to win with a closing score of 67 for 17-under-par 271.
“Joel played steadily but his putter let him down. Conditions were very windy but he was happy with his play as he has been working hard in the gym over the winter and has made a few swing changes with his coach, “ said Joel’s dad, Elgin businessman Mike Hendry after a phone call to Florida.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4 x 72)
Players from US unless stated

271 Brian Stuard 66 72 66 67 ($14,000).
272 John Koskinen 67 71 68 66 ($8,000).
274 Rob Johnson 70 68 66 70 ($6,000).
276 Joel Hendry (Sco) 69 69 64 74 ($5,000).
277 Rob Oppenheim 67 71 71 68, Erik Herberth 72 66 69 70 ($3,875 each).
278 Brad Klapprott 66 70 68 74, Jeff Schmid 67 66 69 76 ($3,375 each).
279 Ty Harris 71 69 73 77, Chris Erwin67 70 73 69, Nick Gilliam 70 70 69 70, Andrew Morse 70 68 69 72 ($2,697 each).