HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- Michael Brown of Lookaway Golf Club in Buckingham Pa. overcame the challenges of sweltering heat and a dramatic 5-hole playoff to win the Golf Association of Philadelphia's 106th Open Championship at the difficult par-70, 6,665-yard North Course at Philmont Country Club.
The victory by Brown marked only the 13th time an amateur has captured the Open Championship, as he outlasted professional Greg Farrow, of Deerwood Country Club, in a grueling 13 hour game.
"I'm surprised to say the least. Philadelphia has some of the strongest players in the country and to be playing against the pros and for an amateur to win - it's not likely," said Brown, 37, of Cheltenham, PA. "I'm pleasantly surprised. I knew I could win it, but I'm surprised."
Brown and Farrow finished the 36 holes of regulation at 2-over-par 142 and found themselves tied once again at the conclusion of the four-hole aggregate playoff at 1 over (Holes 1-2-17-18). A sudden-death playoff replaying Hole 1 under the moonlight immediately ensued, with a patient and determined Brown parring the championship's 41st hole at 8:40 p.m. to win.
In the end, it was a fantastic duel to see who would blink first, with the 5-hole playoff providing the ultimate challenge, and earning Brown his second Golf Association of Philadelphia Major title. He won the 2009 Middle-Amateur Championship at Tavistock Country Club, in Haddonfield, NJ, also in a playoff. Farrow, though losing the Open, was still the low professional competing and took home the $6,000 top prize. Brown's next challenge is the 97th Pennsylvania Amateur Championship on July 27th and 28th at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, in Farmington, PA.
Brown hones his golf skills at Lookaway Golf Club, in Buckingham, PA. The 7,000-yard championship course, designed by nationally renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, encompasses 207 acres overflowing with rolling hills, wetlands and 100-year-old trees enhanced by carefully placed bunkers and rough areas, making it a delight to see and a challenge to play. The club, which features extensive practice facilities, elegant dining areas, spacious well equipped locker rooms for men and women and other golf amenities, was acclaimed in 2007-2008 by Golf Digest magazine as the 15th top ranked course in Pennsylvania.
Lookaway opened in 1999 on a site that dates back to the founding of the nation. The property is traced to 1713, when William Penn first deeded the land to Thomas Watson, of Yorkshire, England, creating the first deed of Buckingham Township, PA. The Lookaway Clubhouse was constructed around 1752 by Mr. Watson for his son, John, and is believed to be the oldest building used as a clubhouse in the United States. Renowned for offering pure golf in a rural setting, Lookaway preserves the area's historic roots dating back to our founding fathers with a spirit true to American traditions.
For information on Lookaway Golf Club call 215-794-5727 or visit the course website www.lookawaygc.com.
