Jerry Tucker (74) Becomes Oldest South Florida PGA Senior Professional Championship Winner
By CRAIG DOLCH
Special to the South Florida PGA
NORTH PALM BEACH (Aug. 23, 2023) – At 74, Jerry Tucker refuses to act his age.
The Stuart resident became the oldest player to win the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship on Tuesday at Lost Tree Club. Tucker fired a 5-under 67 to charge from five shots back to win by one over four players. He birdied five of his last seven holes to finish at 6-under 138.
“I’m almost shocked,” Tucker said. “Qualifying for my first U.S. Open was my biggest highlight, but this ranks in the top five because it was unexpected. I didn’t know if it was possible, between my game and the nerves.”
Tucker also became the first player to win the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship five times – the first coming in 2000 and the last coming in 2007. The other wins were in 2004, 2006 and 2007.
The win qualifies Tucker for the 35th Senior PGA Professional Championship Oct. 24-29 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. If he finishes in the top 35 there, he’d qualify for next year’s Senior PGA Championship.
“I’ve played in 19 majors and I’d really like to get to 20,” Tucker said. “That was my big goal this year. It’s getting harder every year, especially because this is without a doubt the best Section for seniors in the country.”
Tucker got some unexpected help Tuesday to win. Defending champion Alan Morin, a PGA Assistant Professional at the Club at Ibis, appeared to be cruising to another title until he played his back nine at 3-over, finishing in the group one shot behind.
“I really didn’t play that bad,” Morin said. “At 17, I hit a shot right at the pin and couldn’t believe it was over the green into a bunker (for a bogey).
“It’s incredible what Jerry did today. It just shows you the depth that this Section has. Jerry has proven himself for many years. To be able to hang with these guys at that age is pretty impressive.
First-round leader David Ladd of the Champions Club had the misfortune of receiving a two-shot penalty when he inadvertently hit the slope button on his rangefinder while measuring his approach to the par-4 sixth hole. A bogey on the hole became a triple-bogey, and even with three birdies on the back nine, Ladd (73) came up one shot short, tied with Morin, Tim Cantwell of PGA National (70) and Michael Valicenti (67) of PXG.
“I’m frustrated, but that’s what makes golf the greatest game in the world because you monitor yourself,” Ladd said. “It’s a game of integrity.”
And an ageless game, as well. Asked for the secret for his longevity, Tucker gave three reasons: 1) Desire; 2) Emphasis on short game; 3) Ability to hit different shots.
Joining Tucker, Morin, Ladd, Cantwell and Valicenti at the Senior PGA Professional Championship with good showings Tuesday were Eric Veilleux (69-142) of the Bear’s Club, Mike Melton (73-142) of Fairwinds Golf Course, Rod Curl Jr. (75-142) of Crane Watch at Evergreen and Steve Vecellio (73-143) of Frenchman’s Reserve, who won a playoff with a birdie for the final spot.
The South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship is run by the South Florida PGA. Presenting Partners are JaniKing and Cadillac and Golf Channel is a Supporting Partner.
For scores, go to SFPGA Senior PGA Professional Champ - Senior Section Champion Leaderboard | South Florida PGA (bluegolf.com).
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