Thursday, June 19, 1997

Abilenian hopes to keep title at home

By TED DUNNAM / Abilene Reporter-News

The last time the Men's West Texas Golf Championship was held at Fairway Oaks Country Club, an Abilenian captured the title.

Jaxon Brigman, a former state champion from Wylie and an all-American at Oklahoma State, prevailed when Fairway Oaks hosted the tournament in 1991, and he edged out one of this year's favorites, John Grace.

Conway Jordan, a Fairway Oaks club member, would like to maintain the winning local flavor when the open division begins play at 7 a.m. today in the 72-hole tournament.

"I'm playing all right," Jordan said. "Whoever wins will have to play four good rounds. I've been playing a lot lately, and my ball-striking has been pretty good.

"I think the players that are members here definitely have an advantage. But there are a lot of good golfers in the field - so many I wouldn't know who would be a favorite."

While the open division will play 72 holes of stroke play beginning today, three other flights - regular, senior and super senior - don't start play until Friday. Nearly 150 players are entered in all four flights, including 64 in the open division.

Among the past Abilene winners of the tournament are Brigman in 1991 and 1993, Bob Estes in 1987, Mike Standly in 1986, John Slaughter in 1982 and Charles Coody in 1959.

Grace, one of the leading amateur golfers in Texas, is the defending champion.

Jordan doesn't venture far to play in the Men's West Texas Championship, usually staying close to home where he feels he has an advantage.

"Keeping it in the fairway is the big key here," Jordan said. "The rough has gotten pretty high lately. You just have to go around the course and try not to make any mistakes."

Other Abilene golfers who could make a run at the title include Frank Johnson, Tim Hamilton, Wayne Hawkins, David Dickerson, Ty Adams and Russ Evans.