Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 18, 1994 TAG: 9407180031
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
"I felt like I could play eight through 12 as well as anybody, and if I was even with everybody, I'd take the lead," said Wood, 25, who grew up in the Martinsville area.
Wood birdied the ninth, 10th and 12th holes en route to a 2-under-par 70 on the 6,684-yard Willow Oaks Country Club course. That gave him a 72-hole total of 12-under 276 worth $12,000, the biggest State Open prize ever.
"I just felt like this week I was going to dig in and grind it out," Wood said.
Danville pro Craig Gunn, the 1992 State Open champion, and two-time State Amateur champion Keith Decker of Fieldale tied for second at 278. Gunn had a 70, Decker a 69.
"I felt like I had a chance to put some pressure on him, but he made the putts when he needed them," said Gunn, 28, who was the only player who shot sub-par rounds all four days.
Richmond amateur David Partridge, tied with Gunn for second going into the final round, had a 72 and finished at 280.
Tied at 281 were Virginia Tech golfer Curtis Deal of Chesapeake, who had a 69 with an eagle on the par-5 16th hole for the second day in a row, and three-time former State Amateur champion Tom McKnight of Galax, who carded a 70.
Chesapeake amateur J.P. Leigh was 3-over on the front nine and never was a factor at 73-283.
Tied at 284 were Reston pro Gil Lintelman (68) and amateur Mike Pratt, who had a 69 over his home course.
A five-way tie at 285 included Hanging Rock pro Chip Sullivan, whose 67 was the low round of the day, and 1993 champion Vinny Giles of Richmond, who had a 68.
by CNB