THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 10, 1996 TAG: 9607100524
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: 44 lines
It's no longer an always a bridesmaid but never a bride feeling on the golf course for Jamie Sims.
Sims, a runner-up in numerous tournaments but never a winner, ended that hex with a victory in the First Flight Tournament at Elizabeth Manor Tuesday.
Posting a 1-under-par 69 after an opening round of 72 Monday, Sims topped a field of 187.
The Virginia Beach golfer, a native of New Orleans, claimed a 3-stroke edge over Old Dominion University golf coach Murray Rudisill and first-round leader Jason Brown of Kitty Hawk, N. C.
Rudisill added a 73 to his first-round 71. Brown, a Methodist College player, followed his opening 67 with a 77. A triple bogey on the 17th hole knocked him out of title contention.
``That was when I felt I had it won,'' said Sims. ``I just played it safe on the last hole and went for par. Until then, things were nip and tuck.
``Truthfully, I had no idea I would win this tournament. I was second in a tournament at Langley and runner-up in one at Sewells Point. But I came into this one with the idea of winning one of the 12 spots in the Eastern that goes to the top finishers. That was my goal.
``But in the past year or so my game has really improved. I always knew my skill level was there. Now my decisions are better. I'm thinking more. And it really feels good to finally win a tournament.''
Sims moved to this area in 1992 when his wife, a Navy helicopter pilot, was transferred here.
The 35-year-old Sims played in the First Flight for the first time last year and shot 153, missing the cut by two shots.
A 9-over-par 149 was good enough to gain one of the dozen spots awarded in Thursday's 40th annual Eastern Amateur.
Thirteen players had 149 and under. Rudisill elected to bypass the Eastern.
``I have seven of my (ODU) players in the Eastern and I want to watch them,'' explained Rudisill, who has played in many Easterns but was competing in his initial First Flight.
His handicap recently went up to 3. The Eastern is limited to players with handicaps of 2.5 and under except for the First Flight qualifiers.
Michael Southworth and Bubba Bruce, both from Virginia Beach, tied for fourth at 146. by CNB