FRENCH LICK, Ind. — Max Hollon didn't think the day had gone well at the 2011 U.S. Hickory Open on the Donald Ross Course.
Playing in the Senior Division, Hollon survived "going brain dead for three holes" to finish with an 82 that left him in a three-way tie for second entering today's final round.
"I didn't think 82 would turn out that well," said Hollon, 68, of Evansville. "I thought a couple of guys were going to shoot 75."
Maybe that's because no other group of seniors on Tuesday came close to matching Hollon's partners.
Hollon was paired with leader and defending senior champ Mike Just, who shot 7-over 79, and Charles Mitchell, who also shot 82 in the tournament that requires players to use hickory-shafted clubs constructed before 1935 or modern replicas.
The other player at 82 is Terry Howath, while Eric Wagner and Michael Fay both shot 85.
"I was playing pretty well, just a couple over through the first eight holes," said Hollon, who will tee off today at 8:30 a.m. as part of a shotgun start. "And then on Nos. 9, 10 and 11, I go double (bogey), bogey, triple and I'm 6-over in three holes.
"But it was right then my 12-year-old grandson, Spencer, said 'Grampa, you're moving your head' and he was right. After that I played better again."
Evansville's other entry in the U. S. Hickory Open, Fendrich pro Dave English, didn't fare as well playing in the Championship Division.
English, who wasn't able to finish his practice round in Monday's heat, sagged visibly at the end of his round and shot 96, 21 strokes off the pace. The lead belongs to Roger Andrews and Alan Grieve, who both shot a 3-over 75. Scott McAllister and Rick Woeckener were tied for third at 78.
"Well, at least I finished today," said English. "But I think I did get tired there at the end. It showed up in my decision making more than anything else. With hickory clubs you really have to think your way around the golf course and think about where you want to miss greens since you can't get there (in regulation) on most holes.
"I really did that early in the round, but not at the end. Then it just turned into a survival test. I'm just glad I passed that. My goal today was to break 90, so I wasn't that far off."
Both Hollon and English said the Hickory Open, with a field of around 100 from throughout the nation, was a gas.
"It was a great experience with great guys," said Hollon. "I'm really looking forward to (today's) and I can't wait to do this again this summer."
Said English: "It's not just about the golf. It's the courses they play, too. It's a great experience all the way around."
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