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By Russ Christ, special for GolfArizona.com
A final-round 71 capped off four days of stellar golf. Kellaney was at or below par every round and his 4-under par 284 was the only score below par during the 72-hole competition. John Olive, Jin Park and Brian Nosler tied for second place, six shots back at 2-over 290. With the last Arizona Golf Association major of the century, Kellaney, only 43, now has a chance to earn AGA Player of the Year honors for the fifth time. He's also won the Mayfair Award (for lowest stroke average) five consecutive times and the Arizona Amateur three times, finishing second twice. A score of other tournament wins in the last two decades are too many to mention. If you were to name the best amateur golfer from Arizona during the last century, Kellaney deserves consideration. He's in the same company with Dr. Ed Updegraff from Tucson and former Scottsdale resident Mark Sollenberger. Each won the Arizona Amateur four times. Although ASU's Billy Mayfair and Phil Mickelson won U.S. Amateur Championships, their amateur careers were short-lived before turning to the PGA Tour. Certainly other golfers have had memorable amateur careers, but have they been as consistent and accomplished as Kellaney? No one challenged Kellaney the final day, although Nosler's birdie on No. 9 put him two shots behind. Kellaney also birdied the par 5 ninth and then drained a six-foot birdie on No. 10 to increase his lead to three strokes. A spectacular recovery shot from the mulch-lined transition area on No. 13 gave him a two-foot tap in for another birdie to go 5-under par. "The lie was perfect, but if it had been three inches to the right a tree would have been in the way," said Kellaney. "When it left the club I knew it was the perfect distance." With pars on four of the last five holes, he was able to win comfortably. Kellaney, obviously emotional after accepting the championship trophy, credited his family for the win. Bob, Ken's father, was diagnosed with cancer of the throat two years ago. A month after winning the 1997 Stroke Play Championship Kellaney learned of the illness, which turned out to be serious. A tumor the size of a tennis ball was removed. Bob's recovering now, but he still can't eat or speak normally. He was at Ken's side all week, assuming the role of a caddie. Kellaney dedicated the win to his Dad, who suggested a change in putters before the tourney started. They each posed for photographs with the Kachina, the signature trophy of AGA competitions. "He's an inspiration to me," said Kellaney, "and he's always been a wonderful source of support. He doesn't say much, but he keeps everything in order. It means a lot." Related links: |
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