Shiels surges to senior title

Eric Shiels rediscovered his short game just in time to become a repeat senior amateur champion.

The 57-year-old thought his putter had deserted him after he three-putted on three holes on the front nine Sunday at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club. But, he needed just one putt on five of the back-nine holes and won by five strokes over Marty Braun.

Tied with Braun as they made the turn in the final round, Shiels got hot on the greens and rolled in birdies on holes 10, 13, 14 and 16 on his way to an even-par 71.

"That closed most of the deal and I ended up three-under on the back nine, and I think that's the same thing that happened last year," said Shiels. "It's tough to win. Marty is definitely a stalwart. It was definitely good coming in with a few strokes to play with on the last couple holes."

Braun was the senior amateur runner-up to Shiels last year as well.

Shiels, the 1987 Simon Fraser Open champion, began the second round Sunday tied for the lead with Dale McDermid after they shot three-over rounds of 74 on Saturday. Shiels shot two-over on the front, while Braun was three-over at that point.

"It's always good to get a win," said Shiels. "I had a shaky putter on the front nine but it was resurrected on the back nine."

Shiels was in the final group with Braun, McDermind and Greg Close.

A total of 124 entered the two-day tournament, up from 94 last year.