Walter Morgan Shatters Course Record

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:39:57

"LaSalle, Ont. - After starting his day tied for 59th place, Walter Morgan finished it in the history books. Morgan hit 16 greens and carded 12 birdies in the second round of the AT&T Canada Senior Open on his way to a record-breaking 11 under par 60. The 61-year old broke the existing course record at Essex Golf & Country Club, as well as the 18-hole tournament record of 63, and tied the Senior PGA Tour 18-hole record set by Isao Aoki at the 1997 Emerald Coast Classic.

"I was just playing one hole at a time," said Morgan. "I wasn't thinking about shooting a 59; I was just trying to shoot my age."

When the self-taught golfer was asked if he made any adjustments to his game after carding a 2-over in the opening round, his answer was simple.

"I didn't change anything," he said. "I just played better."

However, Morgan's feat wasn't enough to move him to the top of the leaderboard. First round leader Tom Jenkins remained on top, and was joined by Morris Hatalsky who carded a seven-under 64 for a share of the lead at -11.

"It was a very good day for me and I played a solid game," said Hatalsky. "Tomorrow should be a real good horse race; it will be fun playing in the final group."

Gar Hamilton led the Canadians again today, adding a 69 to his opening round 65 for a two-day total of -8, tied for sixth. Wayne MacDonald is tied for 17th at 68; Norm Jarvis is tied for 23rd with -4 and Dave Barr and Dan Halldorson are in 29th position at -3. Jean Morin shot a 71 today for even par and a share of 71st spot, while local favourite Bob Panasik shot a 74 for a total of +12.

The 2002 AT&T Canada Senior Open, Canada's only Senior PGA Tour event, wraps up tomorrow at Essex Golf & Country Club, near Windsor, Ontario."