Scott Parel, a player on the PGA Tour Champions, had an outstanding performance at the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament. Despite facing health issues earlier in the summer, Parel managed to achieve an impressive feat. He scored a hole-in-one on the par-3 17th hole at the Timuquana Country Club and proceeded to score 8 under on the next eight holes. Finishing with a remarkable 64, Parel secured a three-shot lead over Jerry Kelly and Brett Quigley.
Other notable players include Miguel Angel Jimenez, who led a group of seven players at 4 under, and Jacksonville native David Duval and Vijay Singh, who both finished at 3 under. World Golf Hall of Fame members Davis Love III and Retief Goosen shot 2-under 70 in the first round. Tournament host Jim Furyk, despite battling back pain, managed to score a 71, including three birdies in four holes on the back nine. Steve Stricker, the defending champion, finished at even-par 72 after bogeying two of his last three holes.
Parel’s Ace Sparks Impressive Round
Scott Parel, teeing off in the first group on hole No. 10, displayed his skill by hitting an 8-iron from 158 yards out, resulting in the third ace in tournament history. Parel followed up with a birdie on No. 18 and continued his success on the front nine, achieving birdies on holes 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. Parel, a four-time PGA Tour Champions winner, is known for consistently performing well, with 43 top-10 finishes and 24 top-fives. His score of 64 in the first round tied with Steve Stricker’s record low round from the previous year.
Parel, an Augusta, Georgia resident and former computer programmer who turned professional at the age of 31, modestly attributed his success to luck. He acknowledged the rarity of a hole-in-one with odds of 3,000-to-1 for a professional golfer. After his birdie on No. 18, Parel’s tee shot on the first hole veered towards the trees but fortunate kicked out onto the fairway, enabling him to make par. Parel continued his exceptional performance by scoring five birdies on the following six holes.
Parel’s consistency is evident through his statistics this season. In 22 starts, he leads the PGA Tour Champions in total driving and ranks ninth in greens in regulation. Although duplicating his 8-under performance might be challenging, Parel remains focused on maintaining accuracy off the tee and capitalizing on birdie opportunities.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Parel’s remarkable performance is even more impressive given his recent health scare. Over the summer, Parel underwent a procedure to insert a stent in one of his arteries. He withdrew from the Ascension Charity Classic on September 10 due to feeling unwell. However, after consulting with his doctor and receiving clearance to return, Parel’s health has improved. He expressed relief that the procedure resolved the issues that caused chest pain and shortness of breath. While he still isn’t feeling 100 percent, Parel acknowledges that being in good health is crucial for achieving outstanding results on the golf course.
David Duval, a Jacksonville native, briefly closed the gap with Parel, reaching 5 under after birdies on holes 14 and 16. However, his three-putt bogey on hole 17 and another bogey on the final hole prevented him from maintaining his momentum. Duval’s season has shown a pattern of producing one standout round per tournament. He achieved his best Champions finish at the Sanford International three weeks ago, posting a score of 7-under 203 and tying for 18th place.
Stricker’s Bogey-Free Streak Ends
Prior to his bogey on hole 16, Steve Stricker had an impressive streak of 62 consecutive bogey-free holes dating back to the first round in 2022. Stricker did not record a bogey during the weekend and secured victory with scores of 64 and 69. Despite previous damage to four greens at the Timuquana Country Club, which had to be repaired due to a vandalism incident, the course was in excellent condition. Players will receive relief if a damaged green interferes with their line of putt. The grounds crew received praise for their exceptional work in preparing the course.
Colin Montgomerie, however, struggled during the tournament, falling 10 over par through 12 holes before withdrawing due to an unspecified illness.
By: Garry Smits
Title: PGA Tour Champions Player Makes Ace, Sets Record Score, and Takes Three-Shot Lead at Furyk & Friends
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/10/06/scott-parel-hole-in-one-record-score-three-shot-lead-furyk-and-friends/
Published Date: Fri, 06 Oct 2023 22:16:03 +0000
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