Fresno State Athletics
Nick Watney Wins Canadian Tour Title
8/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Aug. 18, 2003
WINTERGREEN, Va. - Former Fresno State golf standout Nick Watney became the second consecutive non-member to win a Canadian tour title Sunday at the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Championship.
Watney played on a sponsors exemptions and carded a final round 68. His four-day total of 20-under 268 was five shots better than Derek Gillespie (Oshawa, Ontario), Alan McLean (South Africa) and Alex Quiroz (Mexico).
Holding a three-shot lead as the day began, Watney allowed Gillespie to get within two when he could only salvage par on the par-5 opening hole. Two holes later, Watney chipped in from off the green and followed that up with another birdie on number four. Maintaining his three-shot cushion at the turn, the reigning WAC Player of the Year added another birdie on the 10th to salt it away. Just after he did Saturday when another storm rolled through the area, Watney went out after the suspension and birdied his two remaining holes.
"I kept it in play and made some good putts," said Watney, who will play a PGA Tour event in Reno, Nev., this week. "I enjoyed playing with Derek, he has a lot of firepower. Playing in the final group with a lead and then shooting 67, I have to feel pretty good about that. You can't give these guys an inch out here."
Playing in just his fifth event since turning pro in June, Watney was brilliant all week, posting rounds of 66-67-68-67 at the 7004-yard layout. The event is named in honor of Canadian Tour rookie Lewis Chitengwa who passed away from meningitis in Edmonton two summers ago. Aventis Pasteur, the presenting sponsor of the tournament, is a world leader in vaccine research, development and production. Chitengwa's parents, Lewis Sr. and Josephine, flew in from Zimbabwe for the tournament.
"I never had the chance to meet Lewis, but I have heard nothing but good things about him this week," said Watney shortly after hoisting the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Trophy. "I am honored to have my name associated with being the champion of his tournament. No matter how competitive we are, we are all friends and it is at a time like this that really hits home."
