Start fast and finish strong.
That was Rich Morris’ plan heading into the final round of the Community Bank Golf Classic, which wrapped up at Northwood Country Club Saturday.
Morris, of Fayetteville, Ark., started the fourth round of the Tight Lies Tour event tied with Brice Garnett of Gallation, Mo., at nine-under par.
“I birdied the first, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh holes, and tried to make par the rest of the way,” Morris said. “That was the plan.”
Morris was at 16-under by the 13th hole, while Garnett was at 11-under. Morris then followed his plan, shooting par on the remaining holes while Garnett made a run at him, birding the 15th and 16th and 18th holes while shooting par on 17.
It was the second tour victory for Morris, who won his first tour event at Gulfport six weeks ago.
“I love Mississippi,” Morris said with a smile.
There was $100,000 in prize money this year with $14,000 going to the winner.
With his wife, Renee, serving as his caddie, Morris saved the best for last. He shot a 69 in the first round, 66 in the second and 69 in the third.
“This was a great course,” Morris said. “It wasn’t as long but it favored the guy who could stay in bounds and make his putts.”
Morris played college golf at Arkansas through 1999. He worked for about a year-and-a-half, and then started playing pro. He plans to play the winter tournaments.
Garnett, who played college golf at Missouri Western, was pleased with his round of golf.
“You can’t give up because anything can happen,” said Garnett, who trailed by five-strokes on the back nine. “I enjoyed the course. You have to concentrate on every hole or you can wind up with a big number.”
Richard Swift, who started the day at five-under par, shot 66 on Saturday and finished third. Greg Bonnier and Scott Sterling finished tied for fourth with at nine under.
Billy McCoy, a member of the Arizona State University golf team, was the low amateur at six-over par.
The Tight Lies Tour moves on to Marksville, La., where it will wind up its summer tour.
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