Allen, Hess wrap up MOVJGA wins

MINERAL WELLS -Athletes caught scoreboard watching sometimes lose focus. Not Ben Allen.

The 15-year-old golfer from Little Hocking produced his first victory of the Mid-Ohio Valley Junior Golf Association by defeating Marietta's Jared Hammons by one stroke Wednesday afternoon at Woodridge Plantation Golf Club. The two youngsters were tied entering the final hole, but Allen made par to finish at 5-over-par 76.

"I got a little nervous at the end because Jared was starting to catch me," Allen said. "I bogeyed a few holes, but I parred that last hole to beat him by one."

Allen took an interest in golf at age 8 - about the same time his grandfather took up the sport. His grandfather was in attendance on Wednesday and received a quick wink from his grandson as soon as the victory was complete.

"I've always been grandpa's buddy," said Allen, who will be a junior at Parkersburg Christian in the fall.

Allen's round did not include a birdie but consisted of a few exceptional shots - like his chip-in for par from 15 feet off the green on No. 10. Two holes later, he sank a putt from 15 feet to save par.

Travis Bailey edged Adeena Shears by one stroke to capture the title in the 12-under age division. Bailey shot a 53 for nine holes.

Meanwhile in the 16-18 age division, scores were relatively high. No one broke 80, including champion Matthew Hess who finished at 82. The senior-to-be at Parkersburg South High School also won the MOVJGA tour stop held two weeks earlier at Lakeside Golf Course in Beverly.

Hess birdied the 18th hole to break from a pack which included Jordan Pomrenke (84), Cory Gilchrist (85) and Kevin Bayer (85). Hess also birdied two holes on the front side. On the second hole, his approach shot landed within 3 feet of the cup. On the 540-yard, par 5 fifth hole, he reached the green in two and two-putted.

"The greens were hard and slow, and I struggled," explained Hess for the unusually high scores.

Hess will try to protect his lead in the tour standings when the MOVJGA continues today at Northfork Valley Golf Course in Lubeck then finishes Friday, July 25 at Oxbow Golf and Country Club in Belpre.