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Bibbee in contention last time W.Va. Open at PCC

VIENNA – The last time the West Virginia Open was conducted at Parkersburg Country Club, Scott Bibbee was 26 years old and trying to stay in contention when a rain delay occurred.

Bibbee didn’t do his back any justice waiting for play to resume.

“I worked my way into the top 10 with nine holes to go then the rain delay happened,” Bibbee said. “We thought it was going to blow over and the rains just kept coming. I was at the halfway house and my back froze up.

“That was when we wore metal cleats and I sat on the concrete. I didn’t stretch, so my game after that wasn’t very pretty.”

Exactly 30 years later, home-course advantage once again plays in Bibbee’s favor as the tournament returns to Parkersburg Country Club on June 17-21. In addition to competing as part of the 120-golfer field, he will serve on the executive committee for the West Virginia Golf Association.

“I will be a go-between (PCC PGA professional Scott Davidson) and his staff and Ken Tackett with the West Virginia Golf Association,” BIbbee said. “I’m excited to have the tournament back here at Parkersburg Country Club – it’s been a long time coming.

“It has to help some that I play here every week, so I have a lot better feel for the course than others.”

Since taking an interest in the sport at the age of 5, Bibbee and golf has been a constant. During his career at Parkersburg High School, he was a member of two state championship teams (1974-75) and contributed to Ohio University’s Mid-American Conference title in 1979.

Bibbee’s list of accomplishments don’t end there. He also has won three West Virginia State Amateur tournament titles.

“Golf is a game that my father taught me – I can remember tagging behind him and hitting the ball as many times as I could,” Bibbee said. “He played a lot, but he passed away early in life.”

Bibbee joined the ranks of the senior division for the state of West Virginia six years ago, so his first priority for this year’s West Virginia Open is shooting the low score among his peers. As for the rest of the field, Bibbee doesn’t discount his chances.

“Obviously, I still feel like I am competitive in the Senior Am,” Bibbee said. “I’m working with Scott (Davidson) on a few things. My short game is terrible, but I am trying to fix it.”

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