Stephen Ames is enjoying his stay in Marrakesh, Morocco with his wife Kelly, visiting the market, taking in the sights, smells and sounds, and oh yes, playing great golf.
A matching course record 63 had him leading by 4 after the first PGA Champions event in Africa, then 69 on Friday saw him 3 shots clear on the Samanah Golf Club at -12.
Now 55 he won the season opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship in 2017 for his only Senior tour win, he had 4 on the PGA Tour. He has become well established and with the retirement of Rod Spittle is the lone Canadian on tour. He has a new coach, a re-vamped swing and an altered grip all of which are working well.
With 2 early bogeys he lost his 3 shot lead to a surging Brett Quigley but battled hard with offsetting birdies on the front nine, and others at the 11th and 12th. Bogey's at 14 and 15 had his shoulders slumping, but birdies at 16 and 17 along with Quigley's first bogey of the day and Stephen came down the 18th just a shot behind at -14.
His approach hit the green but rolled down off the back, and he darned near holed his pitch for birdie. He holed an 8 footer for par, leaving Quigley a testy 4 footer for the win, which he made.
Quigley had no status, and never won on the PGA Tour but had a fantastic round to give himself 2 years with full privileges on the PGA Tour Champions.
There are around 100 courses in Morocco and the European Tour has been playing here for a decade. This event has a 5 year deal and organizers have spoiled the players and their families with lavish accommodations, parties along with sightseeing trips. all of which they hope will boost their country as a go to destination for international golf holidays.
Bryan Angus
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