After rolling a 12-foot birdie putt on the closing hole of the 2008 Melwood Prince George’s County Open, Jeff Kluk rose to victory.
Klauk, a 30-year-old Floridian, toyed with the lead for most of four rounds at the tournament, but made the putt when he had to have it. A county press release said Sunday’s win was worth not only a second career title, but in all likelihood, his first trip to the PGA Tour.
Jeff Klauk Photo: nickentgolf.com
County Executive Jack Johnson was on hand to present Klauk with the trophy. “It is a very special day in Prince George’s County and an honor for me to present this trophy to Jeff Klauk, as the winner of the 2008 Melwood Prince George’s County Open,” Johnson said. “You played very well. Congratulations on today’s win.”
Klauk’s victory came on the 18th green at the Country Club at Woodmore in Mitchellville.
"I've had that putt a thousand times in my life," said Klauk of the winning stroke. His first since the 2003 Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open. “Right to left, just outside the hole. I just visualized it going in. It was probably the best putt I hit all week.”
Klauk earned $117,000 for the win to push his season total to $221,433, which should give him enough cash to secure a spot among the top-25 money-winners at the end of the year who will earn PGA Tour cards for 2009.
“It's been a dream my whole life,” said Klauk. “My first year out here I was close but I don't think I was ready then. I guess it was supposed to happen that way. I feel like I'm much more prepared having played out here for so long. This is a great tour and a great place to play."
--PGS Staff
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