That Winning Smile: Miguel Carballo gladly holds the championship trophy as he won the Chattanooga Children's Hospital Classic Sunday at Black Creek Mountain.
Carballo shot a 24-under 264 to win by two strokes over Brice Garnett.
photo by Wesley Schultz
LOOKOUT VALLEY - Highlighted by three eagles on championship Sunday, Miguel Carballo shot a final round 8-under 64 for a tourney best 24-under 264 to win the Nationwide Tour Chattanooga Children’s Hospital Classic at Black Creek Mountain Golf Club.
Now in his fifth year on the Nationwide Tour, the Bahia Blanca, Argentina native edged runner-up and Monday qualifier Brice Garnett (22-under, 266) by two strokes to take home the $90,000 first prize, while Garnett pocketed $54,000.
Aaron Goldberg was third (21-under, $34,000), followed by Matt Every at 19-under ($24,000) and B.J. Staten at 18-under ($20,000) to complete the top five.
Children’s Hospital Classic Results: go to Children’s Hospital Classic Leaderboard – PGATOUR.com
The victor moves to No.5 on the money list ($248,971) from No.21 last week and has secured his PGA Tour card for 2012.
“I have been playing well lately and it all came together this week,” said Carballo through his caddy and interpreter David Walker.
“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to make the PGA Tour and be able to play along side idols Tiger Woods, Angel Cabrera (also from Argentina) and Eduardo Romero,” stated the second youngest of eight brothers and sisters.
Strong Start: Starting the day at 16-under – four back of third round leader John Mallinger (20-under) – Carballo posted a four-under 32 on the front nine, and was co-leader with Billy Hurley III at 20-under at the turn after Mallinger uncharacteristically suffered three, double bogeys (Nos. 6-7 and 9) to fall five back at 15-under and all but out of the title chase.
Mallinger started the day strong, moving to 22-under with one-putt birdies on Nos. 2 and 3, but after a par on No.4 was then 7-over the next five holes.
"I was mentally strong coming out of the gate, but was a little rattled after the two double bogeys at six and seven," said Mallinger who finished tied for sixth ($16,187 each)with Doug Labelle II, Justin Bolli and Hurley.
"I didn't settle down until I birdied 13 and 14."
By then it was too late and Hurley Carballo, Garnett and Bolli were left to fight it out down the stretch.
"I was flawless for three rounds (20 birdies and one bogey), but to finish 3-over on Sunday is unacceptable," stated Mallinger who played college golf at Long Beach State.
Hurley started the day two back of Mallinger at 18-under and reached 20-under with birdies at Nos. 6 and 8.
But Hurley was not able to stay with Carballo’s hot putting on the back nine.
While the former U.S. Navy Lieutenant stayed at 20-under through 14 along with Bolli and Golderg, Carballo and Garnett (playing one group ahead of Mallinger and Hurley) reached 21-under after 14.
The last four holes showed Hurley 3-over, Bolli 2-over and Goldberg could only birdie 18 for 1-under.
Two Man Race: Carballo passed Garnett on No.15 as he went eagle-eagle-birdie (No.14-15-16) and went to 24-under, while Garnett was posting birdies in the same stretch to move to 23-under.
“Eagles at 14 and 15 were huge for me and, of course, proved to be a major factor in winning the tourney,” Carballo stated.
“David and I discussed going for the green on the 15th (downhill par-4) which I did and was fortunate to drive the green and make the long eagle putt.”
Chance to Tie For The Lead: Garnett could have tied Carballo for the lead at 23-under on the par-3, 17th, but missed a six-foot par putt to stay one shot back as both he and Carballo posted bogeys.
Carballo ended the drama with a 10-foot birdie putt on No. 18 to seal the win after Garnett nearly holed out his wedge shot from the fringe.
“That’s how you win a tournament,” said Carballo in reference to his final one putt green.
Children's Hospital Classic Notes
Rare Eagle on 15: Miguel Carballo scored the tournament's only eagle on 15 ... that coming on Sunday.
Winning Numbers: Carballo had eagles (4), birdies (20), bogeys (4)
Add to those totals, he had Greens in Regulation (60 of 72), Fairways Hit (36 of 56), 114 putts (tied for 3rd).
Winner's Gifts: Carballo received the crystal trophy, the $90,000 check and a watch from Charlie Goss Jewelers.
Anchors Away: Tournament director Mickey McCamish and golfer Billy Hurley III both served in the Navy ...
Hurley was a Lieutenant driving destroyer ships during his five years of active duty after graduating from the Naval Academy in 2004 ...
McCamish entered the Navy's Officer Candidate School after graduating from the University of Chattanooga in 1964 ... he rose to the rank of Ensign and was the gunnery and anti-submarine warfare officer on the USS Glennen for two years followed by being the Weapons Department head on the USS Kretchmer .
His final duty was as a Captain commanding the Navy Reserve Communications Programs worldwide for which he received a Meritorious Service Award, the second highest non-combat medal awarded by the Navy.
Each Day Leaders:
Thursday - Nicholas Thompson opened wih a 9-under 63 (31-32) ... he finished tied for 18th at 13-under (63-71-70-71=275; $6,520)
Friday - John Mallinger shot 65 on Friday and was 13-under, 131, one shot ahead of Billy Hurley and Justin Bolli ...
Saturday - John Malliner shot another 65 and was 20-under, two shots ahead of Hurley ..
Mallinger finished 66-65-65-75=271 (17-under), $16,187
Sunday Leader: Miguel Carballo was 24-under, 69-66-65-64=264 ...
tied for 44th on Thursday, six shots back at 3-under ...
tied for ninth on Friday, four shots back at 9-under ...
in fourth on Saturday, four shots back at 16-under.
Runner-Up Check: Noting this is his largest pay day, Brice Garnett said of the $54,000 runner-up prize, he would put most of it in the bank to pay some bills, but would buy something real nice for himself.
"I have won twice on the mini tour (earlier this year) but to come in second on the Nationwide tops both of those wins as there is better competition at this level," said Garnett.
"I had an opening to tie Miguel on 17 and missed the par putt, but overall I played well."
Good Week for Walker: David Walker, who carried the bag for Miguel Carballo, not only picked up a nice check as the caddy of the champion, but his George Bulldogs defeated Tennessee in football Saturday night, 20-12 ... Walker is from Athens, Ga. and attended the University of Georgia for a period of time.
Volunteers of the Week
Adult Winner: was Anne and Carl Maxwell who have been part of the volunteer committee since the old Chattanooga pro tournament which started at Valleybrook.
Junior Winner: Alex Haralson, a ninth grader on the McCallie junior varsity golf team ... Alex handled the walking scoreboard all four days; Thurs. (36 holes), Fri. (18), Sat. (36) and Sun. (18).
Contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net