Owen Misses Putt in 17th of Bay View Invitational
TUESDAY, 21 MARCH 2006
Last Sunday's Bay Hill Invitational Presented by Mastercard in Florida was one of those rare moments where the loser became as headline-worthy as the winner. It wasn't because he did something controversial, but because he was so close to the victory only to lose it in the end. It was so upsetting that he became as big news as the winner.
Englishman Greg Owen was a shot ahead of Australian Rod Pampling in the 17th hole and was literally three feet from capping the win. Pampling missed his putt and eventually bogeyed. Owen already had his chance for the win, but by some stroke of bad luck, his form broke down and missed. As if it were not worse enough, he again missed the putt until finally sinking it in his third try. Pampling eventually led by a shot in the 18th hole, stealing the victory from Owen.
The 34 year-old Owen thought he hit a great shot at the 17th. “I hit it right on line, just needed another inch and it’s next to the hole … little breaks. And you can accept missing the first putt, but to just throw a shot like that after the hard work you’ve done all week is just stupid. I played really well until 17." He surmised that it was probably due to a lack of concentration.
But despite the loss, Owen earned $594,000 and had his best career finish so far. Maybe he will have his chance next time after being denied of it by his "golfing gods" who he said will tell him if it is his time to win.
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