Chris Gilman of Yorba Linda coasted to a seven-stroke victory over Stephen Hale of Bakersfield in the 115th California State Open on the Champions Course at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon in Beaumont.
The 27-year-old Gilman led virtually all the way, posting a score of 63-64-71-70—268 with the help of five eagles in 72 holes, including two each in the first and second rounds.
“I was really looking forward to the Long Beach Open (one week earlier), but my putting was horrible and I missed the cut,” said Gilman, who played at Orange Lutheran High School and the University of Denver.
“I’ve played (at Morongo) about 150 times, so I know every inch of this course. … The ball just kept finding the hole.”
Hale finished at 67-67-70-71—275, while Buddy Duncan of Rancho Santa Fe shot 69-69-72-70—280 and tied for third with Gene Webster Jr. of Highland, who wound up at 68-67-75-70—280.
Cory Gladstone of San Diego tied for 14th to finish as low amateur at 65-74-76-71—286.
