Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

6/15/07
Story by Tyler Cundith

Former JCCC golfer qualifies for U.S. Senior Open

OVERLAND PARK, KS --Randy Towner, a former JCCC golfer and  current PGA Class A Head Golf Professional at Alvamar Golf Club, qualified for the 2007 United States Senior Open Championship at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis., by winning a local qualifying tournament at Oakwood Country Club on Thursday, June 14th.  The U.S. Senior Open begins tournament play on Thursday, July 5th, with the 72-hole championship concluding on Sunday, July 8th.

“This is very exciting,”  Towner said.  “This is why you play golf - to get to play with the big boys.  I am really looking forward to playing.”

Towner fired a round of 71 at Oakwood, placing first in the field of 57 participants.  However, after eight holes, it appeared it would be a third failed attempt for Towner to realize his dream.  

“I had been playing great golf before this event,”  Towner said.  “After the eighth hole I said to myself, ‘this is stupid, I’m better than this’, and I started making birdies.”

Towner birdied four of the next five holes, and finished with a strong back nine of 33.  Towner’s round featured seven birdies, two bogeys, two double bogeys and seven pars.

Now in his 19th season at Alvamar Country Club in Lawrence, Kan., Towner hopes to play well enough to make and cut and play on the weekend, but his main expectation is to just enjoy this opportunity.

“I just want to go there and relax, and have fun taking part in a Major Championship.”  Towner said.  “I have played in events against my peers, but never at this level.  I just got my packet about the tournament and I get a courtesy car and they really take care of my wife. I am really excited to be a part of this championship.”

Towner has never played Whistling Straits, but will get his first opportunity July 2nd, when players can play the first of three practice rounds before the event begins. 
 
Towner was a member of JCCC’s first golf team in 1971-72, and was the team’s top player his freshman and sophomore seasons.  In his two campaigns, Towner helped both teams qualify for the NJCAA National Tournament. His sophomore season, he placed 30th overall at nationals, and fired a 72-hole score of 299 which included a 71 in the first round, and a 72 in the final round.  His 299 score was a school record until 2004, and his low round of 71 stood until 2005.