• Paul Ebner •
• Originally published July 20, 2008 at 11:43 p.m., updated July 20, 2008 at 11:43 p.m.

It’s not often a triple bogey eight on the final hole will produce a champion.

But for Eric Westerman on Sunday it was more than enough to capture the 2nd annual Victoria City Championship with a three-shot victory.

Westerman, who played steady for most of the round, shot a 3-over 74 Sunday at Victoria Country Club for a 54-hole total of 218, a shot better than last year’s winning score.

“It felt good having a safe lead going to the last hole knowing that if you made bogey you’d still be OK,” Westerman said. “But I kind of made it interesting. I was just hoping that next shot got over the water and I could get it home.”

Westerman hit a fairway bunker off the tee at the par-5 18th and then pitched out poorly. Then after his fourth shot sailed into the water guarding the left side of the green, he managed to chip over the water to within 15 feet and two putted for an eight and the win.

“I wish I could have been a couple of shots closer, maybe within two of three there at the end, because it sure would have made it interesting,” said Donavon Dekowski who finished in second at 221.

Dekowski began the day five shots back of Westerman, Mark Bazan and Clay Fullick and tried all day to make a run but just could never get over the hump.

Dekowski had five birdies on the day, but each time he made a move, he would find a bogey and finished at even-par 72 to fall three shots short.

Fullick would add a 78 and take third with a 222, while Victor Suarez finished fourth at 223 after a final round 74.

Bazan, the defending champion, finished with an 80 and placed fifth at 224.

Westerman went out in 36 picking of birdies at No. 1 and 9 and had an opportunity at the par-5 13th for eagle only to watch his putt slide past the hole.

“I actually played pretty well today, I just didn’t make a lot of putts,” Westerman said. “It was also comforting to know I had a good lead going to the back so I knew if I just went out and made pars I’d be in good shape. It was nice to get the job done.”

Dekowski looked to be making a charge after birdies at 13 and 14, but he left his tee shot to the right of the green at the par-3 15th and had to settle with a bogey that all but sealed his chances.

“The bogey at 15 really hurt,” Dekowski said. “I was hoping I could at least have put it close and put some pressure on him. But this was fun and I’m glad for Eric.”

The shot of the day came from the ladies flight where Becky Brown holed out for an ace at the 5th for her second career hole-in-one. Her husband, Gardner, would follow shortly thereafter and birdie the hole.

Viola Saenz closed with an 84 to capture the women’s title with a three-day 250 and a two-shot victory over Sharon Petty. Petty, who had led after the first and second rounds, closed with an 89 and a 252.

Third place went to Eileen Heyer with a 282 after a final round 97.

Gary McBroom edged out Michael Billings for the senior championship flight title. McBroom carded a final-round 80 for a 231, while Billings finished at 233 after a closing 86. Tommie Holt carded a 79 to finish third at 240.

Chad Brown held off Heber Lacerda to win the first flight as Brown finished at 233 and Lacerda at 234. Alan Elliott took third with a 237.

Jim Linam claimed the second flight with a 246, while Telly Ramos (251) beat out John Gonzales (251) in a playoff for second.

Alan Culberson went wire-to-wire to capture the third flight with a 240, as Clint Finley took second with a 245 and Randy Pilsner third with a 247.

Bryan Hunt took the fourth flight with a 247, while Keith Dickey finished second at 255 and David Jenkins third at 257.

Claud Jacobs also had a wire-to-wire victory in the fifth flight carding a 255, while Randy Bena won a playoff over Randal Rivera for second at 265.

Jacob Bowman brought home the top prize in the sixth flight with a 258, while Tony Kouches was second at 270 and Brian Walford third at 273.

Tournament play began Friday at Colony Creek Country Club, with the second round held Saturday at Riverside golf Course, before closing at VCC.

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