Sometimes you just have to do it yourself. Just ask Bill Washburn.

While playing in the Mercedes Benz best ball two-man scramble, Washburn’s partner was called away after 12 holes.

Washburn played the final six holes alone and managed to tie for first place and create a two-hole playoff.

But Washburn birdied the second hole of the playoff and won the tournament. Along with winning the tournament, Washburn and his partner Andy Melvin earned an all-expense paid trip to the Western Regional in Scotsdale, Az.

“It was a great experience. They had banquets and dinners for us. They treated us like the pros. The only thing I had to pay for was (wife) Mary Kay’s plane ticket,” said Washburn.

The tournament was held on the two courses where PGA tournaments are held. Althought the duo finished 21st among the 36 teams, but Washburn shot a 74 and a 72 for the third and second best scores each day.

The best score was a 64 each day by Jason Bittick.

“I looked him up and found out he was from Southern California and he grew up playing against Phil Mickelson. He was pretty good,” said Washburn.

The former Ironton golf coach who won three state titles is still recovering from shoulder surgery.

“I’m still a little weak, but it’s a whole lot better than six months ago. I couldn’t hit the ball 150 yards, but I’ve got most of my distance back,” said Washburn.

Foursome Plays As One

This Ironton quartet showed what teamwork is all about.

Greg Justice, Jeff Dillow, Steve Thompson and Dick Smith combined their talents to win the Southern Ohio Senoirs Golf Tournament on Aug. 13 at the Fairgreens Country Club in Jackson.

There were more than 90 players in the five age groups ranging from 50-59, 60-65, 65-70, 70-75 and 75-and-over.

Justice led the way as he claimed the overall individual championship with a 74 low gross score to win $175. Justice won by one stroke over three other golfers.

The four-man team had a 318 team score. Smith finished with a 78, Thompson 80 and Dillow 86.

Smith won the 60-65 age division with the low net score.

Rapp Rolls 300

Bart Rapp is making this seem routine.

Rapp bowled a 300 game on Monday at the Starline Lanes in Gallipolis, the 14th 300 game of his career.

Besides the 300 game, Rapp also bowled a 227 and a 247 to give him a 774 series.

While Rapp can take credit for his success, he will always be indebted to his mother Darline Rapp who introduced him to bowling and taught him the game.

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Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.