Change is good
PENN TWP — Kevin Shields' willingness to change his strategy proved to be just as important as his golf game on Wednesday.
Entering the final round of the Frank B. Fuhrer Jr. Invitational at Butler Country Club, Shields held a four-stroke lead over three other golfers.
But when his aggressive style cost him several strokes by the turn onto the back nine, Shields began to play defensively — something he vowed he wouldn't do after the third round.
"After a while, I basically said, 'Come and get me' to the guys who were chasing me," said Shields, who saw his score go from minus-1 at the beginning of the day to plus-2 with five holes to go. "There were a couple of holes where I purposely settled for a bogey. I'd hit a shot here and there just to keep myself from a triple bogey."
It wasn't pretty — Shields managed just one birdie on Wednesday and finished with a bogey on No. 18 and a round of 74 — but his 3-over-par 283 for the week was good enough to take first place and the $25,000 that came with it.
Sean Farren, who won the event the last time it was held at Butler Country Club in 2002, was two strokes back at the conclusion of the round. Bob Friend, Brad Westfall and Butler's John Aubrey Sr. were tied for third at plus-7 (287).
It is Shields' second win at the Fuhrer Invitational. He also took first place in 2003.
"I think it actually means more this time," said Shields. "My wife and I were expecting the first time I won, but I was naive as to how much having a baby would cost. Now, we've got one kid and another on the way.
"This money is really going to help our family a lot."
With Shields teeing off on No. 18, Farren was in the clubhouse after shooting a 68, giving him a 5-over-par 285 for the tournament.
Shields stood at 278, meaning as long as he didn't triple bogey the par-4 hole, the Mount Lebanon resident would take first place.
"I had a three-shot lead, but that's just a drive into the trees and a three-putt from losing," he said.
Shields' tee shot on No. 18 negotiated a dogleg and landed on the right side of the fairway.
He then hit a tree branch with his approach shot, landing in the rough 20 feet from the green. A chip left the ball near the back of the green and he two-putted from there.
Though he was unable to catch Shields, Farren's final round provided him with some confidence — and a second-place prize of $11,000.
"I entered today eight back," said Farren. "And I wasn't thinking about winning. My goal was to get on the leader board.
"I just wanted to go out and play a good round of golf," Farren added. "That's something I haven't done in a while. This was my first under-par round in a section event this season."
Farren won the 2002 event with a minus-11, including a sensational second round of 64.
"I'd say the course played very similar to four years ago," said Farren. "It's just that I played exceptionally well then."
Saxonburg's Joe Boros finished with a strong round of 69, making his total 289 (plus-9) and a tie for eighth place while Butler's Robert McClellan managed a 292 (plus-12), good for a tie in 14th place.
Amateur Sean Knapp shot Wednesday's low round of 67. His 297 (plus-17) was the best effort of the five amateurs in the competition.
