Columnist Peter Benton: Berning joins staff at Walters Golf

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1999 | 9:40 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

One of the greatest women's golf competitors of all time, three-time U.S. Women's Open golf champion Susie Maxwell Berning, has joined the golf instruction and marketing staff of Las Vegas-based Walters Golf Company.

Walters Golf operates three of the city's top golf courses -- the Royal Links Golf Club, Stallion Mountain Country Club and Desert Pines Golf Club.

"We could not have been more fortunate than to have the opportunity to have Susie on our staff," said Walters Golf President and CEO Billy Walters. "She brings fantastic marketing ideas to the mix, is clearly one of the top instructors in the industry and has tremendous national recognition."

Berning joined the LPGA Tour in 1964 and made her mark immediately by being named rookie of the year. During her prolific career, she compiled 12 victories -- four of which were major championships.

She won the U.S. Open in 1968, 1972 and 1973, making her one of only four women to win three or more U.S. Open titles. Her most recent victories occurred in the 1989 Marilynn Smith Founders Classic and 1997 Sprint Senior Title Holders Championship, where she shot a final-round 64 to win by seven shots. In addition to her teaching duties, Berning will be involved with marketing all three of the Walters Golf properties and will continue her assignment as a regional instructor for the Nicklaus/Flick Golf Schools.

* QUITE A GAL: Ivar Gal's 73 won low gross in the Nevada State Seniors Golf Club's recent tournament played over the Highland Falls layout in Summerlin. Dick Loving captured low net in the first flight followed by Lew Hawkins at 68. Max Barrett, Ron Ludwin, Tom Yamashita and Al Cibulski tied for third with 69s.

Second flight low gross winner with 79 was Jerry Boggess. Low net honors were shared by Ray Haskins and Gary Scruton at 68, followed by Ralph Harden and Bud Corson with 69s.

Nick Zaniel garnered low gross honors in the third flight with a 79 while low net went to Larry Morgan with 66. Tying for second with 69s were Don Hyde and John Smykowski. In the fourth flight, Dick Ertz prevailed to take low gross with a 90. Winning low net with a sizzling 64 was Bob Sweeney. Chuck Hopson placed second with 68 with third going to Danny Boggess and his 69.