Three golfers fill final slots for Las Vegas Senior Classic

Tuesday, April 18, 2000 | 10:21 a.m.

Bob Risch, Dick Lotz and Ray Carrasco qualified Monday for the Las Vegas Senior Classic by TruGreen ChemLawn that starts Friday at the TPC at Summerlin.

Under windy and chilly conditions, Risch earned the first spot by shooting a 69 at the TPC at the Canyons.

Lotz, Carrasco and Bob Wynn each carded a 70, forcing a playoff.

On the first playoff hole, Carrasco made par, but was penalized two shots for being late to the tee. Wynn three-putted for double bogey and Lotz bogeyed the hole for the next berth.

Carrasco made it into the field of 78 with a birdie on the next hole.

Wynn will be the first alternate into the tournament and John Benda, who shot a 71, will be the second alternate.

Fountain Valley, Calif., resident Sal Gaytan, trying to qualify for the first time, fired a 103. Gaytan plays without the use of his right hand, which he lost in a meat grinder when he was 7 years old.

Carrasco, a teaching pro at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, Calif., has been working with Gaytan for several years.

The Senior Classic concludes on Sunday and the winner will pocket $210,000.