Columnist Peter Benton: LV Senior Classic draws stellar field

Peter Benton

Wednesday, April 18, 2001 | 3:09 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesdays.

The Las Vegas Senior Classic's pro-am competition is set to begin today, with the professionals and top 26 amateurs playing Friday over the TPC Summerlin course. The final two days of play will be professionals only.

This full field event is a veritable "who's who" of the PGA Senior Tour and includes locals Jim Colbert and Ray Beallo. Beallo, who will be playing in his fifth Las Vegas Senior Classic, was awarded a sponson's exemption, as were Andy North, Larry Ziegler and John Schroeder.

Colbert's professional golf resume includes a lifetime of success. He won eight times on the PGA Tour and 20 times on the Senior Tour including one major. His commitment to Las Vegas golf is also legendary, as he has competed in every Las Vegas Senior Classic since becoming eligible for the Senior Tour in 1993, winning the event in both 1995 and 1996. Colbert was also among the group that started the Las Vegas Founders Club, the organization that operates the PGA Tour and Senior Tour stops here in Las Vegas.

Low net victor with a 155 was Becky Wagman, followed by Connie Lee at 157.

The 18-hole medal play event is scheduled for Sunday, April 29, over the Boulder City Golf Course, and will have two shotgun starts (7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.)

The event, which benefits the Boulder City High School's boys and girls golf teams as well as the art department, has a $75 entry fee. This figure includes green fee, golf cart, tee prizes and a buffet lunch beginning at 11 a.m.

Anyone over the age of 21 with a verifiable handicap is eligible to compete and please note that there will be a separate women's division and also one for men over the age of 55.

Full entry information is available by calling 563-2891 or 438-0024.