Butler, Pa. -- Taking advantage of his local knowledge, George Bilowick, 65, finished with a solid two putt par on the final hole to capture his first Super-Senior State Championship at Butler Country Club. The fine course conditions and club hospitality were enjoyed by all who competed at this year championship. However the fast greens and high temperatures plagued the field at the 6,288 yard par 71 layout.

Bilowick, a retired dentist who lives on the fourth tee, credits a birdie on 16 for the victory.

“It is just one of those things, I haven’t played well since shoulder injury. My one word is bewildered. It is an enigmatic victory.”

With only nine holes remaining, four players found themselves deadlocked atop the leaderboard. Richard Smith, Philadelphia CC; Larry Loughner, Conestoga CC; Ernie Eichenberg, Waynesborough CC and Bill Douds, St. Clair CC were all tied at 7-over par with nine holes to go.

The pressure of a state championship seemed to weigh heavy on players minds as all tired to scramble to stay level par on the homeward nine to take the title. The leader with only four holes to play, Douds, struggled on the final two holes closing with a double bogey and a bogey. Richard Smith finished only one shot behind at 10-over par. A closing hole bogey by Smith opened the door for the victor.

Two shots behind after 27 holes, Bilowick carded an even par 36 on the back nine to escape with a one shot victory. In front of fellow club members Bilowick two putted from 25 feet on the final hole for the title. “It is always nice to win, but it is even more special to do it on your home course,” stated Bilowick as his hoisted the champion’s trophy.