DANIELS, WV (WOAY) – A thrilling week came down to the final hole, and it took a birdie to decide a championship.
Parkersburg’s Kenny Hess birdied the 54th hole to finish the week six-under par and win the 87th West Virginia Open at the Resort at Glade Springs Thursday.
Hess, who was the 18-hole leader following a 69 on Tuesday, began the final round three strokes behind Thadd Obecny II. Following an up-and-down front nine for Obecny, the two were both three-under through the 10th hole, and five-under going to the par-5 18th. Hess put his third shot to within several feet, and while Obecny saved par, Hess holed the birdie putt to win the title.
Daniels’ Todd Duncan was the top area golfer, finishing tied for 16th at +4. Landon Perry (Shady Spring), Isaiah Zaccheo (Beckley), Patrick Smith (Beckley), and Billy Winters (Lewisburg) also finished in the top 40, automatically qualifying for next year’s championship.
