For former Gophers golfer Adam Dooley, his long history of second-place finishes is honorable but sounds like a depressing country song.
The 1999 NCAA All-American told the Star Tribune on Tuesday that he was tired of being a runner-up and that he wanted to get some wins.
Mission accomplished.
Wednesday’s final round of the 1999 State Amateur played more like a rock ‘n’ roll tune for Dooley, who edged out former Gophers teammate James McLean for a one-stroke victory at North Oaks Golf Club. Dooley fired a two-under-par 70 on Wednesday to finish nine strokes under par over three rounds. McLean shot a 69 Wednesday and finished eight under par.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Dooley told reporters Wednesday.
Dooley and McLean entered the final round one-two and didn’t relinquish their standings all day.
While he captained the Gophers golfers to an 11th place finish at this year’s NCAAs, Dooley was the team’s highest finisher at 12th place. Dooley has consistently finished as the highest Gophers player at every tournament he has entered since June. He bettered McLean’s 14-place showing at the 1999 Best Buy State Open two weeks ago with a fifth-place finish before beating him again Wednesday.
Last year, McLean seemed to have Dooley’s and everyone else’s number. The two-time All-American won the 1998 NCAA individual title, and also captured both the State Amateur and the State Open. Although McLean has been recruited by the PGA Tour since last year, he is expected to return as a junior to the Gophers next season.
Dooley’s win Wednesday is expected to lead to a number of invitations to PGA tryouts.
Notes: Jeff Barney, a member of the Gophers’ 1999 NCAA tournament team, was the only other Gopher finisher. He placed 15th at one over par.