WEIRTON, W.V. — Artie Fink has plenty of competitive sports experience, including at the professional level. But, on Tuesday, he was able to still find a way to create a new first in his athletic career.
Fink, a 55-year-old from Altoona, shot a two-round score of 7-under, claiming his first WPGA major title in the 94th West Penn Senior Amateur Championship at Williams Golf & Country Club.
“I got off to a great start with birdies on the first four holes out of the gate,” said Fink. “The first front nine (holes) was a pretty easy nine.”
Fink climbed his advantage over a strong and deep field of competitors to four strokes at one point. But, immediately after making the turn, his promising round began to come undone.
“The only thing you can’t do on (hole) 10 is hit it right,” he said. “Well, I did the opposite. I hit a toe hook, a smother hook, into the trees, and ended up making a double bogey there.
“That was my only really bad swing of the day. I was trying to guard against making a big number, and I made a big number anyhow.”
Two holes later, Fink bogeyed the 12th, opening the door for two of the region’s strongest senior amateurs — Rick Stimmel and David Brown — to make their move.
“I was like, ‘you’re not going to blow a three-shot lead with nine holes to go, let’s go, let’s get it going,” Fink said.
And he did just that, posting birdies on three of his next four holes to regain a somewhat comfortable cushion. Two pars to close his round delivered him the major championship and fended off Stimmel and Brown, who each tied for second place at 4-under.
“When you beat Rick Stimmel and David Brown, you’ve done something,” said Fink. “They’re both great, first-class guys. They’re the best. Rick might be the best player in the state right now. So, if you beat Rick for two days, you did something.”
Fink, a former professional bowler on the PBA Tour for eight years, channeled a competitive yet calm demeanor in championship environments to keep his composure coming down the stretch.
“When you’re bowling for a living or golfing for a living or golfing just to compete, the more you’re in the heat of the battle, the more you can kind of talk yourself through it and stay level and work your way through bad spots,” he added.
Bob Crnjarich placed fourth at 1-under, while Curt Coulter was 1-over. 2024 Senior Amateur Champion William Smith — a close friend and long-time playing partner of Fink’s — was sixth at 2-over.
But Fink, in his first year of age eligibility for senior golf, will have his name etched onto the Senior Amateur trophy as the championship’s 94th winner.
“Just hearing that gives me chills,” he said. “It’s something you’ll never forget, for sure. It’s just awesome and was great playing out there.”
For final results, please click here. (GGID: 25WPGASRAM)
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