Tour News (posted 23rd June 1998)

Brian Barnes wins Canada Senior Open

Calgary, Alberta - Briton Brian Barnes came from three shots back to win the Canada Senior Open by two strokes on Sunday for his first victory on the Senior PGA Tour.

Barnes, a two-time Senior British Open champion, fired a 4-under-par 68 at the Glencoe Golf and Country Club, while overnight leader Walter Hall faltered, to claim victory with an 11-under 277 total.

"It's lovely winning your own open title, but this has done far more for me," said the 53-year-old  who won the Senior British Open in 1995 and 1996.

"Now I'm in a position to play in every event that I want to," added the strapping Briton, who finished two shots ahead of Tom Jenkins, Dana Quigley and Bruce Summerhays.

Quigley matched Barnes's 68, while Summerhays and Jenkins posted 70s.

Hall, who held a three-shot lead entering the final round, managed only a 74 to finish fifth at 8-under 280.

"The guy who is leading is there to be shot at," said Barnes, who claims he'd be dead if he hadn't stopped drinking.

"If you're two or three shots behind you're in a position to relax a little more and concentrate on playing your own game and not looking over your shoulder all the time."

Barnes collected $165,000 for the victory.