Tarpley wins first County Senior Open

By Jeff Steers

For Jackson Golf Committee

Like a bottle of fine wine Jackson area golfer John Tarpley gets better with age.

Tarpley held off Todd Marston and Steve Maddalena to win the Jackson County Senior Open Sunday at Cascades Golf Course.

He finished the tournament with a pair of 72s – even par 144 – while Marston and Maddalena tied for second at 145.

It is the first senior win for Tarpley – who won the Lyle Ambs Memorial Golf Tournament in 2023.

“I was nervous the whole way around,” Tarpley said of his round. “I think I was nervous when I woke up this morning.”

It didn’t show that he was nervous as he birdied two of his first four holes to forge into the lead.

Tarpley had nine consecutive pars before back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15.

He parred 18 and had to watch as Maddalena and Marston had birdie putts to possibly tie.

“I am getting more comfortable with my game,” Tarpley said of his recent success. “My short game is better.”

Nate Lazebnik won the 60-69 year-old division with a two-day total of 149. David McDevitt, Robert Varner, and Mike Keene tied for second with 154.

Dave Calderone won the 70-plus division scoring 150 for 36 holes. Roger Kuhl was second (153) and Dave Clark was third (154).

John Tarpley won the Jackson County Senior Open at Cascades Golf Course Sunday.