Patient John Barbour of Grand Rapids Wins GAM Senior Championship

John Barbour of Grand Rapids stayed patient through rain, lightning, an overnight delay, even after losing the lead, and through three holes of a three-golfer sudden-death playoff at Red Run Golf Club in September.

And finally, with an eight-foot par-saving putt on the third playoff hole, the 64-year-old president emeritus of the Golf Association of Michigan was the winner of the 36th GAM Senior Championship.

“This is validation for me especially playing with all these other champions in this great field,” said the longtime Cascade Hills Country Club member who counts nine club championships and 10 senior club championships at his home course.

“It’s absolutely my biggest win. This is a state-wide and there are a bunch of great names on that trophy and I’m very, very pleased to join them.”

Barbour’s playoff was against David Martin of Saline, and Tom Senkowski of Rochester Hills.