Three tied atop senior division at Northwest Indiana Golf Classic
By Anthony Nasella Post-Tribune correspondent June 3, 2012 11:34PM
Updated: July 7, 2012 8:21AM
MERRILLVILLE — Among the consistent annual participants in the senior division of the Northwest Indiana Golf Classic, Highland’s Frank Filipiak can be considered one of them, having competed in the event as far back as the 1990s at South Gleason Park.
The retired U.S. Postal Service employee put himself in the good position to win the division after finishing Sunday’s qualifying round in a three-way tie for first place with 73 — joining former senior champion Frank Katsinis and J.R. Wayne at Turkey Creek Golf Course.
Filipiak, armed with a new Odyssey putter, finished the day strong with a birdie on the 18th hole on his way to 36 on the back nine.
“I wasn’t spectacular today, but I was steady,” he said. “My shots off the tee were down the middle and my putting was real good. The wind was tough, so club selection was important. I used an 8-iron on the 18th against the wind which worked for me.”
Katsinis, affectionately known as “Kat Man” by his friends, had a birdie on Nos. 9, 12 and 14 and shot 34 on the back nine.
“I was going good early until the fifth hole when I had to reshoot,” he said. “But I had a one putt on six and went two under par the rest of the way. It’s the best I could have gotten out of this round.”
Warne, of Crown Point, had birdies on the 12th and 14th.
“It was a great day,” Wayne said. “I hit some nice shots and I’m very happy with my game today. The course played good. The fairways and greens were in nice shape.”
Anthony Falluca, who finished third last year in his first Classic, finished the day just behind that trio with 74. He shot 34 on the back nine and posted birdies on Nos. 9 and 13.
“I work midnights and came straight out here,” Falluca said. “I haven’t touched a club in a week and a half. All in all, I’m happy with the way I golfed.”
