Charlotte, NC - 59 year-old Vic Hannon of Camden, SC survived a three-hole playoff to capture the Carolinas Senior Amateur Championship at Charlotte Country Club. Hannon, retired Air Force, edged 68 year-old Tom Hadley of Hendersonville, NC with an up-and-down par on the lengthy par-5 12^th.. After finishing the regulation 54 holes at four-over par 217, Hadley and Hannon matched bogeys on the first playoff hole, the par-4 10^th. After also tying the second playoff hole (par 3, 11^th), Hannon converted on a bunker shot for a tap-in par at 12. Hadley failed to drop his 6-foot par putt.

Hadleys’ 71 and Hannon’s 72 marked the two lowest rounds for the final round.

Hannon, the reigning co-champion of the Carolinas Senior Four-Ball, bogeyed the final hole of regulation with a three-putt from 50 feet. "I really had no choice but to go to the left on the green," said Hannon referring to the tricky hole location. " I was just trying to play it safe."

Hannon’s story is quite remarkable. He served 28 years in U.S. Air Force piloting a variety of aircraft including the C-130. He served in the Vietnam War twice before retiring as Lieutenant Colonel. In the 1990’s he turned professional trying to make his way onto the Senior PGA tour. After being unsuccessful, he was reinstated to amateur golf, not coincidentally, when he turned 55. Now he spends time with his wife and evidently playing a lot of golf.

The top 30 golfers (and ties) are exempt into the 2005 Carolinas Senior Championship.

This event marks the 21^st CGA championship hosted at Charlotte Country Club. This is the first Carolinas Senior hosted by the club. Defending champion Gene Spencer of Blythewood, SC finished 10^th.

This event is conducted by the Carolinas Golf Association.