Lin Captures Laurel Hill Club Championship

The sun peaked through the clouds as the final threesome of the Laurel Hill Club Championship reached the 18th tee. But by then Lin Zhong Jian had provided plenty of warmth to the proceedings thanks to his sizzling putter. Lin closed with a birdie on the par 5, 18th to shoot a one-over, 72 for the day. Coupled with the 71 he shot on Saturday, his 143 total placed him 10 shots clear of runner-up Bob Jackson.

Lin was in control throughout, undeterred by soggy conditions on Sunday, a sharp contrast to the perfect late summer weather from the day before.  The course played longer than its 7,010 yards for much of the round, particularly over the early holes, when a light ran was falling.

The wet conditions could have been a disadvantage to Lin, who is not a long hitter. But, again and again, he found himself hitting from the fairway allowing his finely-tuned short game to take over.

Lin was an energetic presence on the course, pounding his chest with excitement after each drained putt, of which there plenty, none more impressive than a par-saver on the massive 612-yard 15th. "I putted perfect today," Lin said. "My short game was unbelievable."

Lin finished second last year after the winning title in 2008. He was a confident player coming into the tournament this year, having poured in five birdies in a practice round on Friday. He credits his improved scores with his ability to just go out and play. "When I start to think too much, I get myself in trouble," he said with a smile. "I've just been going out and playing lately and trying to enjoy myself."

Lin took up golf in his late 20s and has steadily improved over the last several years. He plays to a one handicap and practices his swing for at least 20 minutes a day in his home before heading to work at the Washington restaurant he owns with his wife. After his performance this weekend, dinner will be on him.

Flight winners were:

Flight B Low Gross - Robert Kinder

Flight B Low Net - Dev Duggal (145)

Flight C Low Gross - Roy Gargiulo

Flight C Low Net - Cargiulo and Clint Lemmons (tied at 158)