Gus Ulrich used a hot putter to stave off a determined Steve Ford Monday and win his third Pinecrest Cup Match Play championship on Pinehurst Resort's No. 2 Course.

Ulrich, the 45-year-old head teaching professional for Egolf at Pine Needles Resort, built an early lead and led by three holes with four to play, but lost 15 and 16 to be only 1-up going into the 18th hole.

The match began on the back nine and was finishing up on the par-3 9th hole, where Ford put his tee shot some 12 feet behind the pin and Ulrich found the left front bunker.

Ulrich blasted out to six feet, Ford barley missed his birdie putt and Ulrich drained his par putt for the halve and the win to defend his title. He also won in 2001.

Chip Wells, head golf professional at Scotch Meadows Country Club in Laurinburg who recently turned 50 and was playing in his first event as a senior, beat Chuck Wunsch 3&2 to claim that title.

Ulrich earned $1,000 for his victory, while Wells picked up $500. Tournament proceeds benefit The First Tee of the Sandhills.

(A detailed version of the championship will appear in Sunday's Golf Section of The Pilot.)