Page 41 - PPA National Championship 2022

water troughs and he got his par. On 18, he was calm and aware of his

position. His first putt ended up just two feet from the cup – then the nerves

set in. With a stroke to spare, he gently rolled the ball to the hole and
watched it disappear. Marcellino won the National Championship at the age

of 17. To this day, he is the youngest player to win the National

Championship –– and he continues to
compete, with his skills he could also be the

oldest player to ever win the National
Championship.

Now, for the rest of the story. Bob asked

th
his father what he was doing on the 17
hole with his arms stretched out – his dad

explained that all he wanted him to do was

hit it straight. Dad’s body was representing
the hole and his arms was representing the

water. Now why wouldn’t a 17-year-old

playing for the biggest prize in the
Professional Putters Association not

understand that in a highly stressful
moment? Also, the young man who

showed Marcellino the shots? Two years
Tony Cross
later that young fella would beat Bill Baus
for the 1970 National Championship - at the same Louisville, KY course –

Tony Cross.