Francis Marion's Bert Atkinson finishes 52nd at US Senior Open

Francis Marion graduate and former Patriot golfer Bert Atkinson finished tied for 52nd at the recent 2008 U.S. Senior Open, played in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The 1979 Francis Marion graduate carded rounds of 72, 75, 73, and 76 on the par 70, 7,254-yard Broadmoor East Course.  It was the longest course in U.S. Senior Open history.  His 296 score was the third lowest score for an amateur at the event and was 22 strokes behind winner Eduardo Romero.  His four-day visit included one eagle (first round), 10 birdies, 37 pars, 20 bogeys, and four double bogeys.

Atkinson, who this year turned 50 and became eligible to play in Senior events, lives in Charleston and is president of O'Connor Inc.

Atkinson transferred to Francis Marion for his senior year (1978-79).  He led the Patriots that season with a 74.0 stroke average and was named an NAIA All-American.  He was also named to the NAIA District Six All-District Team and was selected as the Francis Marion team MVP.

He helped lead the Patriots to the District Six team championship and to an eighth-place finish at the 1979 NAIA National Tournament in Greensboro, N.C.  Atkinson placed seventh in the individual standings at the national tournament, seven strokes behind the medalist.