Parel overcomes illness to win Invitational
ORLANDO — A gutwrenching, flu-ridden week for golfer Scott Parel ended with one of the highlights of his improbable career.
Parel’s 3-foot par putt during the first hole of a sudden-death playoff Sunday clinched the third annual Diamond Resorts Invitational title over Scott Dunlap in the professional division. The 52-year-old Parel overcame illness and heartbreak earlier in the week to pick up a $125,000 purse and gain some serious momentum entering the 2018 season.
Following Sunday’s win at Tranquillo Golf Club, Parel said he remained a bit congested, but on the mend. The University of Georgia graduate, though, said nothing would soften the blow he suffered Monday night in Atlanta, where he and his son witnessed the Bulldogs’ overtime loss to Alabama during the national title game.
“I don't know that anything can make up for that,” he said. “I'm pretty in love with my Bulldogs. My son and I were there. It was gut wrenching. It really was.
“Hopefully, we'll get one someday before I die, I hope.”
For now, Parel seeks his first win on the 50-and-over circuit after a breakout season in 2017. Parel’s only professional win was on the Web.com Tour in 2013, but he believes his best golf is ahead of him.
Playing the Modified Stableford scoring system, Parel finished with 32 points — on a 6-under par 65 — despite a bogey on the 18th hole to force a playoff.
Parel paired Sunday with two of the top golfers on the celebrity circuit — Mardy Fish and Mark Mulder. This time, Fish prevailed to earn his second win in the Diamond Resorts Invitational and a $100,000 check.