Pappas wins weather-shortened Bogota Open

Brenden Pappas during the 2008 Puerto Rico Open

BOGOTA – Brenden Pappas won the Bogota Open on Sunday when lightning wiped out the third round, reducing the Nationwide Tour event to 36 holes.

The 40-year-old South African had rounds of 67 and 66 to finish at 9 under at Bogota Country Club. He earned $108,000 in official money, but is credited with an unofficial victory because the players failed to complete 54 holes in the scheduled 72-hole tournament.

“This was a hollow victory because it’s unofficial,” Pappas said. “We didn’t get to play 72 holes, but it’s a victory nonetheless.”

Pappas’ group played three holes before the players were pulled off the course for the last time just before 2 p.m. Matt Every shot two 67s to finish second. Pappas’ birdie on his 36th hole Saturday was the margin of victory over Every.