On This Date in Local Sports History: July 15, 2007

R.W. Eaks’ closing round of 6-under-par 66 wrapped up a victory in the inaugural Dick’s Sporting Goods Open at En-Joie Golf Course. He began Sunday with a single-stroke lead following a middle-round 62 and his 17-under, 54-hole total was good for a three-stroke margin over runner-up Monday qualifier Bruce Vaughan.

“To be the best that week, what else can you ask for?” said Eaks, a five-time senior tour runner-up, three of those in 2007 preceding his visit to Endicott.

Eaks, 55 at the time, hadn’t won since the 1997 San Jose Open on the Nike Tour.

“Lots of guys get upset when they finish second, but when I finish second I’m proud,” he said. “Sure it helped me. I hit some good shots in those rounds and playoffs that just didn’t work out.”

He played En-Joie’s four par-5 holes in 8-under for the week – two eagles aiding the cause. And the Dick’s Open proved something of a springboard for Eaks, who proceeded to win another in 2007 and twice in 2008.

Entertainment for the Friday night concert that year? Co-headliners were Eddie Money and Air Supply.