RealClearSports: 2 Golfers Find Their Dreams

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- James Hahn was playing on adrenaline. Michael Allen was working on a 30-year-old dream. In that all-day ordeal called U.S. Open sectional qualifying, each found success and a place in America's golf championship.

A total of 130 players competed for seven places over 36 holes, 18 apiece at Lake Merced and Harding Park, both within view of Olympic Club, up a low hill, where the 112th Open will be held next week.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2012

SF Examiner: Once again, Allen comes up short in bid for victory

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

SAN FRANCISCO — Some days are like that. Michael Allen said it — sadly.

Some days are like that. Not just cold and wet, which Sunday was. But a time when a golf course that’s your friend becomes your enemy. A time when the clubs turn on you like vipers.

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Copyright 2010 SF Newspaper Company

SF Examiner: Local guy gets his day at Harding Park

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

After nine holes, he remained the other man, playing partner of Fred Couples.

“The fans were yelling ‘Fred, Fred, and Fred,’ Michael Allen pointed out with a touch of sarcasm. “I’m thinking, ‘What about me?’”

After 18 holes, he was the only man.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2010 SF Newspaper Company

PGATOUR.COM: San Mateo native Allen adds to Harding history with 61

By Art Spander
Special to PGATOUR.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- The gods of sport can be whimsical, especially in golf. Strange things happen on a course. Wonderful things happen. As Bobby Jones wrote, we become the dogged victims of an inexorable fate. And isn't that part of challenge?

Michael Allen left TPC Harding Park on Friday afternoon after a double bogey on the final hole, the sort of finish which might stay with a man.

Read the full story here.

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SF Examiner: Homegrown Allen has game on track

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

SAN FRANCISCO — He has come home, if not a hero, then a success. For Michael Allen, there are old friends and old memories and a new perspective. His is potential finally realized.

Allen shot a 2-under-par 69 Thursday at the Schwab Cup Championship at Harding Park, putting him roughly in the middle of the most elite field in senior golf, and five shots back of John Cook.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2010 SF Newspaper Company