Cole takes early lead at what will be final Fuhrer Jr. Invitational

For the 42 golfers playing in the Frank B. Fuhrer Jr. Invitational this week at Pittsburgh Field Club, they are disappointed the late business and golf mogul’s family has decided to end the golf tournament this season.

Fuhrer was a savvy businessman who began the tournament in 1985 and held it annually, bringing in some great young talent to his three-day event. Fuhrer died May 21, 2022, at the age of 96.

“I sure miss him,” said four-time and returning champion David Bradshaw. “I miss joking around with him. He was the best. He kept my career going.”

Bradshaw, who grew up in Harper’s Ferry, W.Va., and now resides in San Diego and won in 2012, 2015 and 2016 — on a hole-in-one during a playoff — is four shots back of PGA pro Eric Cole.

Cole, who has made more than $3 million on the tour, shot a two-round 6-under-par 134. The 2014 champion shot a 7-under 63 in the opening round, which included nine birdies, seven on the back nine when he shot a record 28.

Bradshaw shot a 2-under 138, and four players — T.J. Howe, Piri Borga, amateur Jimmy Meyers and Connor Schmidt — are tied for third at even par 140.

The second round was stopped numerous times because of heavy thunderstorms that drenched the course. The second round will be finished Tuesday morning.

Michael McGowan and Thadd Obecny II are tied for seventh at 2-over, and amateur Andrew Friend, Michael Van Sickle, Dan Obremski and amateur Aidan Oehrle were tied for ninth at 3-over. Schmidt, Obecny II, Obremski, Oehrle were among the 14 golfers who did not finish.

“It’s kind of a bummer that this tournament isn’t continuing,” Obremski said. “It’s a fun event, and I loved performing in front of Mr. Fuhrer. This tournament was like a fraternity. We played against a lot of these players over the years.

“It was an honor that Mr. Fuhrer chose me to play. I always looked forward to this tournament because it gave me a chance to play in front of family and friends.”

Obremski said he loves the event and the course.

“It’s the best course at lot of us will play,” Obremski said. “But most of all, I loved playing for him. We all miss him.”

This year’s tournament is two events in one. There is also a Senior Division this season.

Norwin grad Justin Moose, who was a Long Drive Champion in 2018, owes his career to Mr. Fuhrer.

“He gave me an opportunity to continue my career,” Moose said. “I am grateful for this opportunity. He believed in me and gave me a chance to be part of the tournament.”

Past champions competing are Sean Knapp, Kevin Shields, Ryan Sikora, Sean Farren, Van Sickle, Howe, Cole, Van Sickle, Robert Friend and Ned Weaver.