Oakdale's Looper enjoys golf streak

Jamie Looper golfs his ball at a high level anywhere, but watch out when's he's in the foothills.

Because that's home turf.

"I'm one of those guys who doesn't give up," he said this week. "I am what you call a fighter."

Looper, an Oakdale resident, turns 50 later this month. It's safe to say, however, that he's tough against all ages. One of the area's top amateurs continues to build an admirable body of work.

He shot a respectable 74-75-70 last weekend at the California State Fair in Sacramento and, the previous weekend, posted 67-70 to win the East County Mid-Masters/Senior Championship at Lone Tree in Antioch. Bogeys on the final two holes did not keep him out of the winner's circle. In fact, he won the overall by one and the seniors by three.

Closer to home, Looper almost always is one to watch. Start with his 11 club titles at Oakdale Country Club and an additional five at Mountain Springs in Sonora.

He also won the 2004 Mother Lode championship and, in 2008, reached a three-man playoff at the Modesto City. His recent performances at Antioch and Sacramento reveal a golfer in good form.

"I had a bad back for about six months but I feel real good now," Looper said. "I'll continue to play with the young kids until I turn 55."

• THE SHAG BAG — First Tee of Modesto member Danny Wong and professional partner Bob Tway tied for 31st at the Home Care & Hospice First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. Though Wong was rooted on by 82 First Tee members who made the trip with chaperones to Pebble Beach on Saturday, he did not advance to Sunday's final round. Instead, he finished at the Core Values Cup at Del Monte. ...

Congratulations to Modesto's Jean Smith, 90, who shot 90 last month at Creekside. Smith, whose wife was the late Bette Belle Smith, has been a fixture at both Creekside and Dryden for many years. He has shot his age five times since he turned 75. ... Former Golden Valley High star Belen Hernandez joins her UC Davis teammates in the Topy Cup, a USA-vs.-Japan intercollegiate competition, starting Thursday at Tanagura CC in Tokyo. The Aggies and Arizona will represent the USA in the women's tournament. ... Coming up: The first ReHorse Rescue Ranch Tournament, Friday, Sept. 24, at Saddle Creek in Copperopolis. It's a fundraiser for a good cause — to save neglected, abandoned or abused equines. The fee is $110 per player, but a foursome can check in for only $400. Call 337-5886 or visit www.rehorserescue.org.

• HOLE-IN-ONE — Greg Simonich, Salida, 86-yard 17th at Jack Tone Golf, Ripon, pitching wedge.

Bee staff writer Ron Agostini can be reached at 578-2302 or ragostini@modbee.com.