It was a second round 65 that was the catalyst that gave Shepherd graduate David Bradshaw his eighth West Virginia Open golf championship last week.

The 34-year-old Bradshaw had commanded a four-stroke lead after carding his 6-under 65 in the second round of the 54-hole event held at the Sleepy Hollow Golf Club in Hurricane.

The key to the second round score was an eagle two on the short 14th hole.

After the first round, Bradshaw trailed leader Tad Tomlin and had a one-under round of 71.

But after his second round had enough birdies and the eagle, Bradshaw had vaulted past Tomlin and the rest of the field to take a four-stroke lead into the final 18-hole round.

The Bakerton native played conservatively through the final round and finished it with an even-par 71 to finish at seven-under par and win the tournament by three strokes.

Bradshaw had finished second in the West Virginia Open in both 2014 and 2015.

PGA Hall of Fame golfer Sam Snead holds the record for West Virginia Open titles with his 17 championships. Bradshaw’s total leaves him in second place in all-time championships.Bradshaw gets another West Virginia Open title