Barron claims Lilac City event

Derek Barron tapped in for bogey, his third over the last four holes, and made an arm motion like he was going to toss his ball into the hazard guarding the 18th green at the Fairways.

The Tacoma native wasn’t thrilled with his finishing stretch but it hardly mattered. Barron built a comfortable lead through 14 holes and cruised to the Lilac City Invitational title Sunday by four strokes over Kevin PomArleau and Shane Prante.

Barron, who started the day with a three-shot edge, closed with an even-par 72 for a four-round total of 19-under 269. He earned $8,000.

PomArleau (73) and Prante (71) had chances to narrow the gap but both struggled on the back nine. They weren’t alone. Scores soared due to blustery conditions and tough pin locations. Four of the 23 pros shot 71s and nobody was in the 60s.