Byrne continues spectacular run of form
03 Jul 2009 - 00:00:00
Banchory's James Byrne has continued his spectacular run of form at the East of Scotland Mens Amateur Open Golf Championship, winning the title by eight shots at Lundin Golf Club on a record four-round total of 262, 22 under-par.
The Arizona State University students opened with rounds of 65 and 63 to lead by 10 strokes at the half-way stage.
Two solid 67s consolidated that start and gave Byrne his second SGU Mens Order of Merit Title in as many weeks.
Byrne, who recently reached the last 16 at The Amateur Championship, now looks forward to Local Final Qualifying for The Open Championship next week. He his risen 44 places this week to WAGRank 160.
At the Florida State Amateur, 19-year-old Blayne Barber lifted the trophy on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in 100-degree heat.
Having led the field after each of the first three rounds, Barber ensured that it would be a wire-to-wire victory, posting a final-round 70 (two under-par) to finish with an 11 under-par total of 277, nine shots clear of the chasing pack.
The Lake City youngster makes a significant move into the WAGR Top 20, up 7 to 16.
Over at the Northeast Amateur, University of Wisconsin Amateur, Dan Woltman, achieved an extraordinary feat in winning his first tournament back after recovering from a bout of swine flu.
The 22-year-old's 11 under-par 265 is a new record low score for the prestigious tournament, past winners of which include Anthony Kim and Luke Donald who both triumphed at the Wannamoisett Country Club in Rumford, Rhode Island.
Hot on his heels is Brooks Koepka, winner of Week 26's Rice Planters Amateur.
He takes his place at WAGRank 81 after rocketing 119 places thanks to an eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie stretch during the final round.
The AAC Freshman of the Year from Florida State ended up taking the title by two shots with an 18 under-par total of 270 at Snee Farm Country Club in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
Canada's Nick Taylor remains WAGR Number One in Week 26.
