 Despite
missing a six-foot par putt on the 72nd hole and finishing one-over
for the final round (71), David Denham of Tifton held on to win the
Georgia Amateur Championship by one stroke over Griff Moody of Cumming.
Both players bogeyed the final hole, as Denham claimed the trophy with
an even 280 for the championship. Moody, the 1980 Amateur Champion,
finished one stroke back after shooting even-par on the final 18. Jack
Hall of Macon (70) and Taylor Crosby of Athens (69) also carded 281
to tie Moody for runner-up honors.
Denham entered the final round with a two-stroke lead and took a one
stroke advantage to the 18th tee. After watching Moody's second shot
go off the back of the green at 18, Denham played it short and putted
up to the green, leaving himself a six-foot par opportunity. Moody's
chip shot rolled past the hole, leaving him 10 feet for par. Denham's
putt traveled a foot past the hole, while Moody's attempt to even the
score ended up a foot short. Both settled for bogeys, as Denham held
on for the victory to become 60th different champion in the Georgia
Amateur's 83-year history. Moody commented that Denham played really
well and deserved to win.
This win means a lot," Denham said. "From here on out, everywhere
I go, I'll be known as the state champion."
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