Jeff Dennis continues his run in the 89th Florida State Amateur Championship leading by four strokes at Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach.
After 54 holes, Jeff Dennis, of Parkland, leads the field of 72 players with a three-round total of 7-under par 207. Dennis had a one stroke advantage going into the third round after posting scores of 69-68. In the third round, the University of North Florida golfer fired a 1-under par 70 to take a commanding four stroke lead heading into the final day. Marc France, of Lakeland, and Edward Kenny, of Lake Worth, are tied for second place shooting a three-round total of 211. France posted a 71-68-72 while Kenny, the first round leader with a 69, then shot a pair of 71s at Pine Tree. Greg O’Mahony, from Tequesta, is 2-under par for the tournament thus far with rounds of 72-68-72. Defending Champion Ryan Abbate, of Fort Lauderdale, fired a strong third round score of 68 to be tied for 21st.
Before reaching the Championship, more than 700 participants attempted to qualify at one of 13 sites across the state. In the Championship, participants play 18 holes each at Pine Tree and Hunter’s Run on June 22-23. After 36 holes, 72 players with a two-round total of 152 or better advanced to the final 36 holes at Pine Tree on June 24-25. Designed by Dick Wilson, Pine Tree is considered one of his best courses and ranked in the nation’s top 100 and placed in Florida’s top five on a regular basis.
Started in 1914, the FSGA State Amateur is the oldest continuous sporting event in the state as well as the largest amateur event in Florida. Past Amateur champions include Bob Murphy, Jerry Pate, Buddy Alexander, and PGA Tour players David Peoples, Chris Couch, and Barry Cheesman. Spectators and media are welcome to watch the state’s best amateur golfers compete at Pine Tree. Play begins at 8:00 am on Sunday.
For tee-times, pairings and results, please see www.fsga.org.
Organized in 1913, the Florida State Golf Association is a not-for-profit organization that governs amateur golf in the state of Florida. In addition to conducting 22 championships for amateur golfers in the state, the FSGA is responsible for more than 40 qualifying tournaments for USGA National Championships. The FSGA also maintains the USGA Handicap System, performs course ratings throughout Florida and assists in junior programs and scholarships.
