Matt Berzovich, of Longwood, and Matt Adcock, of Apopka, lead the field of 168 players in the 86th Florida State Amateur Golf Championship. Participants play 18 holes each at The Bay Hill Club and Metrowest Country Club in Orlando on June 19-20 with the final 36 holes of the Championship played at The Bay Hill Club on June 21-22.
In a steady rain, Berzovich and Adcock, both fired a 3-under 69 in the first round. Berzovich played at Bay Hill while Adcock competed at Metrowest Country Club. Will Lloyd, of Orlando, and Paul Melson, of Plantation, are right behind the leaders with a first-round score of 70. Five players are tied at 71.
Defending Champion, Ty Harris, of Tampa, shot a 75 in the first round at Metrowest and will play his second round at Bay Hill. Last year’s runner-up Michael Nealy, of Boca Raton, shot a one-over par 73. Rick Woulfe, of Fort Lauderdale, who tied for third last year also shot a 73.
Qualifying for the Championship was held at 13 sites across the state from May 23 through June 3 with 897 entries received. Players earned a birth into the Championship by placing in a qualifier or earning exempt status through one of ten different categories.
Site of The Bay Hill Invitational since 1979 and the Florida State Amateur Championship in 1998, the course offers a challenge to pros and amateurs alike. Arnold Palmer says, “I think that Bay Hill is a great venue for the State Amateur. Depending on how they set the course up, it can be very difficult or it can be reasonably kind to the players. But whatever they decide to do, it is a golf course that will give them all the test they want.”
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.
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 20 championships for amateur golfers in the state, the FSGA is responsible for 39 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. Spectators and media are welcome to watch the state’s best amateur golfers.
For tee-times, pairings and complete results, please log on to www.fsga.org.
