PALM HARBOR, Fla. – In wire-to-wire fashion, it was Eli Villanueva and Amanda Cunha who clinched victory at the 2nd Florida Adaptive Open. This win gives Villanueva consecutive titles, making him the only male competitor to ever win the Men's Overall Division in the event's history.
Cunha, a Hawaii native who lost her vision during her junior year of high school, delivered two impressive rounds with scores of 76-74 (150), enough to outlast the field by three strokes. “I made sure that I kept my head on. Going into today’s round, I just needed to make sure that I minimized casualties.” Cunha stated.
When asked about what this win meant to her, she stated “I can’t even explain it. It’s so amazing to be able to win an FSGA event.” Cunha added, “I came here last year, and this year I came back stronger and better, so I’m really excited for myself and where this new journey can take me.”
Ryanne Jackson took second place with scores of 78-75 (153), while Abigail Davis secured third with rounds of 79-84 (163).
Villanueva, who has limited range of motion in his left arm due to breaking his elbow in the military, posted the only even-par round of the entire tournament, which positioned him with a one-shot lead after the first round. His final round 73 (+3) led him to victory, maintaining a three-stroke lead over the rest of the field. When asked about his final round, Villanueva stated “I stayed patient, got some key up and downs on hole nine and ten, and stayed even par through 15.”
While this wasn't his first time in the spotlight, this time around was more meaningful. Villanueva stated, “This one was extra special because I had my wife out here. She wasn’t able to make it last year, but having her out here with me this year made it that much more special.”
Issa Nlareb made a charge for the championship title during his final round, moving up the leaderboard three spots and securing second place overall with rounds of 74-72 (146).
In his closing remarks, Villanueva acknowledged the entire Innisbrook staff for their efforts in maintaining the course conditions, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Milton.
In addition to our two overall champions, 11 division winners were crowned across the field.
- Men’s Upper Limb Impairment: Jason Hasty
- Men’s Lower Limb Impairment: Blake Ryan
- Men’s Multiple Limb Amputee: Issa Nlareb
- Men’s Neurological Impairment: Luke Carroll
- Men’s Seated Players: Dennis Walters
- Men’s Vision Impairment: Jake Beausir
- Men’s Intellectual Impairment: Kody Conover
- Women’s Upper Limb Impairment: Abigail Davis
- Women’s Lower Limb Impairment: Deborah Smith
- Women’s Neurological Impairment: Ryanne Jackson
- Women’s Vision Impairment: Amanda Cunha
