Paul Melson Wins State Public Links Title
Paul Melson, Plantation, won the State Public Links Championship with a score of 139 and out played last years’ Champion Phillip Eich, Altamonte Springs, by 5 strokes. This was the strongest field in several years and was played at Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club. This outstanding test of golf was played as a par 72 at 6950 yards. Southern Dunes is also known for its 183 bunkers.
Melson, who was a member of the 2001 Club Team Champions, posted rounds of 69 and 70. Eich’s rounds of 73 and 71 for a total of even par 144 placed him in second, while Indian Shores’ Paul Caveny posted 145 for the two days placing him in a tie for third with Mark Leetzow, of Sarasota.
Mark Sestilio of Punta Gorda won the First flight with a 76-71 for a total of 147.
Brad Stainsby, Lakeland, tied the low round of the day with a 70 to win the Second Flight with a total of 152.
Clermont’s Mark Larson made the comeback of the tournament by posting a second day score of 71 to go along with his 86 for a total of 157 - easily winning the Third flight by 7 strokes.
The Florida State Public Links Championship is the 11th of 16 state championships conducted annually by the Florida State Golf Association.
