Amateur Public Links Championship

Aylwin Wins Public Links Championship

Kevin Aylwin edged out the field by one stroke to capture the 2007 Florida State Public Links Championship at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando on July 20-22.

Kevin Aylwin, 18, of New Smyrna Beach, posted a tournament total of 10-under par 209 to win his first State Championship. In the first round, Aylwin made five birdies and hit 17 greens en route to firing a 5-under par 68. “I hit the ball perfect,” said Aylwin. Trailing the leader by two, Aylwin moved in front of the field with a second round 70. After 36 holes, Aylwin held a one stroke advantage heading into the final round of play. “I thought if I played like I did the first two days, I had a good shot to win.” Aylwin made three birdies in the final round to post a 36-35. “My irons were really working for me,” said Aylwin. “I only missed four greens in regulation.” On the 18th hole, Aylwin 2-putted from 30 feet for par to secure the title by one stroke. “I didn’t know where I stood so I felt no pressure,” said Aylwin. “It would have been a little tougher putt if I would have known.” Aylwin qualified for the US Amateur Public Links Championship and finished second last week in the Volusia County Amateur. Now with one State Championship, Aylwin is looking forward to playing in the Florida State Amateur Match Play Championship at Sawgrass Country Club next month.

Lance Gillett, from Cocoa Beach, placed second one stroke back from Aylwin with a tournament total of 9-under par 210. Gillett recorded a 68-72-70 for the three rounds. Thomas Murray, from Orange Park, claimed third place with a pair of 70’s the first two rounds and finishing the Championship with a 71.

The Public Links Championship is open to bona fide public course players who are not members of a private club and also do not have a handicap index any higher than 6.4. Competitors played 18 holes of stroke play on each of the three days.

Round Two Story

Round One Story

Eagle Creek, a par 73, was designed by Ron Garl featuring dramatic bunkers reminiscent of those found in Scotland and England.

ELIGIBILITY

Competitors must be bona fide public course players, since January 1, 2007, and have not held privileges at any course that does not extend playing privileges to the general public, or privileges at any private club maintaining its own course. A bona fide public course player may hold incidental privileges at a course not open to the public when such privileges are provided by (1) an educational institution at which he/she attends, or (2) a federal armed service at which he/she is a member, or (3) an industry by which he/she is employed. The FSGA follows USGA guidelines for the Public Links Championship except for the handicap rule. See the website for guidelines. Players must be a member of the FSGA.

ENTRY FEE

$225 ($235 - members who do not have an active FSGA/GHIN Handicap). Championship: 54 holes stroke play.

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

54 holes stroke play.

CARTS

Players are responsible for practice round cart fees.

DEFENDING CHAMPION

Jon Veneziano, of Mount Dora, won the title shooting a 73-71-71--215 at Grande Pines Golf Club.

ACCOMMODATIONS

There are rooms available on a space available basis at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Airport Hotel in Orlando at the rate of $99 per night plus tax. Reservations may be made by calling the hotel direct at 407-856-0100 or 1-800-2-CROWNE. Please ask for the Florida State Golf Association rate.

HANDICAP LIMIT

No higher than 6.4.