Justin Tereshko
(CGA Photo)

In 2015 Justin Tereshko entered the final round of the North Carolina Amateur ahead by two but a late eagle from eventual winner Carter Jenkins did him in. Last year the defeat wasn't as gut wrenching but again it was another runner-up finish.

However, on this day at the Country Club of Landfall Tereshko, the head coach of Guilford College golf team, was able to make his three-stroke lead at the beginning of the day hold up for a victory.

"I would now say the monkey is off my back," the 27-year-old Tereshko said. "It feels really good."

A quartet of players did pull within two-strokes on the second nine of the final round but Tereshko, who finished 5-under for the tournament would not be denied.

Tereshko established himself early on Sunday with birdies on Nos. 2 and 3 to reach 8-under and despite some wobbles with bogeys on the 7th, 8th, 11th and 17th holes he was able to hold steady enough. Following his final bogey Tereshko finished his run to the title with a birdie for the fourth straight day on the closing hole.

"There are great amateur names [on the trophy] like Bill Harvey and Paul Simson ... Dirk Fennie, my buddy, and William McGirt. So it's pretty cool that Justin Tereshko will be on there too."

Kevin O'Connell, Jake McGlone and Lansdon Robbins finished tied for second at 2-under while in fifth it was 1-under Josh Nichols.

-Editors Note: The Carolinas Golf Association contributed to this story

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