Florida Gators Coach J.C. Deacon wins Florida Open
2017 Florida Open winner J.C. Deacon (FSGA photo)
LECANTO, Florida (July 16, 2017) -- Florida Gators head golf coach J.C. Deacon set a good example for his players this weekend, firing 15-under at Black Diamond Ranch for a $15,000 win at the Florida Open.
That's a nice summer bonus.
Deacon, a former Canadian Tour player who played college golf at UNLV. He has two previous professional wins under his belt, and as an amateur advanced to the semifinals at the 2005 U.S. Amateur.
In the final round, he dueled it out with Matt Borchert of Isleworth down the stretch. Heading into par-5 finishing hole, Deacon held a two shot advantage. After both players hit perfect drives, Borchert hit his second shot close, leaving just seven feet for eagle.
Deacon couldn't see exactly how close Borchert's shot wound up, but it was apparent from the roar that came from the green that he had better not back down. He fired at the tucked pin, a little too aggressively as he wound up in the rough ten yards long, leaving a treacherous pitch back to the hole.
Deacon nearly holed his eagle try, and was left with a three-foot putt for birdie and the win. Borchert rolled in his eagle putt to finish with his third consecutive round of four-under, 68, putting the pressure on Deacon to convert his birdie putt for the win. He rolled it straight into the heart to finish a shot in front.
Two players tied for low-amateurs this week. 2017 Florida Mid-Amateur Champion Chip Brooke and another college coach, Nova Southeastern head coach, Christopher Carlin.
The pair tied for seventh place at 4-under-par.
View results for Florida Open
ABOUT THE
Florida Open
The Florida Open is open to PGA golf professionals,
amateur golfers, and other professional golfers who
meet the eligibility requirements. The Florida Open
has a rich history that dates back to 1942 and
includes notable champions, such as Bob Murphy,
Gary Koch, Charles Owens, Bruce Fleisher, John
Huston, Dudley Hart, and Bart Bryant among others.
Professionals and Amateurs can qualify for the
Championship through local qualifying. Exemptions
are available through State Amateur Championships
& PGA Section Events. Format will be 54-holes of
stroke play with a cut to the low 60 and ties after
36-holes.
View Complete Tournament Information