Kyle Decenzo beat the wind and the field at Duran Golf Club
(Space Coast Am photos)

VIERA, FL (March 25, 2018) - Eastern Florida State College’s Kyle Decenzo shot a final-round 78 for a two-day 151 to claim his first big win Sunday at the 12th annual Space Coast Amateur golf tournament at Duran Golf Club in Viera.

The soon-to-be 20-year-old, who came from behind to finish two shots better than runner-ups Jeff Mocinni, Aaron Wilson and Keith Storms, was five strokes down after the first seven holes. After getting three back on No. 8, he became motivated to stay focused.

“I knew it was going to be difficult out there, but I played my heart out. I knew I could get the job done,” said Decenzo. “I just took it one shot at a time.”

“It feels good to finally win an event like this,” he said.

“We are thrilled to have Kyle as our Space Coast Amateur men’s champion,” said Matt Morrison, Duran's PGA head pro.

“Duran really showed its teeth today with the breezy conditions and, as expected, the contest came down to the last two holes. Kyle was able to avoid mistakes and par the last few holes to take the lead.”

EFSC’s Greg Darnell finished sixth after a low final round of 75, while Viera High School senior Calvin Sierota finished seventh with a round of 76.

Jack Sutter claimed low gross in the A flight and Richie Painter won the low net. In the B flight, Joey Blicker captured low gross and Randy Smith won the net.

In the senior flight, Bill Shufelt won the gross, and tournament sponsor Ray Rodriguez won the net.

ROUND ONE RECAP

Keith Storms fired an opening round of even par in the first round of the Space Coast Amateur Championship at Duran Golf Club in Viera. Eastern Florida State’s Kyle Decenzo sits one stroke back after an opening 73, Brett Riotto sits in solo third after a 76. Defending Champion and Viera High standout Calvin Sierotta is 8 strokes off the lead.

“It’s going to be an exciting finish tomorrow in the final round, states Duran Head Professional Matt Morrison. Keith and Kyle both played great rounds, however there are several players within striking distance and with the difficult finishing holes at Duran anything can happen”.

Jack Suiter sits atop the A flight after an even par 72. Eric Johnson shot an 8 over par 80 and is leading the B flight, and Ron Benfield fired a 1 under par 71 to take the lead in the senior division, with Duran Club Champion Randy Kroen 1 stroke back after a 72.

Jack Suiter sits atop the A flight after a par 72. Eric Johnson shot an 8-over-par 80 and is leading the B flight, and Ron Benfield fired a 1-under 71 to take the lead in the senior division, with Duran Club Champion Randy Kroen 1 stroke back after a 72.

Final round play gets underway at 7:30am Sunday morning, spectators are welcome and carts are available for rent.