Spencer Ball (Mercer Athletics photo)

ATLANTA, GA (June 6, 2018) - Spencer Ball, of Suwanee, a rising junior at Mercer University, captured the title at the Yamaha Atlanta Open presented by Bushnell, Bolle, Camelback, and Levelwear at Cherokee Town & Country Club. Ball, carded a final round of 1-under par 71 for a two-day total of 5-under par 139 to claim the Lyman R. Hunter trophy and low amateur honors as well. He is the third amateur to claim the title since 2013.

Related: 2017: Kennesaw State's Wyatt Larkin wins the Atlanta Open

Ball began the day one stroke behind first round leader PGA apprentice Luke James of Royal Lakes Golf Club in Gainesville. Ball carded an even par outward nine of 36 while James carded a 3-over par 39. With his steady play Ball took the lead for good and did not relinquish his lead for the rest of the round.

The affable 20 year old took up the game only 7 years ago and credited his PGA teaching professional Danny Elkins of the Georgia Golf Center for his instruction and development on playing the game.

PGA teaching professional Peter Jones of Cherokee Town & Country Club, carded a two-day total of 3-under par 141 to claim low professional honors and the first place professional prize money of $3,800.

Amateur Tim Arnoult also of Cherokee Town & Country Club who finished alone in third place at 2-under par 142. Arnoult has won the past six men’s club championships at Cherokee Town & Country Club. Georgia Golf Hall of Fame member and 2000 Yamaha Atlanta Open champion James Mason of The Orchard Golf Club in Clarksville finished alone in 4th place at 1-under par 141 for the championship.

Cherokee Town & Country Club is one of America’s premier private clubs, boasting 36-holes. The North Course has hosted the Atlanta Open previously in 1997 when Matt Russell successfully defended his title. It has also hosted the Georgia Amateur Championship in 2001 & 2011, as well as, the US Women’s Mid-Amateur in 1999. It is a par 72 and played just over 6900 yards for the championship.

The Georgia PGA is one of the 41 Sections of the PGA of America. Its membership includes nearly 890 PGA professionals working at over 265 golf courses, clubs, and ranges throughout the state. Additionally, more than 20 Georgia PGA members compete on one of the PGA Tours. In keeping with the fundamental objectives laid down by its founders, one of the Georgia PGA's primary goals is promoting the game of golf through clinics, junior and minority golf programs, consumer programs, and print, radio, and television media.

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