Mark Reppe (Saguaro Amateur Series photo)
Baylor University junior
Mark Reppe posted a final round 68 at Shadow Hills Golf Club, capping off a 17-under tournament victory at the Agave Amateur in California's Coachella Valley.
Reppe, from Dallas, led by four to start the day. But a bogey on the second and a double on the par-5 third hole gave hope to the rest of the field.
It was short-lived.
Reppe holed out from 124 yards for eagle on the par-4 fourth hole, put two more birdies on the card, and then carded another eagle on the par-5 13th to get to 3-under on the day. That kept him out front, but one player was doing his best to give chase.
That player was University of San Diego golfer Charlie Reiter of nearby La Quinta, where Arnold Palmer made his desert home.
Reiter narrowly missed a 20-foot putt on the 18th for 62 which at the time would have him tied for the lead with Reppe.
After shooting 33 on the front nine, Reiter got within one shot several times during a four-straight birdie run on the back and finished with an 8-under par 63. That was easily the lowest final round posted, and came within a shot of the tournament low round of 62 posted by Reppe in round one.
Having started the day a full eight shots back of Reppe, Reiter would have needed more help than the closing bogey Reppe made on No. 18 to force a playoff. Those two eagles, especially holing out after a tough start, made all the difference for a very pleased Reppe.
“I really liked the course and I was happy to win after having the lead each day," said Reppe. "It feels good to cap off 2020 with a win.”
James Song (Rancho Santa Fe, CA) finished alone in 3rd place at 11-under 202.
Three players-Reppe, Reiter, and Song all earned exemptions into the 2020-21 Troon Saguaro Amateur Series Championship event-the
Saguaro Amateur being played January 1-4 at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes just outside of Phoenix.
ABOUT THE
A part of the Troon Saguaro Amateur Series, the
Agave Amateur is open to amateur golfers who meet
the eligibility and exemption requirements and
cannot be junior golfers considered prospects by the
NCAA, although prospects can compete in several of
the ‘open’ events like the Sizzler, Gobbler, and
Agave Amateurs.
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