Matt Gourgeot

On Saturday, Gourgeot, who lives in Decatur and played golf for the University of North Alabama, and Olive, who lives in Florence, first beat William Sellers and Steven Setterstrom Jr., both on the University of Alabama golf team, in the semifinals 3 & 2 and then beat Joey Holley and Chase Rogers by 5 & 3 in the final to win this Alabama Golf Association championship.

Holley and Rogers beat Patrick Twesme and Austin Sparks, the medalist team, in their semifinal 1 up.

Gourgeot, 29, plays golf at Burningtree Country Club in Decatur, while Olive, 55, plays at Cypress Lakes in Muscle Shoals. It was their first time to pair up in the State Four-Ball and it's safe to say it won't be their last.

"In the final we got off to a hot start (4 up through eight holes) and that was huge as we never let them back in the match," Gourgeot said.

"College kids may be used to six matches in four days, but we are not. We got a little tired the second 18 both days, but got through it."

It is the first state title for both players. Gourgeot said he made a lot of birdies in the match play format and he was freed up to do so by Olive's consistency.

"Tony understands the game so well. He hits it straight, doesn't make many mistakes and is usually in every hole. That's key. He's a really smart, great partner."

Gourgeot used to play Turtle Point while playing on the golf team at UNA every week, but it has been a number of years since he played there.

"This is really special for us both," Gourgeot continued. "I made it to the semifinals of last year's State Match Play (before bowing out) and I know what that felt like. I'm thrilled to have gone on from there."

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