Thomas Lilly
(UNCW Athletics Photo)

Younts, a PGA Apprentice Teaching Professional at Precision Golf School, entered the third and final round with a three stroke lead after two flawless rounds of 68-67 (-9). The pressure of the final round seemed to change his situation as Younts' game went hot and cold. He carded five birdies, seven pars, and five birdies en route to a 35-38=73 (+1) for a total of 208 (-8).

Lilly, a college amateur at UNC Wilmington, opened the tournament with a 74, but closed with rounds of 67-67 to also finish at 208 (-8).

The duo headed to the 18th hole, a straightaway par-4 with small segmented portions to its green surrounded by hills on all sides providing natural spectator viewing. Younts and Lilly traded matching pars the first two times through. Once, Younts almost birdied with a chip shot, but the flagstick rejected his effort.

On the third hole, both competitors hit wild tee shots - Younts to the right and Lilly to the left. Younts was able to advance his ball to the front left green side bunker, but Lilly caught a tree with his approach and then hit his wedge to 30 feet.

After carefully examining his shot, Younts nearly holed his 60-foot bunker shot, leaving it two feet away. As Lilly's par attempt rolled to the hole, the crowd could tell it was going to be close. However, the line and speed were just off as the ball finished three inches away. Younts rolled in the winning putt and gave an enthusiastic fist pump to signal his satisfaction with the victory.

Of the 147 golfers who competed, 66 survived the 36-hole cut at +6.

-Editors Note: Article by Carolinas PGA

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