Guerin’s lead had evaporated down to one stroke late on the front nine with 2014 champion Vic Kyatt III of Birmingham giving chase. But a back nine 33 by Guerin including an eagle on the par-5 13th hole and a birdie on the 16th hole sealed the victory.
A man of few words Guerin, a Hoover Country Club member, simply said, “This one really means a lot.”
Finishing in second place at 203 (-3) was 2009 champion Robert Nelson of Fairhope. Kyatt III finished tied for third along with Matthew Gourgeot of Decatur and Michael Johnson of Mobile.
Guerin will have his name engraved on the Elbert S. Jemison Jr. Trophy that is housed at the Alabama Golf Association office and receives a ten year exemption into the Alabama Men’s State Amateur Championship. Awards were presented to the five lowest scores of the tournament. Top 10 finishers will receive an exemption into the 2017 Alabama Men’s State Amateur Championship at Bent Brook Golf Club in Bessemer.
Play was suspended at 1:27 p.m. due to severe weather in the area with only four groups left on the course including the leaders that were putting on the 16th green. After a 1 hour and 43 minute delay, play resumed at 3:10 p.m.