Purdue’s Cole Bradley played his last 11 holes in 5 under to fashion a final-round 68 and claim his second Jacksonville Area Golf Association (JAGA) First Coast Amateur title in the last three years at The Conservatory at Hammock Beach Resort. The Boilermaker junior posted rounds of 74-70-68-212 (4 under), with his final score coming on a blowing, 50-degree day in North Florida after two days of warm weather.
Tying for second, a shot back, were University of North Florida sophomore Cody Carroll of Middleburg, Fla. and fall 2020 UNF commit Nicholas Gabrelcik of Trinity, Fla.
Bradley, who won the 2018 title at Hidden Hills Country Club in Jacksonville in even cooler and more blustery conditions, came from two shots back on the last day.
Carroll, a co-leader after two rounds, shot 70-72-71-213 (-3) for his three trips around the 7,046-yard Tom Watson-designed Conservatory course.
The 17-year-old Gabrelcik carded 74-69-70 -213 (-3). He closed strong with a 33 on his final nine.
Carroll was cruising having made six birdies through the 14th hole and held a two-shot edge on Bradley before the tables turned. Wayward drives on 15 and 16 and a three putt on the 17th resulted in bogeys. One group ahead was the soon-to-be champion who played the last four holes in 1 under, topped off with a birdie on 18.
Bradley is the son of Purdue golf coach and former UNF assistant Rob Bradley.
Another UNF golfer Davis Lee tied for fourth with Bryce Lewis, a University of Tennessee sophomore, at 215 (-1).
In the Mid-Amateur division, Garrett Jones of Madison, Wis. claimed the crown, defeating Chris Henderson of Jacksonville, Fla. on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff. The pair finished regulation with six-over par 222 totals.
Jones, a former Badger golfer and now volunteer assistant for the University of Wisconsin golf team, parred the extra hole to win the age 25+ competition. Jones and Henderson finished T29 in Championship play. Henderson will play for the amateur squad in next month’s Underwood Cup at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville.
Top finishers in the JAGA First Coast Amateur receive World Amateur Golf Ranking points for the second year in a row.
This year’s move to The Conservatory led to additional interest in the championship. The field was increased from 78 to 96 and was filled in 30 days. A waiting list grew to 36.
Players from 22 states, five countries and 29 colleges participated. The College of Charleston topped the field with 10 current or committed players in the field, followed by Ohio State with six and UNF and Tennessee with five. Purdue was well represented with four players at Hammock Beach Resort.
In addition to Hammock Beach Resort, the tournament was supported by the Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches tourism group. They hosted Monday’s Awards Luncheon in addition to supporting the accommodation needs of players and families in the run up to the event.
“A good tournament got even better this year,” said First Coast Amateur co-chairmen Joel Lamp and Jeff Adams. “We are grateful to Hammock Beach Resort, The Conservatory golf course and the Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches tourism group for welcoming JAGA and the First Coast Amateur. We couldn’t have had a better first-year experience and are confident the players and their guests share that sentiment.”
ABOUT THE First Coast Amateur
The First Coast Amateur attracts some of the nation’s
top
amateur, collegiate and junior
talent, a handful of international players, and many
of the best golfers from North
Florida and other Florida cities. Contestants must be
16 years of age.
The championship is 54 holes of stroke play and
ends on the Martin Luther
King holiday.
The field grows strong each year, and with it the
waiting list. So if you're interested in playing some
wonderful North Florida golf very close the
headquarters of the PGA Tour, we recommend
submitting your entry early. All entries are subject to
approval by the tournament committee; a minimum
handicap of 4.0 and resume of tournament
accomplishments is required.
View Complete Tournament Information