In Colorado, Gillespie returns home to win Durango Amateur
Cory Gillespie (LeTourneau photo)
The Durango Amateur Championship played at Hillcrest Golf Club in Durango, Colorado was held with COVID-19 precautions over Memorial Day weekend. Cory Gillespie, a recent graduate of LeTourneau University, took home the win in his hometown.
Gillespie was in a tie for fourth place following Sunday’s breezy first round, posting a 7-over 78. With the leaders at 1-over, Gillespie had plenty of ground to cover on Monday. Paired with his former high school assistant coach Kermitt Barrett for the final round, Gillespie went on a tear, posting six birdies in the final round.
“I have never seen him play so steady,” Barrett told the Durango Harold.
Making the turn at 2-under on the day, Gillespie made easy work of the back nine with birdies on 11, 15, and 18 on his way to a one-shot win in the gross net portion and a six-shot win in the championship flight.
While in high school Gillespie battled seizures, a knee injury that required surgery, as well as overcoming Tommy John surgery before landing at LeTourneau in Texas.
Overcoming all of that, Gillespie had a quiet collegiate career before the COVID-19 pandemic ended his senior season abruptly. He plans on taking advantage of the NCAA’s decision to grant spring sport athletes another year of eligibility so he can finish what he started this past season before he begins his path to a professional golf career.
Women’s champion Aimee Fladt cruised to an 18-shot victory with a two-round total of 165.
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ABOUT THE
Durango Amateur
36-hole stroke play tournament, flighted by handicap
index, with men's and women's divisions. Gross and
net competitions.
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