Brock Healy (JAGA)
On a weekend when when Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars completed an historic comeback, Kennesaw State University graduate student
Brock Healy claimed a big victory of his own in the seventh JAGA First Coast Amateur at Hidden Hills Golf Club in Jacksonville, Fla.
Mats Ege
It took a strong finish of his own for Healy to catch Norway's Mats Ege. Healy (Norcross, Ga.) resident and sports management major posted scores of 71-69-65 to take the title by a single shot. Healy saved his best for last, as his blemish-free 65, including seven birdies, was the tournament’s lowest score.
The final round lined up as a two-horse race. Healy and Ege were well clear of the field, but Ege held a one shot lead after the first two rounds.
Both Ege and Healy made three birdies on their front nine, but Ege's bogey on the third hole left the duo in a tie for the lead as they made the turn for home. Healy fired a 33 and Ege a 34.
The superb golf carried over to the back nine. Ege birdied hole Nos. 12 and 14 while Healy birdied hole Nos. 10 and 14.
The final four holes saw two lead changes and a total of three birdies between Healy and Ege. Ege landed the first blow with a birdie on the 15th hole; Healy hit back with a birdie of his own on the par-3 16th hole.
On the 17th hole, Healy hit his approach to five feet. When Ege's 20-foot putt missed, Healy stepped up and sank his birdie putt to grab a one shot lead. The Norwegian had one more attempt to tie his opponent with a 12-footer for birdie on No. 18 but missed, and Healy tapped in for par and the win.
This was a big win for Healy, as he hasn't contended in many events over the last few years. He recorded no top-10 finishes in 2022, so this was a positive way to kick-off 2023.
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