Garrett Risner takes 109th Carolinas Amateur on Second Playoff Hole
July 15, 2023 | by Carolinas Golf Association
see also: Garrett Risner, View results for Carolinas Amateur, Chapel Hill Country Club
A birdie on No. 16 from Risner and a bogey on No. 16 from O'Connell forced a two-shot swing late to create the playoff.
O'Connell led by two spots on No. 16, but a bogey from O'Connell and a birdie from Risner created a tie at the top. Both players pared out to force the playoff.
Risner shot 71-69-66-68 over the four days to finish at 6 under.
Risner played a consistent Round One, shooting 1 over 71 to start the tournament on Wednesday. During Round 2, Risner added more birdies to his scorecard, registering a 1 under 69 and making the cut, going into the second half of the tournament at even par.
Risner came in with five birdies after Round 3, shooting an impressive 5 under 66 for the day. This would earn him a spot in the final group on Saturday, playing with O'Connell and Jack Wieler of Waxhaw, N.C., the leader after round one.
As the final group came down 18, Risner and O'Connell were deadlocked at 6-under, and similar pars for both on the last hole set things up for a playoff. The match would end on the second playoff hole when Risner dropped a seven-foot birdie to claim the prestigious championship.
"Staying in the moment. Remember not to get ahead of myself and start thinking about what I need to do, and just try to hit the target I was hitting at," Risner said when discussing his biggest challenge on the course during the Final Round.
Ryan O'Neil of Waxhaw, N.C. finished in third place at 4 under.
Results: Carolinas Amateur
| Place | Player | Location | Pts | Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holly Springs, NC | 400 | 71-69-66-68=274 | |
| 2 | Jacksonville, FL | 300 | 67-64-73-70=274 | |
| 3 | Waxhaw, NC | 200 | 73-70-65-68=276 | |
| T4 | Fayetteville, NC | 200 | 70-68-72-67=277 | |
| T4 | Matthews, NC | 200 | 74-66-68-69=277 |
About the Carolinas Amateur
The championship is conducted at 72 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes, there is a cut to the low 60 scores and ties. Entry is open to any male amateur golfer who has reached his 13th birthday by the first day of the championship, is a legal reside...
Most Popular Articles
2026 Ben Hogan Award Watch List: 35 Names to Know This Spring
Jan 29, 2026The 2026 Ben Hogan Award watch list is out—35 college golf standouts are in the early mix for the game’s top individual honor.
Titleist Fitting Philosophy: The Competitive Amateur’s Fastest Path to Lower Scores
Jan 26, 2026Competitive golf is a game of small edges. Titleist’s fitting approach combines expert human insight and honest data
NCAA Champion Michael La Sasso Turns Pro, Signs With LIV Golf
Jan 20, 2026Michael La Sasso is going LIV, joining Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC and passing on the 2026 Masters.
Early Invites Announced for the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Jan 24, 2026A running list of the first confirmed names headed to Augusta.
Vokey SM11 Wedges: Refining the Details That Matter Most
Jan 19, 2026The most meaningful change in the new SM11 is one most golfers will never see