Coincidentally, Cohn, who recently founded Clarity Golf Mentoring, which aims to help players--both juniors and adults--become high-level tournament players, was also chasing a fourth NCGA Public Links title.

"I looked at the scoreboard on my phone on the 17th hole and saw that it was just Nick and myself," said the 43-year-old Cohn. "Losing stings when there is some minor history on the line." 

Cohn early on was the guy to chase. He'd come out on fire, posting a bogey-free, five-birdie 31 on the front nine. A stumbling block would be a double-bogey on No.12, but he did bounce back to play his final six holes at 1-under par.

Randazzo put himself in position with a front nine 33. After the turn, he'd add a birdie on No.13 but later slipped with a bogey on 16 before his heroics on 18.

"Honestly I didn't know I needed to make it to win. I looked at the scores when I walked up the fairway after hitting my second shot. I saw that Matt was at 3-under, and I was at 3-under at the time," Randazzo said. "When I stood over the putt, I convinced myself that I wanted to make it for a good finish regardless. Turns out I needed it. I'm so happy it went in."

Both Randazzo and Cohn had entered the final round three and four strokes back, respectively, of first-round leader Mike Perchak. Perchak went from an opening 68 to a 73. 

Third place went to Ryan Sloane at 140 after his second straight 70. 

For Randazzo, the victory was also sweet for another reason. It was his first NCGA victory as an individual since the passing of his maternal grandfather, Vincent Randazzo, in 2022. In 2023, Randazzo changed his last name to Moore to honor his grandfather. 

"Every win I get is dedicated to him," Randazzo said. "Until I die, all of my wins are dedicated to him. These golfers are so good out here who we're playing with. I've got goosebumps. Feels like all the hard work is paying off. Thank you to the NCGA for these events because it feels amazing when you win."