Ben Reichert rallies to Florida Azalea Amateur Title

PALATKA, FL (March 18, 2018) - After beginning the final round the Florida Azalea Amateur two shots off the pace Ole Miss sophomore Ben Reichert closed with a 68 to capture the title by a stroke over second leader Brett Schell (69-67-73--209). Reichert, from East Amherst, NY, began the final round in second place following tallies of 69-67. The win at Palatka Golf Club was the first AmateurGolf.com Ranking victory in Reichert's career. A transfer from East Tennessee State, Reichert has competed in three tournaments this year for the Rebels. Cody Carroll (71-67-72--210) was third, David Morgan (69-65-77-211) took fourth while Paul Tesori (69-72-71--212) was fifth. Other winners include Doug Conkey (1st Flight), JD Deans (2nd Flight), Mike Klosterman (3rd Flight), Paul Harrison (4th Flight) and Luke Fontaine (5th Flight). ROUND TWO RECAP With a second round 65 David Morgan carded the round of the tournament to move into the 36-hole lead at the Florida Azalea Amateur. The Saturday tally followed up a first round 69 that puts Morgan at 134 and two shots clear of the field with one round remaining at Palatka Golf Club. Brett Schell (69-67--136) is second, Cody Carroll (71-67--138) and Pierre Viallaneix (71-67--138) share third while John Driscol III (70-70--140), Alex Slaton (70-70--140) and Ben Reichert (71-69--140) are sharing fifth. First round leader Ian Simon (67-80--147) really struggled in the second to fall out of contention. Other leaders include Mark Kegley (1st Flight), JD Dean (2nd Flight), Mike Klosternman (3rd Flight), Paul Harrison (4th Flight) and JP Michael (5th Flight). ROUND ONE RECAP Ian Simon opened the 2018 edition of the Florida Azalea Amateur with Friday 67 and he will carry a one shot lead into the second round at Palatka Golf Club. Shawn Butscher is second after a 68 while a trio of players are two back following 69's. The group includes David Morgan, Brett Schell and Paul Tesori. Other leaders include Nathon Powell (1st Flight), JD Deans (2nd Flight), Mike Klosterman (3rd Flight), Paul Polito (4th Flight) and Lucas Bennett (5th Flight).