Carter Goodwin shot an impressive 15-under to win the Spirit of America Golf Classic at Burningtree Country Club in Decatur, Ala., by four shots over Jackson Mitchell and Paul Bruce, who finished T2 at 11-under.
Goodwin, a native of Birmingham, Ala., shot rounds of 67-65-70-67 to get to 15-under. He was 10-under through the opening two rounds to hold an eight-shot lead.
"The first two days were really nice. I putted really well," Goodwin said. "Going into the last two days, even though I did have a lead, I was still extremely nervous, but I was still able to stay really patient."
Goodwin added, "I stayed patient and was able to get it going on the back nine, which is what I was most proud of mentally sticking in it."
He was able to separate on the back nine, shooting 31 and 32 on the back nine in the first two rounds with seven birdies, one eagle, and no bogeys.
"There are a lot more birdie opportunities," Goodwin said about the back nine. "The two par-5s on the back nine are the easiest holes on the course."
Goodwin emphasized patience multiple times, especially once he gained an eight-shot lead through two rounds.
"This week, my goal was to play toward the fat sides of greens, be patient, see a few putts go in, and take advantage of opportunities when they are presented," Goodwin said. "With the lead I had, I just wanted to stay really patient and give myself those opportunities."
Mitchell and Bruce finished T2 at 11-under, Ryley Heath finished in solo fourth place at 9-under, and Phillip Darst finished in solo fifth place at 8-under to round out the top five.
