Evan Russell defends Vermont State Amateur title

BURLINGTON, Vt. (July 11, 2014) -- Rising University of Hartford star Evan Russell won his second straight Vermont Amateur title Thursday, toppling Bryan Smith on the fifth playoff hole. Both Russell and Smith were tied at the end of the 72 holes of regulation, finishing at 3-over and a shot better than Drake Hull. Smith shot a 1-under 71 on Thursday to surge back to the top of the leaderboard and force the playoff. Eric Lajeunesse finished alone in fourth while Garren Poirer rounded out the Top 5.