Florida Gators Coach J.C. Deacon wins Florida Open

LECANTO, Florida (July 16, 2017) -- Florida Gators head golf coach J.C. Deacon set a good example for his players this weekend, firing 15-under at Black Diamond Ranch for a $15,000 win at the Florida Open. That's a nice summer bonus. Deacon, a former Canadian Tour player who played college golf at UNLV. He has two previous professional wins under his belt, and as an amateur advanced to the semifinals at the 2005 U.S. Amateur. In the final round, he dueled it out with Matt Borchert of Isleworth down the stretch. Heading into par-5 finishing hole, Deacon held a two shot advantage. After both players hit perfect drives, Borchert hit his second shot close, leaving just seven feet for eagle. Deacon couldn't see exactly how close Borchert's shot wound up, but it was apparent from the roar that came from the green that he had better not back down. He fired at the tucked pin, a little too aggressively as he wound up in the rough ten yards long, leaving a treacherous pitch back to the hole. Deacon nearly holed his eagle try, and was left with a three-foot putt for birdie and the win. Borchert rolled in his eagle putt to finish with his third consecutive round of four-under, 68, putting the pressure on Deacon to convert his birdie putt for the win. He rolled it straight into the heart to finish a shot in front. Two players tied for low-amateurs this week. 2017 Florida Mid-Amateur Champion Chip Brooke and another college coach, Nova Southeastern head coach, Christopher Carlin. The pair tied for seventh place at 4-under-par.