Gabriel Salvanera wins Desert Amateur at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes

Arizona State sophomore Gabe Salvanera shot a final round 62 on Sunday to capture the Desert Amateur held at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in Maricopa, Ariz.

Salvanera, who entered the day two strokes behind 36-hole leader and Sun Devil teammate Jeewon Park, finished at 17-under 199 to earn a four-stroke victory over Jose Luis Ballester, who also plays at Arizona State, while Brock Polhill, who plays collegiately at Wichita State, finished seven back at 10-under 206.

Salvanera made three consecutive birdies out of the gates on Sunday and never looked back en route to a final round 62. He picked up two more birdies on holes 7 and 9 to turn in 31 and added five more birdies on his inward nine to seal the four-shot win.

“First and foremost, none of this would be possible without God, my family, my friends, and coaches," said Salvanera. "Throughout the tournament, my ball-striking was really good and I just needed to see some putts drop. Fortunately during the final round they did. I’m still learning and growing in each tournament. I plan to continue to get better and make an impact next spring with my boys at ASU.”

Park, who had the overnight lead at 9-under, finished tied for fourth at 8-under following a final round 73.

The next event in the Troon Saguaro Amateur Series will be the Agave Amateur, Dec. 17-20 at Shadow Hills Golf Club in Indio, Calif.