Gasparilla Invitational: Doug Letson rolls to win

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2013) -- Doug Letson fired a final-round 70 to secure the top spot on the leaderboard at the 2013 Gasparilla Invitational at Palma Ceia Country Club. In the 58th annual playing of the event, Letson, a Florida State senior, was the only competitor in the field to finish under par --- 3-under was his 54-hole mark. Mike Finster (68-71-72--211) and Jack Hall (73-69-69--211) were tied for second place. Hall's total was enough to claim the Senior Division title, winning by four over Owen Joyner and James Kemp. Doug LaCrosse was fourth in the senior event. Palma Ceia is a familiar course for Letson. He and his family have been members at the Donald Ross-designed country club for nearly 10 years and he holds the modern-day course record of 8-under 62. After a first-round 66, Letson entered the final round two shots ahead of Finster and three better than Owen Joyner of Naples. Letson, who along with Finster, hails from Tampa, was able to keep pace with the contender in the second round as both shot 1-over 71s. Letson was also up to the challenge in Sunday's final round, matching Finster's solid effort with an even par 70 of his own to win by four shots. Behind Fenster and Hall in second place was Drew Downs (73-71-69--213) and Joe Aflieri (74-69-70--213), who tied for fourth place.