Iowa Amateur: Elliott wins 2nd

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (July 27, 2011) -- Gene Elliott made par on the first playoff hole to defeat Jon Olson and win his second Iowa Amateur Championship at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines. His first championship came in 2000 at Ottumwa Country Club. Elliott, who trailed by four strokes heading into the final round, shot a 1-under 70 Wednesday to catch Olson. Olson came into the final round leading but his final round 3-over 74 left the door open for Elliott. After opening the door, Olson nearly slammed it shut on his final hole of regulation. After hitting into the water hazard on 17 and making a bogey to fall one behind Elliott, who was finished at 1-under, Olson knew he needed a birdie to force a playoff. The 2011 Iowa Mid-Amater and Match Play Champion's approach from 148 yards on the final hole nearly dropped for an eagle and the outright win. He landed the ball past the hole and as it spun back slid just over the right edge of the cup, coming to rest 2 feet below the hole. He tapped in for birdie to force extra holes.