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JD Schlotterback pulls away late for a three-shot win at Florida Senior Amateur

Clutch back-nine birdies and a closing 67 seal the win for JD Schlotterback, Hesler finishes runner-up

JD Schlotterback of Naples, Fla., delivered a composed final round to pull away for a three-shot victory, closing with a bogey-free 67 to finish at 8-under 208 (71-70-67) and hold off a late charge from Brendan Hester.

The final day began with a tightly packed leaderboard and little room for error. Steve Carter of St. Augustine, Fla., set the early pace, reaching 3-under through six holes before back-to-back bogeys slowed his momentum. Carter went on to finish T-4 at 1-over 217 (74-70-73).

At the same time, Brendan Hester of Singer Island, Fla., surged into contention, making four birdies on the front nine to get within one of Schlotterback, who made the turn in control.

From there, Schlotterback created separation. After a steady front nine, he delivered back-to-back birdies on Nos. 12 and 13 to move two clear. Hester responded with birdies on 16 and 17 to apply pressure, but Schlotterback never wavered.

A long birdie conversion on the 16th restored his cushion, and he followed it with another lengthy make on his closing hole to effectively seal the win.

Schlotterback finished three shots clear of the field. Hester claimed runner-up at 5-under 211 (73-72-66), while Chris Congdon finished third at 3-under overall.

Defending champion Joe Alfleri of Lutz, Fla., finished T-9 at 2-over 218 (72-75-71), while 2024 champion RJ Nakashian of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., placed T-20 at 6-over 222 (77-75-70).

The victory carried added meaning for Schlotterback, who has been playing through personal adversity, dedicating his season to his wife.
AmateurGolf.com Rankings
2026 season — official results & points
PosPlayerFromScoresPoints
1Jack SchlotterbackFL71-70-67=208700
2Brendan HesterMA73-72-66=211400
3Chris CongdonFL75-69-69=213300
+21 more — Premium members see every point earnedFull Senior Men Ranking

AmateurGolf.com Staff

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