Martin manages game to win Carolinas Amateur

PINEHURST, N.C. (July 15, 2018) – Joshua Martin of Pinehurst, N.C., is the 2018 Carolinas Amateur champion. Martin shot a 1-over 73 in Sunday’s final round at the Country Club of North Carolina but was still able to fend off his competitors. He won the tournament by three strokes with an 8-under par total.

Martin began the round on fire, making four birdies on the first five holes and it looked like he would run away with the title. However, he ended the front nine with two bogeys and a double bogey to have his lead reduced to only two strokes.

"Today I started out really hot, but then it was pretty much carnage out there," joked the rising UNC senior. "That's the way it goes sometimes, and I just had to laugh those off, and get back to work."

The back nine proved to be a similar story, with one bogey and the rest pars, but his closest competitors, Spencer Oxendine of Fayetteville, N.C., and Nolan Mills, IV of Charlotte, N.C., couldn't take advantage of his struggles.

"Once I got a five-shot lead with four holes to play, I felt pretty good," said Martin, "I was just able to cruise in with some pars."

This title gives Martin his third CGA title after winning the North Carolina Amateur in 2014 and the Carolinas Young Amateur in 2015.

"It's special winning at home. Just looking at the trophy and seeing all the past champions, you know this tournament is a big deal, so it's special," Martin added with a smile.

The Capers Cup Club team competition was won by Country Club of North Carolina with Scott Lincicome, Jackson Bode, and Thomas Morrison representing the club at this week's tournament.