Moldovan, who took a two-stroke lead into Saturday’s final round, fired a 4-under 67 to finish 20-under 264, which was good for a five-stroke victory over Bryce Lewis. Moldovan’s 20-under par score also shattered the previous Southern Amateur scoring record previously held by Justin Leonard, who finished at 270 in 1993.
Moldovan, who held or shared the lead after three of the four rounds, turned Old Waverly into his own personal playground this week. Sitting on a two-stroke lead heading into the final round, Moldovan knew he had to keep his foot on the accelerator with Old Waverly seemingly there for the taking. He extended his lead with three birdies on the front nine and added another coming home for a five-stroke victory.
Moldovan made just five bogeys all week and his last two rounds of 65 and 67 were bogey-free.
The 2019 AJGA Player of the Year, the Ohio State sophomore has been ranked as high as No. 33 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. In eight starts with the Buckeyes last season, Moldovan posted a 71.5 stroke average, which was the best on the team. He also recorded three top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish at the prestigious Valspar Collegiate.MAJOR victory for Maxwell Moldovan!!! He claimed the 115th Southern Amateur Championship title while shattering the scoring record. A previous record score of 270 (by @JLeonardgolf in 1993) was broken with Moldovan’s 20-under 264.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/vjfdUepcdq
— Southern Golf Association (@sgagolf) July 17, 2021
Lewis, who plays collegiately at Tennessee, shot a final round 66 to earn a solo second. Reigning Australian Amateur champion Connor McKinney and Garrett Barber of LSU tied for third at 14-under 270.
The low round of the tournament was turned in by Matthew Sharpstene, who fired a 9-under 62 on Saturday to join a large pack tied for ninth at 12-under par. Sharpstene, who plays collegiately at the University of Charlotte, had seven birdies and an eagle on his Saturday card.