Helton made a critical birdie on the par 5 17th hole of regulation play to card an even par 72 to get into the two man playoff. Avery, a freshman at Fresno State, kept his cool in the 100-degree heat and matched the big hitting Helton for 5 holes in the playoff.
Helton, a former UCSB standout, has dominated amateur golf on the Central California Coast with a pair of previous wins at the Santa Barbara City Championship.
Another local standout, Brandon Gama of Santa Barbara took third place with a tap in birdie on the final hole. Kyle Rector of San Diego (and AmateurGolf.com) tied with Brian Edick of Bakersfield for 4th position at 144.
TOP FINISHERS
-- 142 --
Brian Helton, Shandon (70-72) *
Justin Avery, Clovis (72-70)
-- 143 --
Brandan Gama, Santa Barbara (72-71)
-- 144 --
Brian Edick, Bakersfield (73-71)
Kyle Rector, San Diego (71-73)
-- 147 --
Rick Walker, Paso Robles (77-70)
-- 150 --
Pat Burda, Modesto (75-75)
