Roche wins rain-shortened Jacksonville Amateur

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (July 22, 2018) – Play was suspended three times Sunday for weather before the third and final round of the Jacksonville Amateur was finally called. That left 36-hole lead Davis Roche with the title.

Roche, who recently completed his senior season on the Valdosta State men’s golf team, made the final holes of the second round count and it’s ultimately what won him the title. An eagle at Jacksonville Country Club's par-5 16th and a birdie at the 17th left him with a second-round 4-under 68. Roche had 1-under 71 in the first round, which left him at 5 under for the tournament.

Roche is well-known in Jacksonville golf circles as the player who shot 58 at Ponte Vedra Inn and Club’s Lagoon Course in November 2016. It is believed to be the lowest round at any area golf course. It earned Roche a text message from fellow area resident Jim Furyk, a PGA Tour player. Furyk, of course, shot 58 at TPC River Highlands during the final round of the 2016 Travelers Championship.

Roche’s closest pursuer was David Anthony, who despite a birdie at No. 17, was still two shots off the pace.

John Lobb was solo third at 2 over, followed by three players in a tie for fourth another shot back. That tie included Kevin Lynn, Jordan Batchelor and Manuel Girona.