Southwestern Am: Hoffenberg by 1

SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M. (June 13, 2008)--With a final round 4-under-par 68 Matt Hoffenberg from San Diego State University won the 2008 Southwestern Amateur Championship by one stroke over local favorite Jesse Barnsley. Barnsley finished one shot back of the winner for the second consecutive year. As Hoffenberg sat relaxing on the grass area next to the scoreboard, Barnsley's final birdie attempt came to rest a foot from the 490 yard final hole leaving him just 12 inches from a playoff. The absence of a roar from the crowd let the SDSU freshman know the result of the final putt, that he was the champion of the 93rd annual event, which is the longest running amateur tournament in the western U.S. Under-par play on the final day was spectacular given the 7715 yards and tucked hole locations. Tyler Neal and Ferdinand Aunzo finish tied for third just two shots back.