Spirit of America: Cincinnati's O'Toole takes title

DECATUR, Ala. (July 6, 2014) -- John Michael O'Toole fired a final-round 70 to keep pace with his contenders and win the 2014 Spirit of America title at Burningtree Country Club. O'Toole, who plays at the University of Cincinnati, shot rounds of 71-68-65-70 to close out a three-shot victory over Forrest Gamble of Ole Miss and Matt Gourgeot, who tied for second place. Both Gamble and Gourgeot shot closing 70s but weren't able to close the gap made by O'Toole's impressive middle rounds. Gamble held the first-round lead alongside Spencer Olson of West Florida. In Round 2, though, O'Toole turned it on. Woodie Eubanks and Ben Wood, who plays at Mississippi State, tied for fourth, finishing four shots behind the leading pace set by O'Toole. Defending champion Alex Mahlik took 10th place, shooting rounds of 69-71-71-71.