Vongvanij Takes Title at 2009 Eastern Amateur
Monday, July 13, 2009 | Men's Golf
University of Florida golfer Bank Vongvanij (Bradenton, Fla.) shot a final-round 65 on Sunday to take the title at the 53rd Eastern Amateur in Portsmouth, Va. at the Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club.
Vongvanij finished the tournament at 14-under par 266 (64-67-70-65) for a two-shot victory over Wes Roach and Tommy Parker. Roach led by one shot with two holes to play, but finished with back-to-back bogeys to leave the door open for Vongvanij, who saved par on No. 17 and made a birdie on the last hole for the final two-stroke margin.
After shooting 64 (-6) and 67 (-3) in the opening rounds, it looked as though Vongvanij would run away with the tournament. But Roach fired a third-round 62 and Parker shot a 63 to keep things interesting heading into the final round.
Incoming freshman Tommy Mou (Bradenton, Fla.) was also in the field and tied for 16th at three-under par 277 (70-71-66-70). His tournament was highlighted by a third round 66 (-4).
Several Gators were also in action this weekend at the Players Amateur in Hilton Head. Andres Echavarria (Medellin, Columbia) finished in a tie for 18th at four-over par 292 (73-75-71-73). Tyson Alexander (Gainesville, Fla.) shot a third-round 69 (-3) and tied for 25th at seven-over par 295 (76-75-69-75). Recent graduate Will Strickler (Charlottesville, Va.) tied for 30th at nine-over 297 (77-71-70-79).
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