Amateur Public Links Championship

Elliot Wins Public Links Championship

Todd Elliot shot a 3-under par 69 in the final round of the Florida State Public Links Championship to win the title at Celebration Golf Club.

Going into the final round, Elliot, of Bradenton, was tied for fourth with four other players at 72. After a final round score of 69, Elliot, who was an alternate for the event and received entry on Thursday, finished the Public Links Championship shooting a two-day total 141, 3-under par. Another player tied for fourth after the first round and an alternate, Brad Stainsby, of Lakeland, shot a 71 today to finish tied for second with a 143 total. Stainsby tied with yesterday's co-leader Aaron Tallman, of Pembroke Pines. Tallman, who finished second on the 2002 Florida State Final Point Standings, shot 70-73, 143 total. FSGA Tournament Director, Peter Dachisen, of Wesley Chapel, recorded the low round of the tournament with a 68 the final day and with his 76 the first day, finished three back from the leader. The other co-leader after the first round, Milko Brito, of Miami, recorded a 76 today and with a 70 in the first round finished the tournament 2-over par, 146. First flight winner, John Hewlin, of Bradenton, shot a 79 the first day and ten strokes less, 69, the second day to finish with a 148. Burt McKim, of Jacksonville, overcame his 96 in the first round to shot a 79 the second day.

The renowned father-son team of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Jr. sculpted a park-like atmosphere within the natural wetland environment. Celebration Golf Club boasts rolling terrain that weaves through a series of pristine lakes and native oak, pine and magnolia clusters. The club has hosted prestigious events such as the 1999-2001 Oldsmobile Scramble National Finals, 2000 Central Florida Amateur Championship, and a 2002 U.S. Senior Open Qualifier

ELIGIBILITY

Competitors must be bona fide public course players, since January 1, 2003, and have not held privileges at any course that does not extend playing privileges to the general public, or privileges at any private club maintaining its own course. A bona fide public course player may hold incidental privileges at a course not open to the public when such privileges are provided by (1) an educational institution at which he/she attends, or (2) a federal armed service at which he/she is a member, or (3) an industry by which he/she is employed. Must be a member of the FSGA.

ENTRY FEE

$160. ($150 for online entry.) Includes two competitive rounds, cart fees for the competitive rounds and prizes.

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

36 holes stroke play.

FLIGHTS

After 18 holes.

CARTS

Players are responsible for practice round cart fees.

DEFENDING CHAMPION

Brian McGowan, Port St. Lucie, carded 72-69--141 to win at Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club in Haines City.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements have been made at the Radisson Resort Parkway for $78 per night. The deadline for reservations is August 14. Call (800) 634-4774 and identify yourself as a FSGA competitor for reservations.