Amateur Match Play Championship

Roschman Wins Match Play Championship

David Roschman defeated Bret Burton in the final match to win the Florida State Match Play Championship at the Indian River Club in Vero Beach on August 5-8.

Roschman, of Jupiter, continued his winning streak beating Burton 6 and 5 in the finals. In his route to the finals, Roschman was seeded number 31 in the Championship flight when he shot a 77 in Thursday’s seeding round. In the first round of match play, Roschman faced the 2003 Mid-Amateur Champion and number two seed, Ryan Konkus, of Hobe Sound. Roschman upset Konkus 2 and 1 and then beat Samuel Martinez, of Miami, also 2 and 1. Roschman then defeated Rick Woulfe, of Fort Lauderdale, 1 up to reserve his spot in the semifinals versus Tommy Murray, of Orange Park. Roschman won the match 3 and 2 to take him into the finals and play Burton. Burton defeated last year’s semifinalist Michael Nealy, of Boca Raton, 2 and 1 to advance to this year’s final match.

In the first flight, Jonas DeWitte, of Vero Beach, defeated David Abell, of Jupiter, 4 and 2 to win that flight. Kyle McCarthy, from South Pasadena, won the second flight over David Arnold, from Ocala, 3 and 2. Ted Williams, of Vero Beach,defeated Bill Western, of Sarasota, 5 and 3 to win the third flight. Tim Adkins, from Vero Beach, won the fourth flight, 1 up, defeating Rich Considine, from Cooper City.

All non-exempt competitors played an 18-hole stroke play seeding round on Thursday, August 5 to determine their flights. The field of 96 players made up five flights, a Championship flight of 32 players and four additional flights of 16 players. A winner was decided in each of the five flights with the Match Play Champion from the flight of 32.

Seeding Round Story

Designed by Ron Garl, Indian River Club embraces the true spirit of the game of golf and the natural beauty of the site. The 18-hole, 6885 yard, par 72 Indian River Club course is rich in breathtaking views, but ever so sensitive and respectful of the natural environment. Reminiscent of traditional courses built in the 1920’s and 30’s which embodied classic golf course design, this course also offers a truly rare cross-section of four distinct and pristine natural environments. All players traveling to Indian River Club are guaranteed an 18-hole seeding round and at least one round of match play. After the 18-hole seeding round, the field of 96 will be divided into a Championship flight of 32 players and four additional flights of 16 players. Ultimately, there will be a Match Play Champion (from the flight of 32) and four separate flight winners.

ELIGIBILITY

Must be a member of the FSGA.

ENTRY FEE

$195. ($185 for online entry.) Includes carts and fees for all competitive rounds and prizes.

EXEMPTIONS

The following are exempt to the championship flight:

• Previous year's Mid-Amateur Champion (championship flight only)
• Current Amateur Champion
• Previous year's Match Play semifinalists

All non-exempt competitors will play an 18 hole stroke play seeding round on Thursday to determine placement within 5 flights.

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

Five flights begin match play on Friday morning. Only the championship flight will play Friday afternoon. All five flights will play Saturday morning and afternoon with the finals for all five flights on Sunday morning. Winner of the championship flight will be the Match Play champion.

CARTS

Carts are included for all competitive rounds. Players are responsible for practice round cart fees.

DEFENDING CHAMPION

Andy Purnell, of Jacksonville, defeated Joe Lamielle, of Sarasota, in 19 holes at Lone Palm Golf Club in Lakeland.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements have been made at the Palm Court Resort Hotel for $89 per night. Call (800) 245-3297 by July 1 and identify yourself as an FSGA competitor for reservations. Other arrangements have been made at the Vero Beach Hotel and Club for $119 per night. Please call (800) 841-5666 by July 1 and identify yourself as an FSGA competitor.

HANDICAP

No higher than 8.4