Reigning U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Stewart Hagestad of Newport Beach and USC rallied in the final round to win the George L. Coleman Invitational by two strokes over Evan Beck of Virginia Beach, Va., at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Fla.
The 31-year-old Hagestad posted a score of 71-74-71—216, even par, while Beck was second at 72-72-74—218, followed by Mark Costanza of Morristown, N.J., at 74-74-71—219, and Matthew Mattare of Jersey City, N.J., at 72-78-71—221.
“There is so much history at this event and I really wanted my name up on the wall in this locker room,” said Hagestad, who also won the U.S. Mid-Ameteur in 2016. “Just the names of the players who have hit balls on this range is incredible.”
Hagestad, who won the George C. Thomas Invitational last year among other numerous titles in his career, birdied his first three holes of the final round to take the lead, was tied with Beck after the front nine but went ahead by two strokes with a birdie at No. 10 as Beck made bogey two holes later.
On the par-5 15th, Hagestad hit a monster drive and a wedge to within two feet for an eagle to build a four-shot lead before a birdie by Beck sliced into the lead, but Hagestad had done enough to hold on for the victory even though he made a bogey on the last hole.
Zach Atkinson of Colleyville, Texas, shot 79-74-70—223 to tie for fifth with Bradford Tilley of Easton, Conn., who finished at 71-80-72—223, and Scott Harvey of Kernersville, N.C., who wound up at 75-75-73—223.
Tug Maude of Atlanta totaled 72-81-71—224 to tie for eighth with Patrick Christovich of New Orleans, who finished at 80-71-73—224, and Patrick Duffy of Omaha, Neb., who came in at 69-80-75—224.
Andrew Biggadike of Belmont, Calif., the only other player in the field from the Golden State, tied for 48th at 80-81-79—240.
For complete results, visit https://www.amateurgolf.com/amateur-golf-tournaments/3339/George-L–Coleman-Invitational?view=results
