Don Leafstrand of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., came from behind in the final round to win the 94th Northern California Open Championship by two strokes over Kevin Velo of Danville at Coyote Creek Golf Club www.coyotecreekgolf.com in Morgan Hill.
Leafstrand, who has played on the PGA LatinoAmerica Tour and the Florida Golf Tour, posted a score of 69-72-67—208, 8-under-par, while Velo finished 70-67-73—210.
Leafstrand, who made an eagle each of his first two rounds, took command on the final day with eight birdies in the first 12 holes, while 36-hole leader Velo struggled out of the chute with two straight bogeys.
Amateur Justin Shaparovich of Irvine shot 72-72-69—213 to tie for third with Matthew Hedes of Grants Pass, Ore., who finished at 72-73-68—213, and Josh Stone of Modesto, who wound up at 71-69-73—213, and Tyler Garratt of Menlo Park was sixth at 78-67-69—214.
Steve Hummel of Reno totaled 74-71-70—215 to tie for seventh with Corey Rohm of Clovis, who finished at 73-71-71—215, while Jonny Baxter of Pleasanton wound up at 75-71-70—216 to tie for ninth with Zacharie Nicolet of Mountain View, who came in at 73-71-72—216.
The Northern California Open was first played in 1920 and former champions include Lawson Little Jr., Tony Lema, Bruce Summerhays, Peter Jacobsen, Xander Schauffele, Roger Maltbie, Jerry Heard, George Archer, Dick Lotz, Bill Glasson, Casey Boyns, Dutch Harrison, Charles Seaver, Jim Ferrier, Macdonald Smith, Sandy Galbraith, Vic Loustalot, Boyd Summerhays. Todd Fischer, Cody Blick, Trevor Main and Matt Bettencourt.
For complete results, visit https://ncpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/ncpga19/event/ncpga1916/contest/5/leaderboard.htm
