Ryan Meyer of Oakdale sank a 35-foot birdie putt on the first playoff to defeat his University of Arizona teammate Santeri Lehesmaa and win the Gobbler Amateur at Sewailo Golf Club in Tucson, Ariz.
The tournament is part of the Troon Saguaro Amateur Series.
Meyer, a freshman from Oakdale High who won the 2019 CIF Northern California High School Championship when he shot a 65, posted a score of 75-69-66—210, 3-under-par, while Lehesmaa, a senior from Finland finished at 71-70-69—210.
“I got off to a hot start and was able to hang on the tough holes on the back,” said Meyer, who also won the 2018 Northern California Junior Amateur Championship. “The win means a lot because it shows the hard work I have been putting in this Fall.”
Meyer birdied seven of the first 10 holes in the final round and after making two bogeys, finished with four straight pars for his 66, while Lehesmaa held the lead until making a bogey on the 17th hole and finished at 69.
Laurent Desmarchais of Canada was third at 71-71-70—212, followed by Jack Gilbert of Houston at 73-68-72—213.
Jackson Norwich of El Paso, Texas, shot 78-65-71—214 to tie for fifth with Johnny Walker of Chandler, Ariz., who totaled 73-75-76—214, Tiger Tahvilardi of Huntington Beach, who wound up at 74-70-70—214, Josh McCollum of Upland, who finished at 72-72-70—214, and Sangha Park of Korea, who came in at 71-70-73—214.
Jared Strathe of Owasso, Okla., finished 10th at 75-70-70—215.
Defending champion Scott Rescigno of Reno and New Mexico State struggled to a tie for 51st at 77-72-81—230.
For complete results, visit https://2021gobbleramateur.golfgenius.com/pages/7599823761705044114
