Blayne Barber Wins 92nd Florida State Am by Nine Strokes

Lake City's Blayne Barber tamed the tough Stadium Course and dominated a talented field to take home the 92nd Florida State Amateur Championship.

The 19-year-old Barber finished the four-day event with an 11-under-par total of 277, nine strokes better than his nearest competitor.

In the first round, Barber shot a 5-under 67 on the (East/West) course at Sawgrass Country Club and a 69 in the second round on The Players Stadium course to lead the field of 72 players advancing to the weekend rounds.

Playing the final 36 holes of the championship on The Players Stadium course at 7,215 yards, Barber shot a one-under 71 in the third round to take a 3-stroke lead going into the final day.

He finished the tournament in style, hitting his approach shot within eight feet on the signature par-3 17th and rolling in the birdie putt. His day ended with a birdie on 18, but it was still good enough for a 2-under 70.

Barber, a University of Central Florida golfer, tied for seventh in this year’s Division I Men's Championship and was named the Conference USA Golfer and Freshman of the Year. Barber also earned a spot on the Golf Coaches Association of America All-Freshman Team and was one of five golfers nationally named to the squad.

Blake Soni, of Bradenton, finished in second place nine strokes back of Barber with a tournament total of two-under par 286. Soni carded a 4-over par 76 on THE Players Stadium course in the final round to secure second place.

Kevin Phelan, of St. Augustine moved up to take third place by firing a final round 74, for a tournament total of one-under-par 287. Tommy Parker, of Palm Beach finished in fourth place with a tournament total of even par 288. Defending Champion Judson Eustaquio, of Lake Worth finished tournament tied for 37th.

Barber receives a crystal vase and his name inscribed on the Clarence Camp Championship Trophy. The top 15 plus ties receive an exemption into next year’s Florida State Amateur Championship at Bay Hill Club and Lodge.