JACKSON, N.J. (AP) - Luke Graboyes, an amateur who four years ago won the state high school championship, captured the New Jersey State Golf Association 97th Open Championship by one stroke on Thursday.
A recent graduate of Cornell, Graboyes shot a final-round 72 and finished with a 4-over 220 at the Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson.
The 22-year-old came from three shots off the pace to edge professional Grant Sturgeon of Arcola Country Club.
Graboyes birdied the par-5, 520-yard 14th hole by making a 10-foot putt and birdied the 190-yard par-3 15th hole with a 21-foot downhill putt. He saved par on par-4 No. 18 after his drive left him in a wooded area to the right of the fairway. His second shot placed him 55 yards from the hole and his chip ended 2-feet from the cup.
Sturgeon, who shot a final round 72, collected the $15,000 check as low pro in the $75,000 event sponsored by Lincoln Motor Company
Brendan Hansen, a 17-year-old amateur from Spring Lake, finished third at 222.
Tyler Hall of Upper Montclair, the defending champion who was seeking his third straight title, failed to make the cut due to recent shoulder surgery.
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