ATLANTIS, Fla. – Justin Hicks of Grosse Ile, MI, was the only player to eagle the first hole Monday and he went on to win for the 25th time on the Minor League Golf Tour. After his quick start at Atlantis Country Club when he had a three at the par-5 opening hole, Hicks added two birdies on each nine for a six under 66 to win by four shots.
A winner twice the last decade on the Nationwide Tour, now the Web.com Tour, Hicks, 42, also birdied Nos. 2, 9, 10 and 12. He received $725 from the $3,690 purse plus $223 from an optional bonus pool and $50 from the skins game to raise his career earnings to $49,403 since joining the MLGT in March, 2005.
Tied for second at 70 among 29 starters were Kevin Phlelan of St. Augustine, FL, who had six birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey, and Trevor Sluman of Rochester, NY, five birdies, a bogey and a double bogey. Each received $535.
The MLGT has two more 18-hole tournaments this week, Wednesday at West Palm Beach GC and Thursday at Martin Downs CC, Palm City.