PALM CITY, Fla. – Steve LeBrun of West Palm Beach, FL, birdied the first extra hole Thursday for his career record 61st victory on the Minor League Golf Tour. LeBrun outlasted Nick Latimer of Brooklyn, Ohio, after they tied at three under par 68 on the Osprey Creek course at Martin Downs Country Club.
In the playoff, each reached the green at the par-4 opening hole in regulation. Latimer was close on an 18-foot birdie bid, then tapped in an eight-incher for par. Then LeBrun made an eight-foot putt for birdie and the win. Each made four birdies and a bogey in regulation.
LeBrun, a graduate of John I. Leonard High School in Lake Worth and Florida Atlantic University, received $950, Latimer $620, from the $5,020 purse. They got $211.50 apiece from the bonus pool. LeBrun’s career earnings were boosted to $172,183. third all time on the South Florida-based mini-tour.
A Kent State University graduate, Latimer joined the MLGT in November, 2009, won three times over the next nine months. He's made sporatic apperances over the past 7 years. Second among 37 starters, Latimer received $831.50 Thursday to raise his career earnings to $22,290.
Three 18-hole tournaments are scheduled next week: Monday, Parkland CC, Parkland; Tuesday, Evergreen Club, Palm City; and Thursday, TPC at Eagle Trace, Coral Springs.
Major I at CC of Coral Springs starts in just 11 days (Jan 29-30) followed by Qualifying School Contest #1 Presented by Joey D Golf and Clubcraft at PGA National Estates the following week (Feb 5-6).
