PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Zach Zaback of Farmington, CT, playing in the final group of the day, eagled the par-5 18th hole Tuesday for his tenth victory on the Minor League Golf Tour. Moments earlier, he had a double bogey at the par-4 16th, right in the middle of the notorious Bear Trap on the Champion course at PGA National.
At 133 on rounds of 66 and 67, Zaback won by two strokes over Michael Graboyes of Watchung, NJ, who scored 69-66—135. In regulation, Zaback had 10 birdies and 3 bogeys in addition to the closing double bogey and eagle. Graboyes made an eagle at No. 4, 10 birdies, 5 bogeys and a double at No. 6.
At the 16th, Zaback hit 3-wood off the tee into the water, eventually making par on his second ball for double bogey. At 18, he carried his 3-wood second shot 247 yards to a foot for what amounted to a tap-in eagle putt. After hitting the second shot to a foot but before making the short eagle putt Zach said to the Tournament Director "that might just have been the shot of my life." It was pretty impressive anytime but especially under the circumstances.
Zaback received $10,000 from the $35,695 purse and an additional $464 from an optional bonus pool. Graboyes earned $3,500.
The MLGT’s Major No. 3 of its 16th season drew 66 starters for the 105th tournament this year. Next on the schedule is an 18-hole event Thursday at Jupiter CC.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Eric Dietrich from Cheshire, CT birdied the final hole for 65 on the par 70 Champ course at PGA National and will enter the final round tomorrow one shot clear of the field. He made seven birdies and two bogies on a fairly docile day.
There were 3 skins out on day 1 worth $206.67 a piece. Click on any of the $ symbols under the skins/total column to view the skins results.
There is an OPTIONAL $50 2nd day shootout for players that are outside the money after day one (73 and higher). If you would like to participate you must sign up and pay before the first tee time on Tuesday. No exceptions.