ORLANDO, Fla. – Auburn men's golf junior Carson Bacha closed out the 2022 with a win at the Orlando International Amateur Friday, his third amateur victory since June.
Bacha carded a 73-64-69 to tally a 206 (-8), edging out Marc Dull and Coastal Carolina's Owen Kim by a single stroke. The York, Pennsylvania native's week was highlighted by 12 birdies, including seven in round two, and a pair of eagles on the second hole his final two days.
"I felt like I had a great game plan going into the week," Bacha said. "I didn't get off to a great start the first day, but I had a goal to stay as patient as possible. Really happy how I handled myself and played smart golf all the way through. Very excited to end the year with a third win. All glory to God."
The victory for Bacha follows a pair of championships captured over the summer, first at the Dogwood Invitational (266/-22) in June and then the Porter Cup in July (274/-6). Bacha becomes the second Auburn golfer to walk out on top at the Orlando Am after Ryan Knop did so in 2017.
Also representing the Tigers in the sunshine state this week were Austin Coggin, Reed Lotter, Josiah Gilbert and Hal Dove.
Coggin pieced together another impressive performance as the senior finished tied for fourth place at 209 (-5). Coggin's best outing came in the middle round, carding a bogey-free 66.
"This was a great tournament to get some momentum rolling ahead of the spring," Coggin said. "It was nice to see some of my hard work pay off, but one of the best parts of the week was congratulating Carson because he deserves It more than anyone. He's had a fantastic year."
Lotter became the third Auburn golfer to finish inside the event's top 15 at 212 (-2) to tie for 15th overall. The freshman's tournament consisted of a 72 bookended by a pair of 70s.
Signee Gilbert and senior Dove both missed the cut but shot 147 (+4) and 152 (+9), respectively.
The top-ranked Tigers will return to NCAA play Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, at the Amer Ari Invitational in Waikoloa, Hawai'i.