2003 Public Links Championship

Dave Womack Captures Georgia Public Links Championship in Playoff

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. - Dave Womack of McDonough edged Corey Huss of Woodstock in a one-hole playoff to capture the 2003 Georgia Public Links Championship at Southerness Golf Club. Womack, who finished birdie-eagle to force the playoff, made a seven-foot birdie putt on the first sudden-death hole, the par-five 18th.  Huss, who nearly holed his bunker shot, was unable to match Womack's birdie, lipping out from five feet. Both players finished regulation at seven under 137.

 

Huss, who began the day at even par and four strokes behind Womack and co-leader Matt Dorchinecz of Woodstock, made five birdies and a hole-in-one to shoot seven-under 29 over his final nine holes. Womack, who had pulled away from his playing partners, learned of Huss' score on the 17th green, where he stood at four under. Womack proceeded to drain his 25-foot putt for birdie and a 40-footer on 18 to eagle and tie Huss.

Jonathan Finck of Alpharetta shot 72-69 to finish third at 141. Dorchinecz, the 2002 champion, dropped back with a final-round 74 to finish fourth at two-under 142. Stan Rawl of Suwanee claimed fifth for the second-straight year with scores of 72-71-143. Michael Shepp of Suwanee and Scott Randolph of Eatonton tied for sixth at 144.

Huss went to six under in a five-hole stretch, making birdies at holes 11 through 13, followed by the hole-in-one at the 196-yard 14th, where he hit six iron, and a birdie at 16. Huss, playing two groups ahead of the last group, finished with a birdie at 18 to add to his lead.

 

Womack, who played for Georgia State University's golf team before graduating in 2001, had just regained his amateur status in August after a one-year stint playing on the mini tours. Before turning professional, Womack posted back-to-back, top-five finishes at the Georgia Amateur Championship in 2000 and 2001.

The field of 144 golfers was determined by the low 72 entries plus another 72 drawn by lottery. The low 72 comprised the championship flight. The remainder of the field was divided among six flights, although all competitors were eligible for the overall title. Entrants must not have held privileges since January 1, 2003, at any club that does not extend playing privileges to the general public.

GSGA conducts 17 statewide competitions for men and women of all age groups, three interstate matches and 17 USGA qualifying events each year. Other services include computerized handicapping, course rating and measuring, a summer-long junior sectional competitions program, Golf Georgia magazine and two college scholarship programs.

Final Results

Top 10 Overall  
1 Dave Womack, McDonough 68 69 137 *
2 Corey Huss, Woodstock 72 65 137
3 Jonathan Finck, Alpharetta 72 69 141
4 Matt Dorchinecz, Woodstock 68 74 142
5 Stan Rawl, Suwanee 72 71 143
6 Michael Shepp, Suwanee 73 71 144
6 Scott Randolph, Eatonton 72 72 144
8 Ladell Norton, Rome 77 68 145
8 Matt Servies, Atlanta 73 72 145
10 Randy Bowman, Summerville 78 68 146
10 Erik Martin, Alpharetta 77 69 146
10 John Guzman, Canton 75 71 146
10 Jimmy Thomas, Alpharetta 73 73 146
10 Jack Larkin, Atlanta 69 77 146