PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC — Final round match play results of the 35th South Carolina Amateur Match Play Championship of the Carolinas Golf Association hosted by True Blue Golf Plantation in Pawleys Island, SC on Sunday, June 17, 2007. (6920 yards, Par 37-35—72).

Warren Thomas of Columbia defeated 2005 champion Kellen Altman of Myrtle Beach, 4 and 2, in the championship match. Thomas, a rising senior at the University of South Carolina, never trailed in the match. The win is Thomas’s first CGA major victory.

In the morning round, Thomas vaulted out to a 4 up lead through nine holes. Altman chipped away at the lead by winning the 10^th and 11^th holes to go two down. But Thomas won the 14^th and 15^th holes with birdies to re-take a 4 up lead heading into the afternoon round.

Thomas’s largest lead came with a birdie at the par three 21^st hole to gain a 5 up advantage. Altman bounced back with wins at the 21^st and 22^nd holes to cut the lead to a 3 up advantage.

Altman’s second shot at the par five 27^th hole hooked left of the green and was never found. Altman conceded the hole to Thomas.

Altman tried to mount a comeback. He birdied the 30^th hole only to have Thomas knock one right on top of him. Altman birdied the 31^st hole to cut the lead to 3 down.

The next 3 holes were halved and Thomas was dormie heading to the 188-yard par 3 34^th hole. Altman’s tee shot just missed the green right and kicked into the lateral water hazard…splashing any hopes of a late rally.  Thomas’s par putt was conceded for the victory.

“My mom was the good luck charm this week,” stated Thomas. “I made her ride in the cart all week. She got out once and I hit a shot over the green. I asked her to get back in and then I almost holed that chip. Ever since then she stayed in the cart.”

Good luck charm or not, Thomas played solid golf on Sunday. Through 34 holes played, Thomas was 8-under par that included 11 birdies and a conceded eagle.

“Every time I tried to make a rally, Warren topped me. He played very solid today,” said Altman.

This championship is conducted by the Carolinas Golf Association.

Championship Match

Warren Thomas, Columbia, SC def. Kellen Altman, Myrtle Beach, 4&2