Closing birdie lifts Bubba Jacoby to Hilton Head Island Am crown

Bluffton’s Bubba Jacoby captured the Hilton Head Island Amateur in dramatic fashion Sunday, knocking down a birdie on the final hole to successfully chase down J.D. Hoft and claim a one-shot triumph for his first title in the event.

Jacoby began the day three shots behind Hoft, who appeared on pace for a third title in four years after blistering The Legends Golf Club with a 6-under-par 66 on Saturday. But Hoft never approached the same rhythm on Sunday, carding a 76 that left the door open for Jacoby.

Jacoby’s closing birdie left him with a 72 on a third consecutive day of sweltering conditions. The victory earned him an automatic berth in The Players Amateur next summer.

Kevin King, a Lowcountry Golf Hall of Famer seeking a 10th Hilton Head Island Amateur Crown, was another shot back after a closing 71.

The senior crown went to Steve Johnson, who cruised to a three-shot victory even with a closing 76 on Sunday.

This story was originally published July 10, 2016 at 9:27 PM with the headline "Closing birdie lifts Bubba Jacoby to Hilton Head Island Am crown."