Saxon finishes strong at Patriot All-America to lead locals

LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. (Dec. 31, 2014) – Oklahoma’s Charlie Saxon shot a final-round 1-over 71 to finish tied for 26th in the Patriot All-America Invitational at the Wigwam Resort.

Saxon finished at 11 over, the best showing among five local players. Taylor Moore of Edmond and the University of Arkansas shot even-par 70 in the final round and tied for 36th at 13 over. OU’s Max McGreevy shot 17 over and tied for 50th, while Michael Hearne of Southern Nazarene tied for 58th.

Like most players, Oklahoma Christian’s Sam Johnston had his troubles with The Wigwam’s Gold Course. But he ended the tournament on the rise in the standings.

Johnston’s final-round 79 on Wednesday moved him up two spots into a tie for 59th. The junior from San Diego finished the tournament at 22-over-par 232 on the par-70, 6,965-yard course.

Only two players finished under par – Kyle Kochevar of Virginia and George Cunningham of Arizona, who both shot 1-under for the tournament. Kochevar won a two-hole playoff to win medalist honors.

The all-star event was limited to 84 players and included All-Americans from the previous season in NCAA Divisions I, II and III, as well as All-Americans from the NAIA, NJCAA and American Junior Golf Association ranks, members of the most recent Palmer Cup teams and a representative from each U.S. military academy.