South Fulton Today

For the second time in three years, a Georgia Tech golfer has won the annual Patriot All-America Amateur Championship at Wigwam Golf Club in Litchfield, Arizona.

Connor Howe, a junior, shot a 63 in the final round of the 11th edition of the tournament, which was 9 under par, Georgia Tech said in a release. He came from behind to record the 3-stroke win. It was a big victory for Howe, who was ninth in the event last year. Two years ago, former Georgia Tech golfer Noah Norton took the title.

"I didn't know where I stood with the rest of the field coming up 18, so I just wanted to give myself a good look and not make any big numbers, and that's what I did," Howe said in the release.

Howe started the day 2 shots behind and was in fourth place, the Yellow Jackets reported. A 255-yard albatross, defined as 3 under par, on the 10th hole propelled him to the top. He had an amazing back nine where he shot a 28, or 7 under par. During this back nine, he also made five birdies. The score was the lowest nine-hole score in the tournament's history. His score of 63 also tied for the lowest in tournament history.

"I knew I needed to get something going — I didn't know how much — but the albatross really kicked things into gear," Howe said.

Howe said that he made some great putts on holes 12 and 13, where had had birdies, and he took advantage of that boost.

This was the second major amateur event win for Howe, Georgia Tech reported. He also won the Southeastern Amateur in summer 2020.

The Patriot All-America Championship honors soldiers who were killed or wounded, Georgia Tech reported. It is a partnership with the Folds of Honor Foundation. Participants received a golf bag from Ping that included the name of a fallen or injured soldier and their branch, as well as a card with information about the soldier.