June 16, 2012

COLUMBUS, Ga. — South Carolina rising senior Dykes Harbin defeated teammate Sean Kelly in a playoff to win the 83rd Southeastern Amateur Golf Tournament on Saturday afternoon at the Country Club of Columbus.

Harbin posted a final-round 71 (E), and Kelly carded a 1-under 70, as they wrapped up the 72-hole competition with a score of 2-under 282 to force the playoff. Harbin made par on the first playoff hole while Kelly recorded bogey, allowing Harbin to win the tournament.

Harbin and Kelly rose to the top of a field that included 96 of the nation’s top amateur golfers. On the week, Harbin turned in rounds of 74-70-67-71=282 (-2), and Kelly shot rounds of 71-69-72-70=282 (-2).

A native of Augusta, Ga., Harbin proved to be one of the most consistent golfers for Carolina this season, finishing with the third best stroke average (73.54) on the team and recording four top-20 finishes.

Kelly, a rising sophomore, was one of the top freshmen in the Southeastern Conference as he finished the year with two top-20 finishes, including one top-five showing. The Staten Island, N.Y., native posted a stroke average of 74.13 on the year.