HOOVER, AL (July 19, 2026) -
Fomer Duke Golfer, William Love, lead after every round, and he never let go. The Atlantan closed with a 2-under 68 on Saturday morning to finish at 12-under 168, capturing the 120th Southern Amateur by three strokes at Atlanta Athletic Club — a wire-to-wire victory in the compressed 54-hole championship, won on his home turf in front of the people who know him best. His name now joins Bobby Jones, Ben Crenshaw, Justin Leonard and Webb Simpson on the George W. Adair Trophy.
“This week was a great test for my patience on the course," Love told the Southern Golf Association. "It felt like a long time coming, so it was great to finally get it done and come through with a win.”
The battle for the runner-up spots was its own story. Zackary Swanwick — listed by the SGA as representing New Zealand — posted the day's cleanest closing kick with a 67 to finish alone in second at 9-under 201. Carlos Astiazaran of Mexico (69) and Carson Bertagnole (70) tied for third at 7-under 203, and with medals on the line the placing went to a scorecard playoff, where Bertagnole — the man who lit up the week with an opening course-record 61 — was awarded the third-place medal.
For more information on the Elite Amateur Golf Series, visit www.eliteamateurgolfseries.com .
Media Contact:
Nick Biesecker
Executive Director
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