Justin Leonard of Dallas, Texas was the winner of the 87th Annual Southern Amateur Championship which was conducted over the period July 21-24, 1993 at The Farm Golf Club in Rocky Face, Georgia. The playing field can be described as one of the strongest groups of contestants ever assembled for this great regional amateur championship, and included 5 of the 1993 U. S. Walker Cup Team, 7 current State Champions as well as other outstanding amateurs from 19 states and 3 foreign countries.

Leonard returned scores of 68-66-66-70-270, for the 72 hole route, and he gained the winner's spot by 9 strokes over his fellow Walker Cup Team Member, Allen Doyle of LaGrange, Georgia who had rounds of 73-66-73-67-279.

Mark Slawter of Winston Salem, North Carolina, Eric Axley of Athens, Tennessee and Brian Bateman of Monroe, Louisiana finished in a three way for 3rd place at 281. Slawters scores were 69-71-73-68, and Axley's rounds were 69-67-74-71, while Bateman's rounds were 73-67-68-73.

Other finishers in the top ten were Marco Gortana from College Station, Texas in 6th place with a score of 282. Brian Gay from Daleville, Alabama and Steve Jones from Greensboro, North Carolina tied for 7th place at 284. Kevin Kemp from Greensboro, North Carolina and Steve White from Dalton, Georgia finished in a tie for 9th place with scores of 285.

The round of play started with a bang. Matthew Ecob from Castle Hill, Australia was the leader by 1 stroke with his fine opening round 67. However, six other players were in hot pursuit with 68's. These players were Justin Leonard, Steve Jones of Greensboro, North Carolina; Steve White of Dalton, Georgia; Chris Couch of N. Lauderdale, Florida; Marcus Jones of Graham, Texas and Kris Cox of LaFayette, Louisiana.

After his second round of 66, for a total score of 134, Justin Leonard came to the head of the pack and took command. This put Leonard 2 strokes ahead of Axley, 4 strokes ahead of Jones and 5 strokes ahead of Doyle, White and Ecob.

The second consecutive 66, achieved by Leonard in the third round, increased his lead over his nearest competitor, Steve White of the home course, and Leonard appeared at this time to be unbeatable.

Leonard's final round 70 conclusively secured the Championship for his second straight year. By winning the Southern Amateur in 1992 and 1993,Justin becomes only the fourth player since 1914 to win back to back Southern Amateur Championships. Also, his total score of 270 in 1993 establish 6 new SGA Record. The previous record was shared by Ben Crenshaw with a 273 in the 1973 Championship and Bob Tway, also with a 273 in the 1980 Championship. Justin is truly a remarkable player and quite a gentleman both on and off of the g golf course. We are indeed proud to have him as our Champion.

The Sam Perry Medalist Trophy, awarded to the low scorer for the first 36 holes of play, was also won by Justin Leonard. His 36 hole score of 134 tied the SGA record Medalist score which was established in the 1980 Southern Amateur Championship by Boy Tway.

The Bob Jones Trophy is awarded annually to each member of the low team consisting of the four low players from the same state, based on the first 36 holes of play. The State of Texas was the 1993 winner with a total team score of 556. This score was the result of performances by Justin Leonard, Dallas at 134; Marcus Jones, Graham at 138; Eric Bogar, Houston at 142 ad David Lawrence, Houston at 142.

The Farm Golf Club is truly a magnificent facility and their great golf course, with its superb playing conditions, presented a most pleasant and interesting experience to the unusually talented field of competitors. There is no question why this golf course is rated by golf experts and golf panels as one of the most outstanding golf courses in the Southeastern United States.

The cooperation and assistance received from the Farm Board of Directors; Deck Cheatham, Director of of; Mike Johnson, Club Manager; and Jimmy Jeter, Golf Course Superintendent - and their respective staffs - was outstanding and very much appreciated. Their help contributed immeasurably to the tremendous success of the 87th Southern Amateur Championship.