J.P. Griffin of Buford won the E-Z-GO/L&J Golf Georgia PGA Championship presented by adidas, Golf Pro Payments, Signature Golf, Global Golf Sales, Srixon/Cleveland Golf-XXIO/asics, and the PGA Tour on Wednesday at a hot and sunny Sea Island Golf Club, never losing the lead through the three-round tournament to be crowned the champion.
With father and PGA Life Member, Warren at his side spectating, Griffin fought off Past Champion Stephen Keppler who had a roaring comeback in the final round with an impressive 5 under par. Griffin shot an outstanding 10 under par for the tournament and winning by three strokes over the four time champion, Keppler.
“It was nice to break through, it’s tough to win our tournaments because we have so many great players in our Section. It was pretty special to do it here at Sea Island.”
Griffin, an Assistant Professional at Capital City Club, joins an elite group of Section Champions with names riddled throughout Georgia golf lore. Names such as Davis Love Jr., Dewitt Weaver Jr., Stephen Keppler, Tim Weinhart, and James Mason.
This is Griffin’s first Section Championship Title and another achievement to an already promising career. Griffin adds the victory to his 2018 Assistants’ Division Player of The Year Title. Winning in front of his father only made it more special.
“He’s a calming presence. It kills him that he can’t caddy, he just has to spectate. He did great, and he’s just always there to smile even when things were going a little sideways and chuckle with me when I’m making jokes. It’s just fun, I don’t get to see him that often so it’s always special when we get to spend time together. To do something like this with him being there is also very special.