Men's golfer wins Platinum Coast Invitational

Eastern Florida State College men's golfer Bryan Hernandez won the 63^rd annual Platinum Coast Invitational over the weekend at Rockledge Country Club.

The sophomore golfer chipped in for eagle on the par 5, 13^th hole to put him in position to finish the tournament at even par and tie former teammate Brandon Boncore, forcing a playoff.

"I feel great, it was a tough match," Hernandez said. "I was playing with Brandon who was my teammate last year and he had the advantage through most of the tournament, but luckily I was able to make a birdie in the playoff to get the win."

Before the playoff it was that chip-in for eagle on No. 13 that really put Hernandez in position to get his first Platinum Coast Invitational win.

"That was a first in a tournament for sure," Hernandez said of the eagle. "Towards the beginning, Brandon and I weren't really thinking about it being a final round, we were catching up and just playing. Then after 13 when I made eagle, we realized how close it was and went silent and just focused on our games."

The pair tied at even par after the two rounds, forcing a playoff.

So, the duo who spent last season together as members of the Eastern Florida State College men's golf team headed to No. 10 for the first hole of the playoff.

Hernandez hit his tee shot left, almost out of bounds but Boncore hit his to the right.

"It was so close to being out of bounds and ending the playoff," said Hernandez who shot a 2-under 69 in the final round.

His second shot hit the green and left him about a 22-foot putt, while Boncore's second shot glanced off a tree, giving Hernandez a slight advantage.

"I just kept thinking I couldn't give him a chance to send this to another hole," Hernandez said. "My brother, who was my caddy, read the putt and I hit a firm putt – dead center – it was a good one!"

Boncore once again played well in the event, leading after the first round and finishing second.

For Hernandez, it is the perfect way to begin his preparation for the spring season with the Titans.

"I haven't won a tournament in a while, so I am definitely excited about it and I am working hard to get ready for the spring season," Hernandez said.

The Titans will open the spring season Jan. 29 with the Titan Winter Invitational