Men's golfer Masen McKain wins Platinum Coast title

Eastern Florida State College men's golfer Masen McKain won the 64^th annual Platinum Coast Invitational in a sudden death playoff over the weekend at Rockledge Country Club.

McKain, a sophomore at Eastern Florida State College, shot a final round 2-over par 73 and defeated runner-up Mike Chouinard in a three-hole sudden death playoff.

McKain shot an opening round of 1-under 70 and held the lead heading into the final round but Chouinard shot a 69 on Sunday to tie McKain and force the playoff.

"The first round I made a bunch of putts, it was super windy, so it was not playing easy at all. I made a bunch of putts and some key up and downs, missed some as well but came in as the leader at one under. The second round, I didn't really make many putts but scrambled well enough to get into a playoff," McKain said.

The playoff began on hole No. 18 with both players making par and then they headed to 17 before winning on No. 18.

"We both made great up and downs on 18, went to 17 and Mike went into the roots and was basically in jail but made a great chip to force a third hole," McKain said. On the third hole, McKain hit the green and made his par shot to pick up the win.

The New Smyrna Beach native is the second straight Titans player to capture the Platinum Coast title as Bryan Hernandez won the title last year.

"It was the first time I have ever played in the Platinum Coast event, so a good win. I did not play great in my first winter event, so it is nice to see some spark in my game," McKain said.

The Platinum Coast title is the beginning of a busy holiday break for McKain, who will try to qualify for the Orlando International Amateur on Monday before playing in a tournament in St. Cloud January 3-5. McKain and the Titans men's golf team will begin the spring season in January.