Antunes Wins Duel in the Desert, Claims Second Consecutive Match Play Title

Lajitas, Texas – Jon Antunes, PGA director of instruction at Heart of Texas Golf Academy, claimed his second consecutive Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Srixon / Cleveland Golf / Asics Match Play Championship title. He bested No.1 seed JJ Killeen, PGA director of golf at Red Feather Golf and Social Club, 3&1 after 35 holes of golf at Lajitas Golf Resort’s Black Jack’s Crossing.

Antunes began the day two holes down, but he got off to a quick start by winning the first three holes and taking his first lead of the Championship. By the end of the 29th hole, Antunes was 4-up on Killeen. Despite the deficit, Killeen continued to battle and eagled the drivable par-4 12th hole. He followed that up with a birdie on the 14th to take the match to 2-up in favor of Antunes. While Killeen was able to win a few holes on the back nine, Antunes was able to close out the match with an up and down for par on the 35th hole.

“I was stunned by all the views at first, but realized that if you can’t get the ball in play off the tee it is going to be a long day,” said Antunes about his impressions of the course. “Match play events play to my strengths because I tend to hit the ball pretty straight.”

With the Duel in the Desert win, Antunes earned himself a record $10,00 winner’s check. Killeen will head back to Lubbock with $5,000 for being the runner-up. Both players qualified for the Duel in the Desert back in October at Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club. They were the top two professionals advancing from the full field of 32 players. 

The Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Srixon / Cleveland Golf / Asics Match Play Championship was presented by Adventures In Golf, AT&T Byron Nelson, Lajitas Golf Resort, PGA TOUR and XXIO. 

Lajitas Golf Resort’s Black Jack’s Crossing

Par: 36-36–72

Yardage: 7,095 Yards

View final results HERE.