Sonny Skinner continues to make a case for his inclusion into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. The Sylvester native added to his resume of championships by successfully defended his Yamaha Atlanta Open title.
It wasn’t easy for the PGA professional from Spring Hill Country Club in Tifton. He shot 7-under 134 at St. Ives Country Club in Johns Creek last week and survived a three-man playoff.
Skinner defeated amateurs Jason Mendel of Norcross, a junior at South Alabama, and Adam Morris of Acworth, a sophomore at North Georgia University, with a birdie on the third extra hole.
Skinner became the first player to repeat as champion since Matthew Russell in 1995-96.
Tardy strong at Curtis Cup: The United States failed to retain the Curtis Cup earlier this month, but may have discovered a new standout in Bailey Tardy.
The Peachtree Corners resident and rising sophomore at the University of Georgia went 3-2 in her matches at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club in Ireland. Tardy and teammate Monica Vaughn were undefeated the first day, winning their foursomes match 1 up and winning their four-ball match 2 and 1. On Saturday, Tardy and Vaughn lost their foursomes match 3 and 2 and, paired with Mariel Galdiano, lost the four-ball match 3 and 2.
She finished the competition by defeating Charlotte Thomas of England 4 and 3. Tardy played the round in 3-under, with concessions from her opponent.
Eaton, Reedy take titles: Chandler Eaton won the boys division and Elizabeth Reedy took the girls division at the Georgia Junior PGA Championship at Jennings Mill. The two Marietta residents earn a spot in the 41st Junior PGA Championship on Aug. 9-12 in Rhode Island.
Sea Island sold to Colorado group: The Anschutz family, headed by billionaire Philip Anschutz from Denver, has purchased the Sea Island resort for an undisclosed amount. The change will not affect Sea Island's operation and is expected to bring stability to the resort, which was bought out of bankruptcy in 2010 for $212 million. The Anschutz family also owns the Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs.
Etc.: Diana Liu of Johns Creek, Tiffany Kang of Suwanee and Kelly Strickland of Alpharetta qualified for the U.S. Girls' Junior Amateur in Paramus, N.J., in July. … Georgia State's J.J. Grey was named third-team academic All-America. … The Adaptive Golf Academy will have a workshop for prospective volunteers on Wednesday at the City Club of Marietta.
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