Matt Ryan Holds off Hard Chargers to win Columbia Classic

Matt Ryan carded a final round 1-under, 71 holding off hard chargers Taylor Floyd and Sam Beach to claim the eGolf Pro Tour's Columbia Classic.

The former Fresno State standout is no rookie when it comes to closing the deal in final rounds. The Santa Clarita, Ca. native has already notched two wins on the eGolf Tour. In 2011 at the Spring Creek Classic, his first career win. As well as capturing the Championship at River Run, last season.

Ryan held the 36-hole lead after carding opening rounds of 63 and 68.


“I enjoy being in the lead. I enjoy the pressure associated with it,” he said to www.egolfprofessionaltour.com. After his second round performance. “I tend to fall asleep pretty early anyway, but I wake up early as well, so in terms of sleeping great tonight, I probably won’t. But, I’m very comfortable with where my game is at.”

Entering the final round with a one shot lead, Ryan did nothing flashy to secure his third career win. With an opening front nine of 35. Which included steady golf of eight pars, with a lone birdie coming on the par-5, third.

Sam Beach came charging through the field in his final round, opening with four birdies on the front nine. Making the turn at 32, inching himself closer to the lead. Taking him to 10-under for the tournament.

He would finish by adding four more birdies on the back nine. Though nearly offsetting those were the two bogeys he carded. Ending his charge at 11-under. Now having to wait out his fate as Ryan and Taylor Floyd were still on the course duking it out.

Floyd, a member of the 2010 Augusta State National Championship team, began the day at 10under, needing a solid and low round to catch Ryan.

He came out of the gate hot on the front nine. Birdying Nos. 1, 3, 5 and7 to make the turn at 32.

The back nine started the same of the front, birdying No. 10. Taking him to the out-right lead at 14-under par. Though bogeys at the par-4, 11th and par-4, 13th would se his lead short lived.

In the end, it was Ryan playing his final nine holes in even par. Finishing the tournament out with a clutch 10-foot putt for par on No. 18. Taking home the title and the winners check, for his third career eGolf Tour win in the last three seasons.