VALDOSTA, Ga. — With Hurricane Debby bearing down on the Valdosta area, Kyle Mueller felt no pressure as he led wire-to-wire to capture the title at the 73rd Golf Pro Payments Georgia Open presented by Visit Valdosta and A&R Communities. Mueller, a mini-tour professional from Athens did just enough shooting even-par 72 in the final round and cruised to a two-shot victory over fellow professional Nicolas Cassidy of Johns Creek at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club.
Mueller completed four rounds at 14-under par 274. The lead was never in jeopardy during the final round as he withstood charges by Cassidy and a trio that finished three-shots back. Cassidy finished at 12-under par 276 while PGA of America Associate Greg Edwards of Gainesville, mini tour professional Alex Shead of Appling and low amateur Parker Claxton of Claxton all finished at 11-under par 277.
Claxton joined his father Paul, the 2017 Georgia Open Champion in the field along with two other father son duos including 1989 and 1992 Champion Franklin Langham and his son George who finished the week in solo 7th place at 9-under par 279. The Lape’s, father Tom and son Sam, both amateurs failed to make the cut. Paul finished four rounds at 9-over par 297 as both Claxton’s made the cut.