ATLANTA, Ga. – Jacob Tilton, a PGA of America Teacher and Coach at Ansley Golf Club, today emphatically secured his first Georgia PGA Section major championship. Tilton seized victory at the 91st Yamaha Atlanta Open presented by Audi Atlanta, held at the prestigious Cherokee Town & Country Club in Sandy Springs. His remarkable rounds of 65 and 67 culminated in a commanding 12-under par 132 total, delivering a six-stroke triumph.
Tilton entered the final round holding a two-shot advantage over 2024 Georgia PGA Player of the Year Francisco Bide, PGA Head Professional at Capital City Club, and acclaimed amateur Matt Hayes of Marietta. With eight players within four shots of the lead at the day’s outset, the competition promised intensity. However, Tilton steadily extended his lead to three strokes by the turn. From there, he decisively pulled away as the field faltered, ultimately cruising home with a masterful 4-under par 32 on the back nine. This stellar closing performance included birdies on five of the last seven holes, a remarkable feat after a lone bogey on the challenging par-3 11th.
Bide finished in solo second place at 6-under par 138. Rounding out the top five, a trio of golfers tied at 5-under par 139: PGA Associates Austin Morrison of Sea Island Golf Club and Chad Thomas of West Pines Golf Club, alongside amateur R.B. Clyburn of Cartersville. Tilton not only claimed the $5,000 first-place check but also earned the Georgia PGA Wilson Baller Award for the low final round score, an honor accompanied by a Section-logoed football.