ALPHARETTA, Ga. – After missing nine months of competitive play following a back injury, Kennesaw State men’s golfer Wyatt Larkin returned to tournament action in impressive fashion as he captured the Yamaha Atlanta Open at Echelon Golf Club in Alpharetta, Ga., on Wednesday (June 14).
Larkin, who was only able to compete in the first two fall events of his junior season, posted rounds of 68-71 for a 5-under par 139 total and two-shot victory over Kyle Owen (73-68 – 141) in the 36-hole event sponsored the PGA of America’s Georgia Section.
“This tournament was special because this was my first competitive event in nine months after battling a back injury,” Larkin said. “The love and support from my family, friends and everyone at Kennesaw State was the drive behind my success. Competing again was such a rush and the feeling was something I missed very much.”
The Morganton, Ga. native picked up this week right where he left off before sustaining the injury that sidelined him. Prior to his injury, Larkin was leading the Owls with a 70.80 stroke average, that included shooting four of six rounds at par or better, while posting two top 10 finishes. He was No. 13 among United States players in the Arnold Palmer Cup Fall Ranking.
“Wyatt has worked extremely hard in his rehab and showed great discipline and perseverance in his comeback after last fall’s injury,” Kennesaw State head coach Bryant Odom said. “Although he was unable to play a tournament since late September, it appears he hasn’t missed a beat in his ability and competitive nature. I’m already looking forward to Wyatt’s contributions on the course during the 2017-18 season.”
Larkin opened the Yamaha Atlanta Open with a bogey-free 4-under par 68 on Tuesday, before shooting a 1-under par 71 on Wednesday.