Luke James wins Atlanta Open in a playoff
Luke James secured his second Atlanta Open victory in three years Tuesday at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw.
James, the 2024 champion and a PGA professional at Jennings Mill Country Club in Watkinsville, defeated Adam Cooper in a playoff on the par-5 18th hole, becoming the 14th player to win the tournament more than once.
James and Cooper, who faced one another in a six-hole playoff in the 2024 Atlanta Open at the Standard Club in Johns Creek, once again needed more than 36 holes to determine a winner after each finished the competition at 5-under par 139.
James and Cooper, from Bull Creek Golf Course in Midland, each shot 72-67, surging to the top of the leaderboard on Day 2 after finishing Monday tied for 15th place.
Zach Caldwell, from BridgeMill Athletic Club in Canton, finished third, one shot back at 4-under. Pinetree member Cooper Tendick was a shot farther back, shooting a second-round 68 to finish in a tie for fourth place with Pierce Adamson (Cherokee Town and Country Club), Chad Thomas (West Pines Golf Club) and Jared O'Kelley (Crystal Falls Golf Club).
The 25-year-old James made 12 birdies during the tournament, including seven Tuesday. He carried his strong play into the playoff with a birdie to defeat Cooper.
James credited the identical 2024 scenario for preparing him for another high-pressure playoff.
"I've been in this position before," he said in a release. "I have a lot of experience, which was definitely beneficial for me to do that, but I just grinded and kept my composure."
After a disappointing tie for 39th and 5-over-par finish at last year's tournament, James relished his return to the top.
"Oh, man, I feel great. It feels good to be back in the winner's circle," he said.
Pinetree's Connor Moore shot 69 in the second round and jumped nearly 40 spots to finish in a tie for 15th at 1-over. Other Pinetree members on the leaderboard included Eli Howren (74-75) in 34th, while Brandon Price (75-76) and William Edwards (77-74) each finished 48th.
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