June 9, 2008

HOUSTON (SMU)--Freshman Kelly Kraft shot a four under par in the final round to win the 99th Texas State Amateur, held at the Houston Country Club. Kraft, who won by two, was six shots back after the first round.

The Conference USA Freshman of the Year shot 75 in the opening round, leaving him six shots back. He then posted rounds of 69 and 71 to move up the leader board, putting him only two shots back going into the final round.

In the final round, five different people either led or shared the lead at various points during play. Kraft sunk back-to-back birdies on holes 10 and 11 on the back nine. He then birdied again at 16 and holed a 12-foot birdie on the 18th green for a final round of four under par (68) and a 72-hole total of five under par (283).

John Peterson, a golfer at LSU, took second with two under par. Third place was shared by three golfers, including Paul Haley, who was the 2006 champion.