Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

Ball Gets Runner-Up Result at FSGA Amateur Public Links Championship

7/1/2025 4:17:00 PM | By: Kyrin Mayfield | @k_mayfield97

VERO BEACH, Fla. – Embry-Riddle Men's Golf's Ian Ball continues to stay busy during the offseason as the junior placed second at the Florida State Golf Association's 28th Amateur Public Links Championship over the weekend. This comes about two weeks after Ball qualified for next month's Florida Open.

To be eligible to compete, an entrant must be an amateur bona fide "public links" golfer with no playing privileges at private courses and must possess a Florida GHIN not exceeding 7.0.

The field of 73 competitors played three rounds at the Sandridge Golf Club's Dunes Course from June 27-29.

Ball had an excellent start as he sat with a one-stroke lead following the first round of play. A pair of eagles in a three-hole span, along with four birdies, helped Ball fire a 68, though the round was not free of drama.

Sitting at eight under par with two holes left, thunderstorms began to roll through the area. Ball teed off on his final hole of the round when tournament officials blew the horn to halt play. Ball was unable to find his tee shot in the rough after searching for a couple minutes and proceeded to head toward cover from the storm. After the inclement weather had passed, Ball returned to the fairway and continued to search for his shot. After another 1-2 minutes of searching, he found his ball, and play continued.

However, after recording a par on the hole, the competitors in Ball's group complained that Ball violated the rules by taking over three minutes to find his ball, which was the maximum amount of time allowed, though Ball disagreed. Officials made Ball re-tee, and the Eagle ended the hole with a double bogey.

Following a 75 in round two, Ball bounced back with another 68 in the third round, highlighted by another two eagles. The Port Orange, Florida native started his round by going four under par on the front nine. That play erased a four-stroke deficit and sent Ball into a playoff hole with Ariihau Faana, who competes collegiately at NCAA I Towson.

Unfortunately, Faana drained a 15-foot putt for birdie, which solidified Ball's runner-up result.

Ball will now prepare for the Florida Open Championship from July 18-20 at the Quail West Golf & Country Club and The TwinEagles Club in Naples, Florida.

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