March 7, 2010

OCALA, Fla. — Former University of Kentucky men’s golf star Mark Blakefield started the 2010 golf season the right way by claiming the Ocala Marion Sports Commission Classic, the first event of the 2010 National Golf Association Hooters Tour Pro Series.  

Blakefield, a native of Maysville, Ky., sat at even-par and in a tie for fifth place heading into the final round on Sunday and posted a dazzling 6-under-par to claim the tournament title. A 2005 All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection, Blakefield’s round of 66 was tied for the lowest round of the tournament.

A member of the 2005 SEC championship team, Blakefield posted six birdies in the final round, parring the rest of the course. Blakefield’s birdie on the par-4 17th-hole helped seal the tournament crown, giving him a one-stroke lead heading into the final hole.

The UK alum started the tournament with a 1-over-par 73 in the first round but responded with a 1-under-par score in the second round and an even-par card in the third round. Blakefield’s total earnings reach $30,000 for the tournament.

The 2008 ADI Classic champion posted two top-10 finishes in 2009. In his career on the Hooters Tour, Blakefield has played in 63 tournaments, making 31 cuts.

Blakefield finished one stroke better then Ted Potter of Silver Springs, Fla., who shot a 3-under-par 69 in the final round and Russell Knox of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., who posted a 2-under-par 70.

The tournament was held at the Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club in Ocala, Fla. The course is par-72 with a yardage of 7,301.