Terra Cotta Invitational: Doyal Surges in the Final Round
Alex Elias
Courtesy of The Back of the Range (@thebackoftherange)
Winning the 30th Terra Cotta Invitational at Naples National Golf Club with a score of 12-under 204, sinking an 8-foot par putt on the 18th hole to win by one stroke over Dawson Lew, Connor Doyal said, “It is the biggest win of my life. It has given me the confidence that I can play with the best amateurs in the world.”
In what Alan Semethy, Head Golf Professional at Naples National Golf Club, called “one of the strongest fields we have ever had”—featuring top junior amateurs like Miles Russell and two-time Terra Cotta champion Luke Clanton, as well as college players and mid-amateurs—Doyal entered the final round two shots behind co-leaders Giuseppe Puebla of Royal Palm Beach and University of Florida senior Parker Bell.
Admitting he “hit the ball fantastic from start to finish,” Doyal said, “I played well the day before, but didn’t really check the leaderboard. The birdie on Hole 7 in the final round was the moment the realization started to set in more.”
On a course that Semethy described as “a strategic and precision-based golf course where players must carefully plot their way around,” noting that it is “not a bomber’s paradise” and that success comes from “managing your game, positioning the ball properly, and creating ideal approaches into very challenging green complexes,” Doyal delivered, firing a 5-under 67 in the final round, highlighted by birdies on Nos. 14 and 15, the first of which was set up by a 220-yard 6-iron that nearly dropped for eagle.
“My mind was running wild between shots, but as soon as I got over the ball and started my routine, instincts took over,” said Doyal.
With the invitational in the books, Semethy said, “The Terra Cotta is incredibly special to the membership here at Naples National Golf Club. It is one of the highlights of the season and receives tremendous support from the membership. Over the years, members have built strong relationships with many of the players, creating a unique bond that makes the event even more meaningful year after year.”
