This past Wednesday, GPA alumni, Tyler Vitolo, and current class of 2024 athlete, Lincoln Sinclair, both played on the OGA Tour at Green Valley Country Club in Clermont, Florida. Tyler finished the tournament in second place shooting a 66 (-6), with Lincoln in 14th shooting a 78 (+6). Coming in second, 2 shots short of winning over a Senior from the University of Cincinnati, Tyler was still able to walk away with some prize winnings. This achievement for both athletes came off Monday’s round at West Orange Country Club in Winter Garden, Florida. There, Tyler came in 7th place alongside 4 other competitors, winning $125, and Lincoln came in 16th also tying with 4 others. Here, Tyler shot a 72 and Lincoln a 76.
From Newtown, Connecticut, Tyler graduated from GPA in 2023 and had an accomplished career. His scoring average was 73.9, his lowest being a 64. He participated in several tournaments while at the Academy, most notably finishing 3rd at the Nutmeg Junior Championship in October, shooting a 72 and 71, coming in 4th at the Long Island Junior in June of 2023 with 77s on both days, and placing again 3rd at the Future Series: Bethpage Red earlier that same month with rounds of 71 and 69.Â
Since Lincoln is still a student at GPA, there are more big things to come for him at the Academy, though he has already made several impressive accomplishments. In August of 2023, Lincoln placed second at the Future Series- METPGA and scored a 74. Later last year, in October, he tied for 4th in the Future Series: Bethpage Green, shooting a 72. Lincoln was also 3rd in solo high school state championships as a freshman, playing against other athletes 3-4 years older than him. Hailing from Stowe, Vermont, his love for golf was influenced by his dad, who used to be a head pro. Lincoln hopes to become a professional golfer in the future and has committed to play college golf at the University of La Verne next year.
Though the conditions at the Green Valley Country Club were less than ideal, both athletes had a great showing this week and should be proud of what they achieved.
Congratulations Tyler and Lincoln!