Hunter Richardson found what he was looking for, particularly on the back nine Sunday at Burns Park Golf Course in North Little Rock.
After parring his first 10 holes, Richardson, of Clarksville, Tenn., and a former standout at Tennessee-Martin, used six birdies coming home to record a two-stroke victory over Josh McNulty of White Hall in the 45th annual Arkansas Open.
Richardson finished the two-day, 36-event event at 8-under 134. McNulty, the son of 2006 Arkansas Open champion Wes McNulty, finished at 6-under 136 following a final-round 69.
Richardson, 22, turned professional Saturday after being named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year as a junior and senior at UT-Martin, where he was also a four-time All-OVC selection.
"I was just trying to find something to play in," Richardson said after collecting $4,500 in prize money. "I literally Googled "state opens" around Tennessee, found it, and ended up here."
Richardson began Sunday one shot off the lead after firing a 3-under 68 in Saturday's opening round. McNulty was among four players who shot 67 in the opening round to lead the 54-man field. McNulty, 17, a senior at White Hall, finished as low amateur.
First-round co-leader Sean Romero of Texarkana, Texas, finished third at 5-under 137 after a final-round 70. Trent Whitekiller of Sallisaw, Okla., another first-round co-leader, tied for fourth at 3-under 139 after a final round 72.
Richardson's torrid finish was highlighted by a birdie on No. 16, when he holed a bunker shot of approximately 30 feet on the 200-yard, par 3. He also birdied No. 11 No. 12, No. 14, No. 17 and No. 18, -- a 507-yard, par 5 -- after nearly chipping in for eagle from just off the green.
"It was pretty boring golf on the front," Richardson said. "I knew I was close to the lead. I just needed to make some birdies to get closer. Things just started working out."
Richardson said he plans to compete in the first stage of Web.com qualifying school Oct. 9-12 in Pine Mountain, Ga., but will be looking for another event before then to "keep his rhythm."
"It's cool to get your first professional win -- make some money playing golf for once," Richardson said. "Usually, it's just a trophy and a handshake."
Lift, clean and place was used after Burns Park professional Steve Ralston said the course received "5 or 6 inches" of rain the past two weeks.
Sports on 10/01/2018