Jim Stuart, of Macon, Georgia, clung to a narrow lead through the final eight holes and defeated Mark Sollenberger, of Scottsdale, Arizona, 1 up, at Troon Golf and Country Club, in Scottsdale.

Stuart took a lasting lead with a birdie 4 on 11th hole of the afternoon round. He increased his lead to 2 up three holes later, but Sollenberger birdied the next to last hole to bring Stuart's lead back to 1 up. Each man parred the final hole.

One of three Georgians in the semifinals, Stuart had only one easy match leading to the final; he was extended to the 17th hole on all but one. One of those he defeated was James Taylor, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the defending champion, 1 up, in the third round.

Stuart shot 84 in the first round of stroke play qualifying, but he came back with 71 and reached match play by two strokes. Thirteen shots better was Mitch Voges, of Simi Valley, California, the medalist, at 141.