PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Jimmy Lytle of Ocean Ridge, FL enhanced his status as the top player on the Minor League Golf Tour by winning Friday at Hollybrook Golf & Tennis Club.

Lytle, 29, overcame first and second round leader Alejandro Garmendia, 22, of Weston with his second straight five under par 67 for 202 despite a double bogey six on the 54th hole. In his first 53 holes, Lytle made 18 birdies and two bogeys. Garmendia closed with 70-204, scoring two birdies and a bogey on each nine Friday.

It was Lytle’s 48th win since he joined the MLGT in July 2006. He won twice before turning pro two years later. He earned $1,000 from the $2,625 purse here, raising his career total to $178,238.31. Both his win and money totals are career MLGT leaders.

The three day tournament drew seven starters. The MLGT has played 67 tourneys this year, 1,266 since starting in August, 2004. Next on the schedule: August 4-6, Abacoa GC, and August 10, Indian Spring CC.

Alejandro Garmendia follows 66 with 68 for 134 and a 1 shot lead

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. - Alejandro Garmendia added 6 more birdies along with 2 bogeys during Thursday's second round of 68 for a 36 hole total of 134 to take a one shot lead over two players into the final round. Tied for second just a shot back at 9-under par 135 are Wayne De Haas and Jimmy Lytle.

The 36 hole cut which was 40% and ties fell at 135.

Also on Friday there will be a one day event held at Hollybrook Golf and Tennis Club open to players that fail to make the 36 hole cut and any other professionals or amateurs with a USGA handicap of 6 or less that chose not to compete in the 54 hole event. The one day event has an entry fee of $125 with a 50% payout.

Alejandro Garmendia opens with a 6-under par 66 to lead by 1

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. - Alejandro Garmendia from Westin, FL is one shot clear of the field after an opening round of 66. Garmendia overcame a lone bogey on number 14 with birdies at 2, 5, 11, 12, 15, 16, and 17.

Wayne De Haas from Johannesburg, SA is one shot back after an opening round 67 followed by the Minor League Golf Tour's all time money leader Jimmy Lytle in 3rd after a 4-under par 68.

The field will be cut to the low 40% and ties after the 2nd round followed by the final round on Friday July 31st. Also on Friday there will be a one day event held at Hollybrook Golf and Tennis Club open to players that fail to make the 36 hole cut and any other professionals or amateurs with a USGA handicap of 6 or less that chose not to compete in the 54 hole event. The one day event has an entry fee of $125 with a 50% payout.