Michael Combs, 23, of Kennewick, Washington, built a six-hole lead through the first 19 holes, and coasted to a 4 and 3 victory over Terrence Miskell, 23, of Salinas, California, at Eastmoreland Golf Course, in Portland, Oregon. Combs, who was the qualifying medalist, at 141, went ahead on the seventh hole.

He went 5 up with birdies on the 16th and 17th holes of the morning round, playing the second nine 32, three under par. Miskell made a serious challenge early in the afternoon when he won three consecutive holes, aided by a rules infraction which cost Combs the loss of a hole.

Still 3 up, Combs fought back by winning holes 9 and 10, regaining a comfortable lead. Combs was on the verge of defeat twice in his earlier matches, winning both at the 19th hole only in his first match.

A senior at the University of Washington, Combs becomes the fifth medalist to win the APL Championship. Four others have been defeated in the final.