May 8, 2006

Ruskin, Fla.- Former Auburn All-American Lee Williams birdied two of his final three holes to win the U.S. Pro Golf Tour's Cypress Creek Invitational by one shot Sunday, securing his first victory as a professional golfer and taking home the $36,000 first place check.

Williams shot rounds of 71-68-67--206 at the Golf Club at Cypress Creek in Ruskin, Fla., defeating Stuart Deane by one stroke. Williams' final round 67 was the second lowest of the day, and he was the only player in the field to shoot in the 60s in both of the final two rounds.

"I'm happy because all the hard work is starting to pay off," said Williams. "Something like this makes you feel like you are going in the right direction. You always want to build on a win like this. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up where I left off the next time I go out and play."

A former All-American at Auburn University and a two-time member of the U.S. Walker Cup team, Williams was competing in his first U.S. Pro Golf Tour event. His victory has secured him a spot in the inaugural Trump Million Dollar Invitational at the Raffles Resort on Canouan Island in The Grenadines May 23-25. Top prize in that tournament is $1,000,000.

In just his first full year of professional golf, Williams, 24, also finished third at the NGA Hooters Tour Classic at Royal Lakes during the week of April 6-9.