Perhaps it was the inscription that T.J. Ostrom's fiancée, Megan Haywood, wrote on his golf ball.

Or maybe it was her expert coaching, which picked up a problem with his golf swing.

Whichever it was, Ostrom can share much of the credit for a remarkable turnaround with his wife-to-be.

The defending champion rebounded well during the final round of the Quality Digital Office Technology York County Amateur Championship Sunday at Honey Run Golf Club. After firing a 2-over-par 74 on Saturday, Ostrom battled back with an impressive 5-under 67 to come all the way back from a seven-shot deficit to win the title.

Ostrom was the only player to finish under par for the two-day, 36-hole event

Gary Stewart Jr. follows his tee shot during Sunday's action. Stewart finished in second place, three strokes behind champ T.J. Ostrom. (Bill Kalina photo)

Steve Goodley, who led the tournament after shooting a 67 on Saturday, had a tough time Sunday, firing a 7-over-par 79 to finish five strokes behind Ostrom, who now owns five York County Amateur crowns.

"After we got done (Saturday), we went out and had some dinner," Ostrom said of Haywood and himself. "Then we went out (to Regents' Glen) and I hit some balls and she took some pictures. She kind of saw something that wasn't real good and that ended up helping me out today."

For good measure, Haywood also wrote the couple's wedding date on the ball before Sunday's round.

"She wrote 8-18 with a little heart," Ostrom said. "It was cool."

Ostrom admitted that he didn't enter Sunday's round with much hope of catching Goodley. Goodley's 5-under total on Saturday put him three shots ahead of Shane Henry and Stewart Jr., who both opened with identical 70s.

Knowing the situation, Ostrom just went out and decided to have fun playing in his threesome along with Ed Malehorn and Ricky Hoke.

"We just were having a good time," he said. "It's different then being in the last group and getting nervous and grinding

Steve Goodley started Sunday's final round in the lead, but wound up finishing in fourth place. (Bill Kalina photo)

Stewart had a couple of chances to catch Ostrom, who completed his round well before the leaders. Stewart had birdie putts on both No. 16 and 17.

As was the case for much of the weekend, however, Stewart had a tough time getting his putts to fall.

"We had two days of misreads and we just had a tough time making putts," Stewart said of himself and his fellow threesome partners. "I can't complain. I hit the ball in good spots. I can't say that I missed more than just a few greens today or (Saturday). (Saturday) I shot 2-under but I didn't make any putts."

Stewart was hoping that having his father, Gary Sr., along with him as a caddie this weekend would make a difference, like it had in the past. Stewart Jr. not only won the Country Club of York club title last year with his dad on the bag, but also claimed the YCAGA Match Play title as well.

Stewart Sr., who splits his time between York and his home in Colorado, has provided his son a chance to play his game in a less pressure-packed environment.

"There's just so much pressure with tournament golf," Stewart Jr. said. "So it's kind of nice to be with him. We just talk about other stuff. We talk about my kids and what he's doing. It's just a distraction. It's a nice distraction."

Bob Ruby and Matt Henry tied for third overall at 1 over, while Shane Henry finished sixth at 3 over.

-- Reach Ryan Vander sloot at sports@yorkdis patch.com.