Eli Grant, the 34-year-old St. Louis native, who nailed a 25-foot birdie putt in near total darkness Thursday to finish with a 3-under 68, shot 72 in the second round and finished off the championship with a final round 75 to win by 1. 

"It's an advantage for me playing here. I don't play a lot of tournament golf, but I do try and get out here (Meadowbrook) as often as I can. I feel like I know the speed of the greens better than a lot of guys here this week,'' Grant said.  Grant took full advantage of his home course advantage to finish on top of the 153 player field at the 20th Metropolitan Amateur Championship.

Entering the final round with a 3 shot lead, Grant picked up where he left off making a birdie, 3 on the opening hole.  However Grant was quickly reminded this championship wouldn't be won on the opening few holes on Saturday, as he made double bogey on the reachable par 5, second hole.  At the same time, his playing partner in the final group, Phil Caravia made birdie to pick up 3 quick shots on the leader.  

As the day progressed, it wasn't Caravia who would present Grant his stiffest challenge.  Brian Craig, of Gateway National, posted a final round 66.  Craig entered the day 10 shots off the pace after rounds of 76-74, but quickly posted a number the leaders would have to be aware of as they made their way to the difficult back nine at Meadowbrook Country Club.

Jeremy Franklin, a past USGA Public Links Championship qualifier, who also plays out of Gateway National Golf Links equaled Craig's +3 54 hole total after a final round 73.  Gateway National Golf Links had quite the showing as five of the top six players on the final leader board consider Gateway National their home track.  

First round leader, Kyle Kahlenberg bounced back after a second round 79, to post a final round 70 to finish the championship at +4.  Also at +4 was Skip Berkmeyer who at one point in the final round was within one shot of the lead and 2 over for the championship before bogeys at 15 and 17 derailed the 2009 champion's shot at back to back titles.  The aforementioned Caravia, finished at +5 along with John Anderson of Norwood Hills Country Club to finish T6.  

View the entire list of scores for the 2010 Metropolitan Amateur Championship - HERE.