Collier County school worker wins big on SWFL Amateur Players Tour

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—During the week, Quinton Allen helps tell the stories of Collier County Public Schools, but on the weekends, he trades his headset for a set of clubs.

Allen's weekend doesn't begin until he hears the sound of clubs in his bag and a club striking a ball. He has played recreationally for 14 years.

"During a five-day regular work week, I'm a communication specialist slash producer for the Great School District of Collier County," Allen said. "But come the weekend, it's all about golf."

Allen's competitive career began at Eagle Ridge. Two years ago, he was randomly paired with an amateur tour member who encouraged him to join the Southwest Florida chapter.

The very next Saturday, Allen entered his first tournament. The tour separates amateur golfers by skill level, offering live scoring, prize money and a pro-style experience.

"When you get up on that first tee and Steve calls out your name, it gives you the chills and gets you ready to go," Allen said.

Allen arrived that day with no expectations. He left as a champion.

"He comes out and he's like, 'Oh, Q! I think you got it,'" Allen said. "And I was like, 'Huh? I was like, 'What do you mean? I got it. You know what I mean?' He's like, 'Oh, you won.'"

There it was on the leaderboard—Quinton Allen in first place.

"I was like, 'Shut the front door!'" Allen said.

Steve Hasenfratz, SWFL chapter director for the Amateur Players Tour, witnessed Allen's first victory.

"There's nothing more satisfying than seeing somebody like Quinton win for the first time, and the joy that it brings them to get that trophy," Hasenfratz said.

Now in his second season, Allen has added another victory and earned enough points for an invitation to the national tournament in Arizona. He can't attend this year because of a prior commitment, but his next goal is set.

"I got next year to try to do it again, and I'll achieve it again next year," Allen said.