The 4A East Regional boys’ golf championship was expected to go to one of three teams at Pinehurst No. 1 on Monday.

In the end, only one stroke separated Pinecrest, Terry Sanford and Clayton. The Patriots finished with a team score of 288 to 289 for their closest pursuers and won their fourth regional title in a row.

Terry Sanford was awarded second place via a tiebreaker. All three teams advance to next week’s 4A state championship on Monday and Tuesday at Pinehurst No.8.

Junior Dylan Harris led Patriot Coach Sandy Sackmann’s squad with an even-par 70. Also figuring in the team total with a pair of 72s were senior Sam Packard and sophomore Nick Thompson, and senior Austin Dunlap with round of 74. Thompson was last in for the Patriots, and his eagle on the par-5 17th hole provided the margin of victory.

Also competing for the Patriots were senior Bryan Stewart with a 78 and freshman Zachary Martin with an 80.

The low rounds of the day were 68s by Jack Keefe, of Terry Sanford, and Andrew Furr, of Clayton. Furr won medalist honors on the fifth playoff hole.

There were 13 teams in the field. Purnell Swett finished in fourth place and Cape Fear was fifth.