EDINA -- Dave and Claudia Pilot, representing the Austin Country Club, claimed their first Minnesota Golf Association Overall Mixed Team title Wednesday at Burl Oaks Golf Club in Minnetrista by carding a two-day total of 10-under-par 65-69--134. The husband and wife duo was tied for the lead going into the final round and won by two shots over their nearest competitors.

"We were very determined and never lost sight of winning the overall title," said 2003 champion Claudia Pilot. "Yesterday we ham-and-egged it as I made six birdies and Dave made three. Today we didn't make a bogey and never three putted."

Dave echoed his wife's statements, saying "We were grinding the whole time. We only missed one green today and didn't three putt once."

Claudia's distinguished amateur resume includes claiming MGA Women's Player of the Year honors in 1999, 2001 and 2002. Yet after claming five Husband/Wife titles at the MGA Mixed Team Championship, the Pilots can now add 2003 Overall Champions to their list of accomplishments.

Up next for Claudia is sectional qualifying for the 103rd U.S. Women's Amateur Championship at Olympic Hills Golf Club in Eden Prairie on Monday, July 7. For Dave, it's off to Interlaken Golf Club in Fairmont for MGA State Amateur qualifying on Monday.

Along with winning the Overall title, the Pilots also claimed top honors in the Husband/Wife division. It's the sixth time since 1993 the pair has won the distinction. The team edged out Corey and Alissa Super of Wayzata by just two shots. Claiming the Husband/Wife net title were Jack and Ede Rice from Woodhill Country Club.

Tuesday's format was two-person best ball, and Wednesday's play was a modified Chapman, where each player plays their partner's tee shot, then players select the ball they wish to score on the hole and play alternate shot until that ball is holed out.

Founded in 1901, the Minnesota Golf Association upholds and promotes the game of golf and its values for all golfers in Minnesota. The Mixed Amateur Team Championship is one of 16 championships conducted annually by the MGA.