Only five spots were awarded in addition to two alternates. Those were part of a qualifier held Monday and Tuesday at The Brickyard at Riverside in Macon.
The field began with 104 golfers playing 18 holes. Following that it was cut to the low 30 percent (32 players) and anyone within eight strokes of the leader.
There were 52 left standing after that. Hodge carded 75 that day and 74 the next for a total of 149 – two strokes over par.
Entries were open to any amateur golfer with a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4. The U.S. Amateur is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA.
Patrick Newcomb of Benton, Ky., a member of the Murray State golf team, finished as medalist at 6-under-par 138. Tied at 140 and also qualifying were Jack Larkin of Atlanta and University of South Carolina golfer Dean Hester of Dublin. Larkin is a former U.S. Junior Amateur Champion (1979) who was an alternate for the U.S. Senior Open last month. Robert Mize of Columbus, son of past Masters champion Larry Mize, qualified as well at 141.
Four players who finished at 2-under 142 underwent a playoff for the final qualifier and the two alternate positions. Newberry College golfer Ben Lown of North Augusta, S.C., claimed the last qualifying spot with a par on the first playoff hole. Incoming Clemson University freshman Cody Proveaux of Leesville, S.C., used a birdie on the second hole to earn the first alternate spot over Corey Carlson of Green Cove Springs, Fla.
The Brickyard at Riverside was set to 7,128 yards and a par of 72. This was the second of two U.S. Amateur qualifiers in Georgia. The first took place July 24-25 at Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta.
Post a Comment