The St. Andrews Links Trophy – 2016 Preview & Results

Posted on 01/06/2016 by Golf Bible

5th June 2016

Ireland’s Conor O’Rourke won the 2016 St. Andrews Links Trophy with a magnificent performance. He showed admirable composure, mental strength and no shortage of golf game to lead from the front throughout the event.

Conor O'Rourke St Andrews Links Trophy 2016

Conor O’Rourke (Photo: @TheHomeofGolf / Kenny Smith)

Conor shared the lead after a round 1 65 on the New Course and followed it up with rounds of 69, 71 and 70 on the Old to pick up by far the biggest title of his amateur career with a 275 (-12) total.

Prior to play commencing O’Rourke was ranked 1,245th in the Scratch Players World Amateur Ranking (SPWAR). He was a higher 549th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). His starting odds were amongst the highest at 250-1 to win the Links Trophy. His surprise win lifted him to 193rd in the SPWAR and he is now the 7th highest ranked Irishman in that list.

Home players Sandy Scott (-11) and Ewen Ferguson (-10) also played very well to pick up 2nd and 3rd spots in what was a stellar field. The SPWAR moved Scott up to 56th from 177th and Ferguson up to 69th from 170th.

Click here to view the full results – Links Trophy Results

1st June 2016

144 golfers from 21 different countries will tee off on Friday 3rd June in the 28th St. Andrews Links Trophy, a 3-day Championship which has quickly established itself as one of the ‘Majors’ in men’s amateur golf.

The Scratch Players World Amateur Ranking (SPWAR) placed it 6th in it’s 2015 Amateur Tournament Ranking based on the strength of it’s field.

A list of all the past winners can be found in an Appendix at the end of this article. The most famous is Justin Rose who won the Links Trophy in 1997. Only Craig Watson (1992 and 1998), the current Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) Walker Cup captain, and Barclay Howard (1994 and 1996) have won the title twice.

Interestingly given the cosmopolitan nature of the field the trophy has only been won by players from outside GB&I on three occasions – Australia’s Stuart Bovier (1990), Daan Huizing from The Netherlands (2012) and last year Federico Zucchetto from Italy.

Huizing, who had won the Lytham Trophy by 11 shots just a few weeks earlier, set a scoring record of -23 in 2012 (65 New, 64, 68 and 67 all Old) and won by an astonishing 14 shots.

Competition Format
The Links Trophy is a 72 hole stroke play competition normally played over a combination of the Old and New Courses on the first weekend in June. The Jubilee is occasionally used if The Open is being played at St. Andrews later in the summer as was the case last year.

Entry, which cost £60 and closed at the end of April, was open to golfers whose handicap did not exceed scratch (0.4). After various National Golf Union nominations the ‘ballot’ is determined by World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) rather than handicap as is normally the case.

This year round 1 will be played on the New Course and round 2 on the Old Course. Following a top 40 and ties cut the leading players will play 36 holes on the Old on Sunday.

The New Course plays 6,625 yards to a par of 71. The front nine is 3,270 yards long with a par of 36 whilst the tougher back nine is 85 yards longer but with a par of 35.

The Old Course is 6,721 yards off the white tees and has a par of 72. Both nines have a par of 36 and have similar yardages – the front is 3,336 yards long whilst the back is a little longer at 3,385 yards.

St. Andrews Scorecards

Scorecards for the Old and New Courses (Photo: St. Andrews Links Trust)

The winner will be the player who returns the lowest 72 hole score. In the event of a tie a sudden death play-off will be held over holes 1 and 18. Ties for other places are decided by the lowest score for the last 18 holes or the last 9 or 6 or 3 or 2 or 1 hole if necessary.

The 2016 Field
The start sheet for Rounds 1 and 2 can be viewed here – 2016 St. Andrews Links Trophy Draw.

The field is impressive with many highly ranked players competing. Teams come in force from both Australia and South Africa and with the US College season all but done most of the top GB&I players will also be on show.

With around 15 leading US golfers about to turn pro this week a good result in St. Andrews will really propel some players up the amateur rankings.

With such a strong field almost any of the entrants could lift the title this year. However, the players of particular note (with their nationality and SPWAR* shown in brackets) are: –

Jack Hume (IRE / 13) – the highest ranked played in the field who has enjoyed a superb season to date highlighted by wins in both the South African Amateur and European Nations. He finished T6 last year.

Grant Forrest (SCO / 22) – in form winner of the Battle Trophy at Crail with strong recent performances in the Lytham Trophy (T5) and last week’s Scottish Open Amateur (T2). Winner of the Links Trophy in 2014.

Harrison Endycott (AUS / 29) – a superb home season with recent wins in the Lake Macquarie Amateur, Avondale Amateur, Riversdale Cup and South Australia Amateur Classic. It will be interesting to see how he fairs in Britain this summer.

Connor Syme (SCO / 31) – winner of the Australian Amateur with solid form since returning back to Europe. T7 at the Irish Amateur and 5th at last week’s Scottish Open Amateur. Now pushing Forrest hard for the Scottish No. 1 spot. He finished T3 last year.

Jamie Bower (ENG / 35) – ran up the SPWAR after a superb early season run of results in South Africa but hasn’t quite found the same form since returning home. T18 in the Lytham Trophy being the highlight of his recent play.

Travis Smyth (AUS / 48) – runner-up in this year Australian Amateur with solid 2016 form. Can take confidence from his T17 finish last week at Gullane in the Scottish Open Amateur.

Cameron John (AUS / 49) – any 17 year old with two overseas men’s wins to their name already has to be respected. Winner of the Argentina Amateur and more impressively the Scottish Open Amateur in 2016.

Albert Venter (RSA / 50) – winner of the inaugural African Amateur earlier this year with five other Top 5’s to his name this season. I’ve picked out Albert but could have easily chosen any of his compatriots Jovan Rebula (46), Aubrey Beckley (54), Tristen Strydom (59), James du Preez (62), Jason Smith (97) or Andre Nel (109). Having completed their busy home season the South African’s arrive with good competitive experience like the Australians. It will be interesting to see if any of them can really break through away from home and justify their seasonally high SPWARs.

Craig Ross (SCO / 52) – winner of the 2016 South African Amateur and Edward Trophy back home in Scotland.

Kyle McClatchie (RSA / 63) – I picked out Kyle as the other South African to watch because of his T8 and T9 finishes in the French International Amateur and Scottish Open Amateur respectively in recent weeks.

Robert MacIntyre (SCO / 69) – Winner of the Scottish Champion of Champions event having left McNeese State University in the US. Finished T11 in this event last year.

Marco Penge (ENG / 76) – must start as one of the favourites after his T4 at the Irish Amateur and 2nd in the French International Amateur. Marco did not defend his Scottish Open Amateur title last week choosing instead to caddie for his girlfriend, Sophie Lamb, at the St. Rule Trophy. With the St. Rule being played on the New and Old Courses at St. Andrews he should certainly be well prepared.

Alfie Plant (ENG / 79) – something of a late bloomer in modern terms but now right at the top table after his superb 2016 Lytham Trophy win. Led England in their victory over France at Formby and followed it up with a T11 at the France International Amateur so clearly maintaining his form. Won’t be lacking for support either.

Ugo Coussaud (FRA / 85) – experienced and proven winner with a T2 at Lytham and a T11 in France by way of recent form.

Craig Howie (SCO / 90) – improving Scotsman who is clearly in good form with a 2nd place at the Welsh Open Amateur and a 4th at the Scottish Open Amateur in recent weeks.

Colm Campbell (IRE / 96) – the 2016 Irish Amateur Open champion can be expected to give a good account of himself.

* The SPWAR quoted above were accurate as at 31st May 2016.

Other players that I would not be surprised to see feature given their recent performances are Bradley Moore (ENG / 103), Stuart Grehan (IRE / 105), Federico Zucchetti (ITA / 127 – reigning champion), Grégoire Schoeb (FRA / 178), Jon-Ross Galbraith (IRE / 188 – who finished T3 last year), Sandy Scott (SCO / 188) and Barry Hume (SCO / 268).

Guido Migliozzi (ITA) was a late withdrawal whilst Mathias Eggenberger (SUI), Mario Galiano (ESP) and Ivan Cantero (ESP) are all playing on the European Challenge Tour in Switzerland.

Betting Odds
SkyBET have today posted the following St. Andrews Links Trophy Outright odds.

As they are removed from their website when play starts I have taken photos of them so we can look back once the results are known.

St Andrews Links 2016 SkyBET 1

St Andrews Links 2016 SkyBET 2

Weather Forecast (as at Wed 1st June, 7.00pm)
Fri 3rd June – Light Cloud. Wind 6 mph N. Max. 14°C / Min 11°C.
Sat 4th June – Sunny. Wind 14 mph NE. Max. 13°C / Min 9°C.
Sun 5th June – Sunny. Wind 9 mph E. Temp. Max. 13°C / Min 8°C.

Prizes
The winner receives The St Andrews Links Trophy and a cheque for £500. The runner-up and third place finisher also receive commemorative medals. Reducing cash prizes are awarded to the top 10 finishers in all.

In addition to the main prizes The Ian Forbes Memorial Cup is awarded for the best aggregate score on the first two days of the event.

Appendix – Past Winners
As one would expect for a competition held at the home of golf the list of past winner’s is impressive:-

2015 Federico Zucchetti (ITA) 214 (54 holes only)
2014 Grant Forrest (SCO) 278 (after play-off)
2013 Neil Raymond (ENG) 282
2012 Daan Huizing (NED) 264 (lowest 72 hole score)
2011 Tom Lewis (ENG) 279
2010 Matthew Southgate (ENG) 275
2009 Alan Dunbar (N.I.) 285
2008 Keir McNicoll (SCO) 283
2007 Llewellyn Matthews (WAL) 273
2006 Oliver Fisher (ENG) 280
2005 Lloyd Saltman (SCO) 275
2004 Jamie McLeary (SCO) 284
2003 Richard Finch (ENG) 276
2002 Simon MacKenzie (SCO) 289
2001 Steven O’Hara (SCO) 281
2000 Matthew King (ENG) 140 (36 holes only)
1999 David Patrick (SCO) 152 (36 holes only)
1998 Craig Watson (SCO) 276
1997 Justin Rose (ENG) 284
1996 Barclay Howard (SCO) 282
1995 Graham Rankin (SCO) 276
1994 Barclay Howard (SCO) 294
1993 Garry Hay (SCO) 280
1992 Craig Watson (SCO) 281
1991 Ricky Willison (ENG) 289
1990 Stuart Bovier (AUS) 280
1989 Russell Claydon (ENG) 284

ME.

NCAA Div I Men’s Nationals – 2016 Results

Posted on 31/05/2016 by Golf Bible

1st June 2016

UPDATE – Home team Oregon won the NCAA Division I Team Championship beating the Texas 3-2 in the Final.

Oregon’s Aaron Wise won the Individual title a few days ago thus making the Team win a memorable double for the ‘Ducks’.

Texas were hampered from the outset with star player Beau Hossler unable to start due to a shoulder injury picked up in the Semi-Final. With no substitutes allowed Beau was forced to concede his match against Zach Foushee on the first tee.

Suman Raza won his match on the 21st hole (the 10th) to secure the title for oregon.

Oregon NCAA DI Championship 2016

Oregon’s Men’s Golf Team (Photo: Eric Evans / GoDucks.com)

31st May 2016

The Stroke Play Stage of the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Championship finished last night after fours days of intense competition at the Eugene Country Club in Oregon.

30 teams of 5 players and 9 individuals started the Stroke Play qualifier. The Stroke Play Stage is used to determine the 8 College Teams that progress to the Match Play Finals as well as the NCAA’s Individual champion.

The Stroke Play event was played over 72-holes albeit there was a 54-hole cut on Sunday night. This saw the field reduced down to 15 teams, with the leading 9 individuals not affiliated with one of them also advancing.

The best 4 scores from 5 are used to determine each team’s total round score. The fifth score is only used to resolve ties after 54 -holes.

It is worth noting that the NCAA Division I Nationals is one of the major men’s amateur events. Based on the strength of it’s field it is expected to be the third most important event in this year’s calendar after the US Amateur and the Western Amateur. Sadly the Amateur Championship continues to fall down the rankings, suffering as it does from next to no United States participation.

Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) had three players competing in the Championship – David Boote (Stanford), Sam Horsfield (Florida) and Paul McBride (Wake Forest). It’s fair to say things didn’t go as well as I had hoped for all of them.

After 54-holes David Boote was the highest placed GB&I player. After rounds of 69, 73 and 74 he was tied 50th on +6. Unfortunately Stanford, the No. 1 ranked Team at the start of play, had a poor competition. Their 54-hole Team score of +44 saw them finish 28th and easily miss the Top 15 +27 Team cut. As he was not one of the leading 9 individuals David’s event – his final one after 4 years in California – ended alongside that of his team mates. David has had a really strong year at Stanford and can be expected to be competitive in this summer’s elite amateur events back home.

Sam Horsfield shot rounds of 70, 75 and 72 for a +7 and tied 62nd 54-hole result. He was Florida’s second best scorer after Gordon Neale (70 67 and 73 / E T9). Neale and Horsfield led Florida to a +26 54-hole total which saw them finish 13th in the team standings and therefore just progress to yesterday’s final round. Sam shot a 69 to finish the 72-hole event in tied 22nd on +6, one better than Neale who shot a 77. Unfortunately Sam’s team mates couldn’t follow his lead and Florida fell back to 15th on +43, 19 shots away from the all important 8th place.

Whilst I am sure he will be disappointed with his and Florida’s performance in the Nationals there is no question that Horsfield has had a superb freshman year in US College golf. His single season stroke average of 70.55 is the lowest in Florida’s history (records only kept since 1982). He played 13 tournaments finishing in the Top 25 12 times. He had 8 Top 5’s and 3 Wins. He has committed to at least one more year at Florida and with Andy Zhang joining them next year the only way is up for the Gators.

UPDATE – Sam Horsfield was today named as one of the ten 2016 Division I PING First-Team All-American by the Golf Coaches Association of America. Sam was the only Freshman in the group which also included Charlie Danielson, Beau Hossler, Lee McCoy, Maverick McNealy, Matthew MeSmith, Jon Rahm, Matthias Schwab, Robby Shelton and Aaron Wise.

Paul McBride got off to a bad start and whilst he showed improvement each day his scores of 77 76 and 73 meant a disappointing +16 total and tied 132nd finish in the individual standings. Wake Forest finished on +31 after 54-holes and their tied 23rd position meant an early exit. Paul’s team mate Will Zalatoris (+3 / T20) progressed as an Individual but a final round 78 saw him fall back to tied 51st.

Aaron Wise NCAA DI 2016

Aaron Wise With His NCCA Individual Trophy

Aaron Wise of Oregon won the Individual NCAA Division I Championship with a -5 72-hole total score. Wise, who has been a leading amateur for some time and was unlucky not to make the 2015 US Walker Cup team, will be turning Pro after the Nationals. He earned playing rights on the Mackenzie Tour a few weeks ago have achieved medallist honours at their Q-School.

Texas (+14), Illinois (+15), LSU (+16), Southern California (+17), Vanderbilt (+17), Oregon (+19), South Carolina (+22), and Oklahoma (+24) all qualified for the two-day Match Play Finals which start today and will determine the Team NCAA Division I Champions.

NCAA Div I Men’s Championship Results (courtesy of GolfStat)
Individual Scores
Team Scores

ME.

NCAA Div I Men’s Regionals – 2016 Results

Posted on 16/05/2016 by Golf Bible

16th, 17th and 18th May 2016

Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) will have three competitors in the NCAA Div 1 Men’s National Championship.

David Boote (Arizona -4 8th), Paul McBride (Arizona -1 T12) and Sam Horsfield (Wisconsin -1 T12) have all qualified today for the Nationals with their respective Stanford, Wake Forest and Florida teams. This is no mean achievement so congratulations to them all and good luck next week.

However, in many respects the real GB&I Regionals story concerns the unrewarded efforts of Daniel Sutton and Ryan Cornfield, both from the West Midlands.

Daniel Sutton played beautifully over all three days to finish in the Top 5 at the Kohler Regional but a superb final day for Baylor (-14) saw his Idaho team (-6) lose out on 5th place by 6-shots. With medalist Tee-k Kelly (Ohio State) winning the event he progressed as the leading Individual. This meant both Sutton and Idaho left Wisconsin empty handed.

Ryan Cornfield (USC Upstate), playing as an individual, shot a memorable best of the day 65 (-7) in the final round to finish on -8 and T9th. Unfortunately Ryan Cole (James Madison) finished on -14 to win the Individual prize at the Franklin Regional, leaving Cornfield empty handed after a great day’s work.

To see how all 17 of the Great British & Irish (GB&I) players finished in the six Regionals take a look at my results summary below.

You will recall there were 6 Regional competitions with 54-holes played over 3 days, 16th – 18th May.

To progress our players either needed to be in a College team that finished in the Top 5 of their event or be the highest individual finisher, not affiliated with one of the successful teams.

GB&I Results Summary (courtesy of GolfStat)

Where one of our players was playing as part of a 5-man Team their College is noted in Bold.

Each player’s Individual score and position and where applicable their Team’s position is shown below.

Click on the LIVE SCORE LINK‘s for the detailed Player results from where you can also access the Team results.

Ol’ Colony Golf Complex, Tuscaloosa, Alabama – LIVE SCORE LINK

DAVID WICKS (Jacksonville) – 74 78 73 +9 T44

HARRY HALL (UNLV) – 76 81 70 +11 T50 (Team 6th)

TOM HARRIS (Maryland) – 81 79 77 +21 T70

Gallery Golf Club, Marana, Arizona – LIVE SCORE LINK

DAVID BOOTE (Stanford) – 69 72 71 -4 8th (Team 1st)

PAUL McBRIDE (Wake Forest) – 67 79 69 -1 T12 (Team 5th)

JJ GREY (Georgia State) – 75 74 76 +9 T50 (Team 11th)

PAVAN SAGOO (St. Mary’s CA) – 75 78 74 +11 T57 (Team 9th)

BEN ROBINSON (Louisiana Tech) – 77 78 78 +17 67th (Team 12th)

Blackwolf Run Meadow Valleys Course, Kohler, Wisconsin – LIVE SCORE LINK

DANIEL SUTTON (Idaho) – 69 72 72 -3 T5 (Team 6th)

SAM HORSFIELD (Florida) – 72 71 72 -1 T12 (Team T2)

GEORGE BAYLIS (Akron) – 76 73 72 +5 T43

UNM Course, Albuquerque, New Mexico – LIVE SCORE LINK

No GB&I Players.

Karsten Creek Golf Club, Stillwater, Oklahoma – LIVE SCORE LINK

RYAN LUMSDEN (Northwestern) – 73 79 76 +12 T22 (Team 7th)

DUNCAN MCNEILL (McNeese State) – 78 78 80 +20 T44 (Team T8)

GARETH LAPPIN (Michigan State) – 78 82 77 +21 T47 (Team T8)

JAMIE CLARE (Virginia Commonwealth) – 77 81 84 +26 T58th (Team 13th)

JOSHUA JAMIESON (Northwestern) – 80 84 84 +32 66th (Team 7th)

Vanderbilt Legends Club, Franklin, Tennessee – LIVE SCORE LINK

RYAN CORNFIELD (South Carolina-Upstate) – 73 70 65 -7 T9

For further background information on the 2016 NCAA Div I Regionals please read my Preview article which I posted on 15th May.

This year’s Finals are being staged at Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Oregon between 27th May – 1st June.

ME.

NCAA Div I Men’s Regionals – 2016 Preview

Posted on 15/05/2016 by Golf Bible

15th May 2016

81 Teams, with 5 players each, and an additional 45 Individuals will commence play tomorrow in the 2016 NCAA Division I Regional Championships.

From a total Regionals field of 450 there are 17 players competing from Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I).

54-hole stroke play over 3 days at 6 venues across the United States will determine those players that progress to the National Championship. The NCAA Committee determined earlier in May which venue each Team and individual was allocated to.

The five Teams with the lowest team scores at each of the Men’s Regional qualifiers advance. The player, not affiliated with one of the successful Teams, with the lowest score at each qualifier also advances to the Championship and plays in the Individual event. For those players who start as Individuals they obviously only have the latter route through to the Nationals.

This year’s Finals are being staged at Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Oregon between 27th May – 1st June.

Over the next few days I will be following the progress of the Regionals and in particular all of the GB&I players that will be competing.

To start us off here is a list of all the Teams and Individuals that are playing.

I have additionally highlighted in BOLD the GB&I golfers in each Team as well as those who are playing as Individuals. Finally, where applicable, the Conference’s those Team’s won to automatically qualify are shown in brackets. The Live Score Link for each Regional is also provided for each competition.

Ol’ Colony Golf Complex, Tuscaloosa, Alabama – LIVE SCORE LINK

Teams (13)

Georgia (Southeastern)
Auburn
South Carolina
Alabama
UNLV (Mountain West) – HARRY HALL
Kentucky
Kansas
College of Charleston (Colonial Athletic)
Lipscomb
Charleston Southern
Colorado
Harvard (Ivy League)
Southern Illinois (Missouri Valley)

Individuals (10)

David Kocher, Maryland
Braden Thornberry, Mississippi
Wes Gosselin, Tennessee-Chatanooga
Andrew Novak, Wofford
Franck Medale, Jacksonville
TOM HARRIS, Maryland
Manuel Elvira, Central Florida
Seth Gandy, UNC-Charlotte
Peter Staalbo, South Alabama
DAVID WICKS, Jacksonville

Gallery Golf Club, Marana, Arizona – LIVE SCORE LINK

Teams (14)

Stanford (Pac-12) – DAVID BOOTE
Wake Forest – PAUL McBRIDE
California
Oregon
North Carolina
North Florida
Alabama-Birmingham
Georgia Tech
St. Mary’s (West Coast) – PAVAN SAGOO
Georgia State – JJ GREY
North Texas
Louisiana Tech (Conference USA) – BEN ROBINSON
California-Riverside (Big West)
Siena College (Metro Atlantic)

Individuals (5)

Sean Walsh, Gonzaga
Brandon Bauman, California-Santa Barbara
Alex Chiarella, San Diego
Daniel Chian, Long Beach St.
Aaron Beverly, Cal State Sacramento

Blackwolf Run Meadow Valleys Course, Kohler, Wisconsin – LIVE SCORE LINK

Teams (13)

Illinois (Big Ten)
Florida State
Florida – SAM HORSFIELD
Arkansas
Baylor
Penn State
Memphis
Kent State (Mid-American)
UCLA
East Tennessee St. (Southern)
Campbell
Idaho (Big Sky) – DANIEL SUTTON
South Dakota State (Summitt League)

Individuals (10)

Lloyd Jefferson Go, Seton Hall
Patrick Flavin, Miami Ohio
Billy Walthouse, Rhode Island
Otto Black, Toledo
Tee-k Kelly, Ohio State
Will Grimmer, Ohio State
GEORGE BAYLIS, Akron
Trent Wallace, Illinois State
Luke Graboyes, Cornell
Evan Russell, Hartford

UNM Course, Albuquerque, New Mexico – LIVE SCORE LINK

Teams (14)

USC
Arizona State
South Florida (American Athletic)
San Diego State
Texas A&M
North Carolina State
New Mexico
Texas Tech
Texas Christian
Iowa
Liberty (Big South)
U.S. Military Academy (Patriot League)
Cleveland State (Horizon League)
Wagner College (Northeast)

Individuals (5)

Hayden Shieh, Santa Clara
Patrick Fishburn, Brigham Young
Frederik Dreier, UTEP
Trevor Clayton, Cal State Fresno
Nicholas Dilio, St. Peter’s

Karsten Creek Golf Club, Stillwater, Oklahoma – LIVE SCORE LINK

Teams (14)

Oklahoma State
Clemson (ACC)
Oklahoma
Duke
Augusta (Mid-Eastern Athletic)
Purdue
Michigan State – GARETH LAPPIN
Tennessee
Northwestern – JOSHUA JAMIESON and RYAN LUMSDEN
Louisville
McNeese State (Southland) – DUNCAN MCNEILL
Virginia Commonwealth (Atlantic 10) – JAMIE CLARE
Missouri-Kansas City (Western Athletic)
Alabama State (Southwestern Athletic)

Individuals (5)

Nick Voke, Iowa St.
Haraldur Magnus, Louisiana Lafayette
Grant Bennett, Wichita St.
Kevin Gordon, Nebraska-Omaha
Thomas McLaughlin, Texas Southern

Vanderbilt Legends Club, Franklin, Tennessee – LIVE SCORE LINK

Teams (13)

Texas (Big 12)
Vanderbilt
LSU
Washington
Virginia
Houston
Pepperdine
Kennesaw State (Atlantic Sun)
Michigan
Troy (Sun Belt)
East Carolina
Tennessee Martin (Ohio Valley)
Georgetown (Big East)

Individuals (10)

Ryan Cole, James Madison
RYAN CORNFIELD, South Carolina-Upstate
Matthew Lowe, Richmond
Jose Montano, Xavier
Patrick Cover, UNC-Wilmington
Thomas Eldridge, UNC-Wilmington
Joey Lane, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Jake McGlone, UNC-Greensboro
Ryan Wentzler, Wright St.
U Minn Wood, Farleigh Dickinson

ME.

Josh Hilleard Wins SGA Amateur of the Month Award

Posted on 11/05/2016 by Golf Bible

15th May 2016

UPDATE – Nigel Edwards, Performance Director for England Golf, presented Josh Hilleard with his Amateur of the Month Award today following the completion of play in the England v. France match at Formby Golf Club.

Josh Hilleard SGA Amateur of the Month April 2016

Josh Hilleard receives his SGA Amateur of the Month Award from Nigel Edwards
(Photo: Golf Bible)

On his debut Josh was joint top scorer in the match for England, winning both of his Foursome matches and one Singles (W3 / H0 /L1).

ME.

11th May 2016

Josh Hilleard has been awarded the prestigious Southern Golf Association’s Amateur of the Month Award for April 2016.

Left-handed Josh, who plays out of Farrington Park G.C. in Somerset, won four events in a row during April and his remarkable achievement clearly resonated with the US-based Association’s Selection Committee.

His run of victories started on 2^nd April with the Berkhamsted Trophy, moved onto the Faldo Series Wales on 13^th April, continued with the Hampshire Salver on April 17^th before concluding with the West of England Amateur on 24^th April.

Josh Hilleard with the Hampshire Salver, Berkhamsted Trophy, West of England Amateur Salver and Faldo Series Wales Trophy.
(Photos: Andrew Griffin, Berkhamsted GC, Royal North Devon GC & Faldo Series)

The Southern Golf Association (SGA), based in Birmingham, Alabama, is one of the largest associations in the World serving member clubs across the 14 states in the South East of the United States.

The SGA has always enjoyed a strong affiliation with the amateur game. It is perhaps best known for running the Southern Amateur Championship, one of the World’s Top 10 amateur events. Past winners of this Championship include Bobby Jones (3), Lanny Watkins, Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Davis Love III and Justin Leonard.

In 2003 the SGA’s then Media Liaison Officer, Larry Guest, came up with the idea of recognizing the leading amateur player, male or female, in each month of the golf season (March to October). He established a panel of U.S. experts, comprising college coaches, sports writers and golf administrators. Nominations are put forward by the panel who then select the recipient from the names suggested. It started off as a National award but quickly became International in it’s viewpoint.

Now in its 14^th year, notable former Amateur of the Month award winners include Bryson DeChambeau (2), Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth (2) and Michelle Wie amongst many other very well known names. 2015 U.S. Walker Cup player Lee McCoy won last months award, the first of this year, for his play at the Valspar Championship on the P.G.A. Tour and in other College golf tournaments.

Whilst the SGA’s website doesn’t currently record all of the former winners I believe there hasn’t been too many British or Irish ones in the past. I know for certain Rhys Davies (date not known), Matthew Fitzpatrick (August 2013) and Alice Hewson (for only the second time, jointly with Dave Houghton in September 2015) have done so. I assume Richie Ramsay would also have been recognised in August 2006 when he won the U.S. Amateur Championship.

Here is a report on Alice’s recent win on the www.clemsontigers.com website – ‘Hewson Named National Player of the Month’.

The SGA are making arrangements for April’s engraved glass plaque to be flown across to Formby G.C. so that it can be presented to Josh at this weekend’s England v. France International Match.

Josh Hilleard April 2016 SGA Amateur of the Month Award

The SGA Amateur of the Month Award
(Photo: Golf Bible)

As a recipient of the Award Josh is also exempted into the 110^th Southern Amateur Championship which this year is being staged at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina between 14-17^th July. It will be interesting to see if he takes up this opportunity to compete against the very best amateurs in the United States.

A belated well done to Alice and congratulations to Josh. It’s good to see an organisation like the SGA looking far and wide for great amateur performances and even better when they formally recognize the achievements of some of our young British players.

ME.

A Beginner’s Guide To U.S. College Golf

Posted on 09/05/2016 by Golf Bible

9th May 2016

With the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I National Championships just around the corner I thought a United States (U.S.) College golf briefing was in order.

So from the beginning….

There are c.1,300 colleges and universities across the U.S. Each one is different in terms of student numbers, sports facilities, budgets and scholarship packages.

In Year 1 a U.S. student is referred to as a ‘Freshman’, in Year 2 a ‘Sophomore’, in Year 3 a ‘Junior’ and finally in Year 4 a ‘Senior’.

Non-profit Athletic Associations organise competitive men’s and women’s sport for the US colleges. It is big business too. The better men’s football and basketball teams play in front of huge crowds, matches are televised and these sports generate millions of dollars of revenue for their institutions. However, most of the other sports, of which golf is one, whilst prestigious to differing degrees, are unprofitable to run for their colleges and therefore have to be subsidised.

The primary Association is the NCAA. This body focuses on the larger colleges and as such means that the other Associations can largely be ignored. It has history too – the first men’s golf event being staged in 1897.

Each Athletic Association is split into Conferences based on geographic regions. The Colleges are then split into different Divisions – normally I, II and III. Generally, the larger schools compete in Division I and smaller schools in II and III. In recent years some Colleges have started to switch Conferences for financial or performance reasons.

The NCAA, as it deals with the larger colleges with the most resources, is at the pinnacle of US college golf. In turn the Division I colleges attract the best golfers as they offer the best coaches and practice facilities and compete in the elite competitions. Division I of the NCAA is therefore the area that the interested observer should focus their attention on.

Only Division I and Division II schools can offer sports scholarships to athletes. In Division I there are currently c.280 colleges offering men’s golf scholarships and c.250 offering financial support for women. The NCAA allows 4.5 men’s and 6 women’s scholarship per college golf program. It is difficult to track everyone but I estimate there are c.150 Great British and Irish (GB&I) students playing golf on scholarships in the U.S. currently. In recent years, and for the financial reasons noted above, some colleges have been cutting golf from their list of sports programs.

Larger colleges run squads of between 7-12 players normally. This can be problematic – particularly after the settling-in Freshman year – as most events are five person affairs, meaning some players struggle to get selected and therefore don’t get to play competitively.

The NCAA supports 31 regional Conferences for college’s that play men’s golf – 28 of them support women’s golf. These are: – American Athletic; America Sky; Atlantic Coast; Atlantic Sun; Atlantic 10; Big East; Big South; Big Ten; Big 12; Big West, Colonial Athletic Association; Conference USA; Horizon League; Ivy League; Metro Atlantic Athletic, Mid-American; Mid-Eastern Athletic; Missouri Valley; Mountain West; Northeast; Ohio Valley; Pacific-12; Patriot League; Southeastern; Southern; Southland; Southwestern Athletic; Summit League; Sun Belt; Western Athletic; and West Coast. The Conferences in bold above have provided the strongest golf teams in recent years.

Eugene CC NCAA Photo 1

Eugene Country Club, Oregon – Host of the 2016 NCAA DI Championships

The Conferences and Divisions hold various regional and a few select national competitions throughout the Fall and Spring seasons. Five man teams compete for each college with additional team members playing individually sometimes. It’s normally four scores from five to count in 54 hole team events.

From October onwards GolfStat – the main provider of college golf scores and statistics – and GolfWeek/Sagarin publish Divisional rankings for the Teams and Individuals based on that season’s performances.

These events and rankings are followed closely and set the scene for the NCAA finals series – Conference championships precede four Women’s and six Men’s Regionals that are then followed by a National Championship – the latter taking place annually in May. Different courses are used each year by the NCAA.

Finals are held for each Division but the Division I events are clearly the US College Majors. The NCAA Division I Championships are now given TV coverage by the Golf Channel in the USA.

The winners of each Conference are granted automatic entry to the Regional Championships.

The GolfStat and Golfweek/Sagarin rankings are then used by the NCAA Golf Committee to select the other Teams and Individuals that will participate in the Regionals.

The 2016 Women’s NCAA Regionals were completed between 5^th – 7^th May. The six leading teams at each Regional qualified for the National finals. The three leading Individuals, not in one of these teams, at each one also advanced. Four leading GB&I players, three of whom have been selected for next month’s Curtis Cup are safely through to the National Finals – Bronte Law (UCLA), Leona Maguire (Duke), Elizabeth Mallett (North Carolina) and Charlotte Thomas (Washington). Two other Curtis Cup players, Meghan MacLaren (FIU) and Alice Hewson (Clemson), failed to progress either with their teams or individually.

Eugene CC NCAA Photo 2

Eugene Country Club, Oregon – Host of the 2016 NCAA DI Championships

The NCAA Committee announced their 2016 Men’s participants on 5^th May, allocating 81 teams to this year’s six NCAA Division I Regional Championship venues. The College Teams are seeded so that the better ones are largely separated out from each other. Going into the 2016 Regionals the highest ranked Men’s Teams are Stanford, USC, Illinois, Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma State.

The 2016 Men’s Regionals will be played between 16-18^th May at the following courses with the allocated number of Teams / Individuals as shown: –

Gallery GC, Tucson, Arizona – 14 / 5
UNM, Alberquerque, New Mexico – 14 / 5
Blackwolf Run, Kohler, Wisconsin – 13 / 10
Ol’Colony Golf Complex, Tuscalossa, Alabama – 13 / 10
Vanderbilt Legends Club, Nashville, Tennesse – 13 / 10
Karsten Creek, Stillwater, Oklahoma – 14 / 5

The five teams with the lowest team scores at each of the Men’s Regional qualifiers progress to the National championships. The player, not affiliated with one of the successful Teams, with the lowest score at each qualifier also advances to the Championship and plays in the Individual event. If you do the maths you will calculate 30 teams of five players plus six individuals means a total field of 156 players compete in the Men’s Finals.

In 2015 the Finals were played at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida. For the first time the women’s event preceded the men’s on the same course. This year the two Championships are being played at Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Oregon. The Women’s between 20^th– 25th May and the Men’s between 27^th May – 1^st June.

Both Championships consist of 54-holes of stroke play before a cut is made. Thereafter the top 15 teams and nine individuals not on an advancing team play a final 18 holes. The results from these 72-holes will determine both the Individual Champion and the top eight teams that will advance to the Team match play stage. The Team Champions, which is the primary focus of the NCAA, is then finalised on the final two days of competition.

Stanford and Louisiana State University won the Division I Women’s and Men’s Championship’s respectively in 2015.

LSU NCAA DI Champions 2015

LSU Men’s Team Celebrate Their 2015 NCAA DI Victory

Emma Talley (Alabama) and Bryson DeChambeau of Southern Methodist University (SMU) won the 2015 Individual stroke play titles.

I will once again be doing my best to follow and report on the Women’s Nationals and the Men’s Regionals and Nationals in the coming weeks.

The Lytham Trophy – 2016 Preview & Results

Posted on 24/04/2016 by Golf Bible

1st May 2016

UPDATE

Alfie Plant won the Lytham Trophy today by 7-shots helped in no small part by a superb level par final round of 70.

Alfie Plant Lytham Trophy 2016 Photo 2

Alfie Plant (Photo: Darren Plant)

Click this link to view the final Lytham Trophy scores – Results

Click this link to view Sunday’s Lytham Trophy start sheet – Rds 3 & 4 Draws

Rd 4 – Alfie Plant won the Lytham Trophy by 7-shots after a superb final round 70 (E). Bradley Moore (79 +11) who led by 2-shots with 9 holes to play, fell away but still finished in a very creditable tie for 2nd place (4th on countback). He was joined on +11 by France’s Ugo Coussard (2nd) and Jamie Savage (3rd).

Rd 3 – Bradley Moore (72, 68, 72 +2) moved into pole position after out scoring Alfie Plant (67, 73, 74 +4) and final day playing partner James Walker (74, 66, 79 +9). Scotland’s Jamie Savage (73, 71, 73 +7) moved into position to spoil the English party on Sunday morning.

Rd 2 – James Walker (74, 66 E), Bradley Moore (72, 68 E) and Alfie Plant (67, 73 E) will take a 2-shot lead over Sandy Scott (70,72 +2) into Sunday’s final 36-holes. Walker birdied four holes on the front nine before paring in for an exceptional 66 on Day 2.

Rd 1 – Alfie Plant (67 / -3), benefitting from a late 3.20pm tee time, took the early lead in the Lytham Trophy. Jamie Li (69 / -1) was the only other player to finish Day 1 under par.

24th April 2016

The Lytham Trophy, played annually at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C., is the first major event in the Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) men’s amateur golf season.

In 2015 the Scratch Players World Amateur Ranking (SPWAR) ranked it the 14th most important amateur competition in the world based on the strength of it’s field. It ranked 3rd in GB&I behind the Amateur Championship and the St. Andrews Links Trophy.

The famous links course certainly presents a stern test. Playing off the blue championship tees competitors have to meet a 7,118 yard par 70 challenge; the front nine being 3,437 yards, a par 34, and the back nine being 3,681 yards, a par 36.

The Lytham Trophy is a 72-hole stroke play event. 18 holes are played on the first two days before a top 40 and ties cut is made. 36-holes are then played on the final day by the leading competitors.

In the event of a tie for the lowest score there is a 3-hole stroke play play-off on holes 1, 2 and 18. If a winner still hasn’t been determined then the play-off moves to sudden death over the same holes. The Winner receives a silver replica of the Lytham Trophy.

Lytham Trophies

The Lytham Trophy and the Winner’s Replica (Photo: Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C.)

The 2016 Lytham Trophy

This year’s Lytham Trophy will be played between Friday 29th April and Sunday 1st May 2016.

144 scratch golfers from 21 different countries have paid the £90 entry fee and will tee off in what will be the 52nd playing of this prestigious competition. Most of GB&I’s leading amateur golfers will be competing.

The 2016 start sheet for Rounds 1 and 2 is here – Lytham Trophy Start Sheet.

Here is a list of players showing some early season form and as such who I expect to do well this week: –
John Axelsen (DEN) – Arrives in form like Marcus Kinhult last year, T4 Junior Invitational.
Jamie Bower (ENG) – 2016 Gauteng North Am & Southern Cape Open Winner.
Owen Edwards (WAL) – 2016 Spanish Int Am medallist, European Nations T2, Portuguese Int Am T4.
Mattias Eggenberger (SUI) – 13th in 2014 and 16th in 2015. 2016 R&A Scholars Champion.
Grant Forrest (SCO) – 2016 Battle Trophy, T9 African Amateur.
Scott Gregory (ENG) – 2nd Spanish Int Am.
Josh Hilleard (ENG) – 2016 Berkhamsted Trophy, Faldo Series Wales, Hampshire Salver, West of England winner.
Jack Hume (IRE) – 2016 South African SP Champion & European Nations Winner.
Robert MacIntyre (SCO) – 2016 Scottish Champion of Champions Winner.
Dermot McElroy (IRE) – 7th in 2014 and 10th in 2015.
Bradley Moore (ENG) – 8th in 2015. Never finishes outside the Top 10 in any SP event !
Craig Ross (SCO) – 2016 South African Am Champion.
Marcus Svensson (SWE) – 2015 British Boys Am Champion, T9 Junior Invitational.
Connor Syme (SCO) – 2016 Australia Am Champion.
Ashton Turner (ENG) – 7th in 2015. 2016 European Nations T9.
Jonathan Yates (IRE) – 2016 West of Ireland Champion.
Jack Yule (ENG) – 2016 Portuguese Int Am T9, Italian Int Am T2.

Guido Migliozzi (ITA) has withdrawn having been offered an amateur invitation to the Challenge de Madrid event on the European Challenge Tour. Two of Europe’s other leading amateurs Mario Galliano (ESP) and Ivan Cantero Gutierrez (ESP) are also playing in Spain next weekend.

Weather Forecast (updated daily ahead of play commencing)

The weather forecast (@ Thursday 28th April, 9.00 pm) has generally deteriorated as the week has progressed with Friday and Sunday now looking particularly cold and wet.

Fri 29th April – Heavy Showers. Wind 25 mph W. Temp. Max. 8°C / Min 5°C.
Sat 30th April – Sunny Intervals. Wind 15 mph NW. Temp. Max. 13°C / Min 6°C.
Sun 1st May – Heavy Rain. Wind 15 mph SW. Temp. Max. 11°C / Min 7°C.

Like The Open players will tee off between 7.30am and 3.30pm on Friday and Saturday so the weather may very well play a big part in scoring.

Betting Odds

Ireland’s Jack Hume is the favourite with the bookmakers.

Click on the links below to view the current betting odds (which will be removed when play starts): –

Sky Bet – Outright Winner Odds

Paddy Power – Outright Winner Odds

Sky Bet Leading Ante Post Betting Odds

Each Way Terms 1/4 places 1,2,3,4,5.
All bets to be placed before 8.00am on Friday 29th April 2016.

The 2015 Lytham Trophy

Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult won the 2015 Lytham Trophy by 8-shots. In testing conditions he shot rounds of 68, 69, 71 and 72 to finish on Even par and comfortably hold off Richard James (WAL), Robin Roussel (FRA) and Cormac Sharvin (IRE), who all tied for second place on +8.

Marcus Kinhult Lytham Trophy

Marcus Kinhult – 2015 Winner (Photo: GolfChannel.com)

Highlights of the 2015 Lytham Trophy (© Golfing World)

History, Past Winners and Records

The competition was first played in 1965 after the Club identified a need for another top class amateur competition and one that was in the North of England.

A date on the first weekend in May was established and a 72 hole stroke play format adopted.

Member’s subscribed to purchase a unique sputnik trophy. This does not leave the Club with a smaller replica issued annually to that year’s winner.

As one would expect the list of past winner’s is a who’s who of GB&I and more recently world amateur golf.

Of the older winners the most notable are: –
Michael Bonallack – 1965(s), 1972
Rodney Foster – 1967, 1968
Geoffrey Marks – 1970(s)
Charles Green – 1970(s), 1974
Michael King – 1973
Peter McEvoy – 1978
Ian Hutcheon – 1980
Roger Chapman – 1981
John Hawksworth – 1984
Paul Broadhurst – 1988
Gary Evans – 1990, 1991
Graham Rankin – 1997

In 2004 21 year old James Heath won with a record score of 266 (-18), recording rounds of 67, 68, 66, and 65. No one else has ever come close to this mark before or after. The next best scores being Daan Huizing’s 273 in 2013 and Richard McEvoy’s 276 in 2001. Garth McGimpsey, the then Walker Cup captain, described Heath’s performance as ‘the best amateur golf I’ve ever seen’.

In 1999 the Lytham Trophy was won by Tino Schuster, the first time a non-GB&I player had been successful.

The last six winners show just how international the amateur game has become as well as the increasing attraction of the Lytham Trophy beyond these shores: –
Paul Cutler – 2010 (Irish)
Jack Senior – 2011 (English)
Daan Huizing – 2012 (Dutch)
Albert Eckhardt – 2013 (Finnish)
Thriston Lawrence – 2014 (South African)
Marcus Kinhult – 205 (Sweden)

The Royal Lytham website lists all of the Past Winners and their Scores.

ME.

The Peter McEvoy Trophy – 2016 Preview & Results

Posted on 10/04/2016 by Golf Bible

1st May 2016

Here is the Golfing World highlights video of the 2016 Peter McEvoy Trophy.

14th April 2016

UPDATE

15 year old Irishman Mark Power won the 2016 Peter McEvoy Trophy at Copt Heath G.C. with rounds of 70, 68, 71, 68 and a 277 (-7) total.

Mark Power McEvoy Trophy 2016

Mark Power with Peter McEvoy (Photo: GolfBible)

For me the key hole in Mark’s final round was the 14th, a short par 4. He somewhat carelessly drove into the front bunker, chipped out well but then holed a 20ft putt to take a 2-shot lead and some breathing room into the finishing holes. I managed to capture it on video.

.@GUIGolf's @MarkPower68 splashed out of the front bunker on 14 and holed his birdie putt (-7). #McEvoyTrophy pic.twitter.com/ySUWVWLOTb

— Golf Bible (@GolfBible) April 14, 2016

Prior to the 2016 McEvoy Trophy Mark Power had no WAGR ranking and was outside the Top 1,500 in the SPWAR. Following his win he moved up to 1,499 in the SPWAR and was awarded 4,606th spot by the WAGR the following week.

On the back of this performance I think it is is safe to predict a rapid rise up both rankings in the months ahead.

RESULTS

The Peter McEvoy Trophy – 2016 Results

DRAW SHEETS

The Peter McEvoy Trophy – 13/04/16 Rds 1 & 2 Draw

The Peter McEvoy Trophy – 14/04/16 AM Rd 3 Draw

The Peter McEvoy Trophy – 14/04/16 PM Rd 4 Draw

___________________________________________

10th April 2016

The 2016 Peter McEvoy Trophy will be contested on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th April at Copt Heath Golf Club in Solihull, England.

Marco Penge PM 2015

Marco Penge, 2015 Winner, With Peter McEvoy (Photo: GolfBible)

Background

Legendary British Amateur golfer Peter McEvoy OBE has been a member of Copt Heath for 50 years. If you would like to learn more about his career then click this link for my profile – Peter McEvoy.

Following Peter’s Amateur Championship victories in 1977 and 1978 Copt Heath invited him to suggest a way in which the Club could commemorate his achievements. He suggested a 72 hole boys competition to be held annually at Copt Heath.

PM Amateur Champion

Peter McEvoy – 1977 Amateur Champion at Ganton GC

Starting in 1981, The Peter McEvoy Trophy was originally held during the August summer holidays. In 1985, at the request of the English Golf Union (now England Golf), it was moved to April, where it has stayed ever since. This request was prompted by a need for an early season national competition to assist them with the selection of their team ahead of the Home Internationals and European Championships held later in the year.

As Peter McEvoy’s playing achievements and influence grew, culminating with him becoming a Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) Men’s selector and Walker Cup captain, so has the prestige of the competition. Of course having a stellar past winner’s list also adds gravitas to the competition. The McEvoy is without question one of the “must enter” Junior Majors.

Peter McEvoy is the current Chairman of Selectors and Team Manager for the R&A’s GB&I Boys U18 Team. As such he will again lead GB&I in this year’s Jacques Leglise Trophy match against the Continent of Europe at Princes G.C. on 26-27 August.

Competition Format

The McEvoy Trophy is contested over 72 holes of scratch stroke play golf played over two consecutive days by Under 18 Boys (U18 on 1st January of that year’s competition). An Entry Fee of £40.00 is charged.

PM Trophy

The Peter McEvoy Trophy (Photo: GolfBible)

The format, limited daylight and the greater risk of poor weather in April means the field is sensibly restricted. Historically 72 players, albeit this year 75 are being accommodated – see below. A handicap ballot is applied to the entrants in what is always an oversubscribed event. The cut-off handicap in 2016 was +0.4, slightly higher than has been seen in recent years.

All competitors play the first 36 holes on Day 1, playing in group’s of three. The leading 40 players (and ties) then return for the final 36-holes on the following day, which is played in two-balls. A two tee start is used on both days.

In the event of a tie the result is decided by a ‘sudden death’ play-off, utilising holes 18, 1 and 9.

Due to unprecedented levels of rainfall in the Midlands it is almost certain that Preferred Lies will be in operation this year. Despite this the course is situated on a sandy sub-soil so drains well and should be reasonably well presented for such an early season date.

Live Scoring on the Club’s website – updated after each nine on Day 1 and more frequently for the leaders on Day 2 – makes it easy for family, friends and other interested observers to keep up to date.

Last year the event was filmed by Golfing World who I understand are returning to Copt Heath again this year. Take a look at their highlights package for the 2015 competition: –

Copt Heath Golf Club

Copt Heath Golf Club is the home of The Peter McEvoy Trophy. It is run by the Club and administered by their staff and member volunteers.

Copt Heath, despite its name, is essentially a parkland course. The current course was designed and built in 1913 by Harry Colt, the famous course architect, and is predominantly flat but well protected with around 95 bunkers.

CHGC Clubhouse

Copt Heath Golf Club (Photo: GolfBible)

The course measures 6,541 yards and has a par of 71, made up of 2 par 5’s, 13 par 4’s and 3 par 3’s. The front nine is shorter at 3,216 yards (par 35) but is tighter. The more expansive back nine is played over 3,325 yards (par 36).

Golfing World also did a profile piece on Copt Heath’s course last year, featuring interviews with honorary members Peter McEvoy and Claire Dowling, which you may like to watch: –

2016 Entrants & Draw

I mentioned above that Copt Heath had added three additional players to the field a few weeks ago. Amongst them are Darren HOWIE and Eric MACINTOSH from Scotland. With MacIntosh winning the Scottish Boys’ Amateur Championship yesterday this is now looking like an inspired decision. In fact Scotland are well represented with Jamie STEWART and Rory FRANSSEN arguably the standouts in a total party of nine.

As one would expect all seven of England’s Boys Squad are on show – Jake BENSON, Toby BRIGGS, Oliver CLARKE, Harry GODDARD, Matty LAMB, Rhys NEVIN -WHARTON and Arrun SINGH-BRAR. Matty Lamb, who finished 5th in 2014 and 4th in 2015, will clearly have to be respected. Arran Singh-Brar finished 6th on his second visit to Copt Heath last year so should arrive confident, as will Charlie STRICKLAND who debuted in 2015 with a creditable 5th place. John GOUGH, who played well at the French Boys Amateur last month, should also be worth watching out for.

Ireland are represented by John BRADY, Alan FAHY, Marc MCKINSTRY, Thomas MULLIGAN and Mark POWER. Big hitting Mulligan (-2) finished 3rd last year and there is little to suggest he won’t go close again this year.

There are three German players this year, Anton ALBERS, Rene SCHWENK and without question the most likely to feature Timo VAHLENKAMP who has previously shown form in other European events.

Unfortunately two of the leading GB&I players have chosen not to play this year. I guess there has to be sacrifices when trying to play a joint Men’s and Boy’s schedule. Marco PENGE, who was eligible to defend his title, chose not to enter whilst Sandy SCOTT originally entered but withdrew just a few weeks ago. I am disappointed not to see Sandy, who finished 22nd last year, as there has never been a Scottish winner of The McEvoy and he would certainly have been amongst the favourites this week.

Weather Forecast

There is likely to be some rain during the competition but generally speaking it will be dry with little wind. With a wettish course some low scores could be in order.

Wednesday: Sunny, PM Showers (20%). Wind 5 mph N. Temp. H 13°c / L 7°c
Thursday: Sunny, PM Showers (30%). Wind 10pm NW. Temp. H 12°c / L 7°c

Past Winners

The Peter McEvoy Trophy has an enviable list of former winners, reflecting both the quality of the annual entry but also the fair challenge presented by the course. Two Winners Boards adorn the entrance hall to the club.

PM Trophy Board 1 Peter McEvoy Trophy Winners Board 2015

The McEvoy Trophy Winner Boards (Photos: GolfBible)

A number of the players in the full list of past winners below have gone on to play in the Walker Cup and many more have enjoyed successful professional careers: –

1981 Rob Sallis (Wollaton Park)
1982 Jeremy Robinson (Woodhall Spa)
1983 Peter Baker (Lilleshall)
1984 Wayne Henry (Redbourn)
1985 A Morley (Belton Park)
1986 Cameron Mitchell (Copt Heath)
1987 Wayne Henry (Porters Park)
1988 Peter Sefton (Camberley Heath)
1989 David Bathgate (Sandiway)
1990 Paul Sherman (Ashford)
1991 Lee Westwood (Worksop)

PM Lee Westwood

Lee Westwood with the McEvoy Trophy in 1991 (Photo: Copt Heath GC)

1992 Brian Davis (East Herts)
1993 Steve Webster (Atherstone)
1994 Jamie Harris (Nevill)
1995 Carl Duke (Porters Park)
1996 Mark Pilkington (Nefyn & District)
1997 Philip Rowe (West Cornwall)
1998 Justin Rose (North Hants)

PM Justin Rose

Justin Rose with the McEvoy Trophy in 1998 (Photo: Copt Heath GC)

[In 2013 Justin Rose became the first McEvoy Trophy winner to win a Major Championship, when he won the U.S. Open at Merion GC.]

1999 David Porter (Stoneham)
2000 Zane Scotland (Woodcote Park)
2001 Ben Harvey (Dudsbury)
2002 Matthew Richardson (Pinner Hill)
2003 Tommy Hunter (Ilford)
2004 John Parry (Harrogate)
2005 Tom Sherreard (The Ridge)
2006 Luke Goddard (Hendon)
2007 Matt Haines (Rochester & Cobham Park)
2008 Stiggy Hodgson (Sunningdale)
2009 Max Smith (Newbury Racecourse)
2010 Rhys Pugh (Vale of Glamorgan)
2011 Nathan Kimsey (Woodhall Spa)
2012 Gavin Moynihan (The Island)
2013 Bradley Moore (Kedleston Park)
2014 Haydn McCullen (Delamere Forest)
2015 Marco Penge (Golf at Goodwood)

The Winner receives a small replica salver and a voucher for £250. A total prize fund of around £1,000 is shared out amongst those players finishing in the Top 8 places (and ties).

McEvoy Trophy Records

Most Wins – 2 Wayne Henry (1984 Redbourn / 1987 Porters Bar)

Wayne Henry pictured with Seve Ballesteros at the 1984 Open at St. Andrews

Youngest Winners
Wayne Henry 15 years [exact birthday not known] (1984)
Bradley Moore 15 years, 7 months and 15 days (2013)
Mark Power 15 years, 10 months and 6 days (2015)

Lowest 72-hole winning score
272 – John Parry 2004 (68, 68, 68, 68)
272 – Nathan Kimsey 2011 (69, 67, 69, 67)
272 – Marco Penge 2015 (65, 71, 70, 66)

Highest 72-hole winning score
300 – J Harris 1994 (73, 75, 75, 77)

Lowest 18 hole score
61 – Dermot McElroy 2011 (Course Record)

Best McEvoy Trophy Record
Bradley Moore (Keddleston Park) – 4th (283 -1, 2012), 1st (287 +3, 2013), 2nd (281 -3, 2014), 2nd (280 -4, 2015).

Notable Former Competitors

In addition to the winners listed above many other notable amateur and now professional golfers have competed over the years.

These include (in alphabetical order) Jamie Bower, James Byrne, Stuart Cage, Paul Casey, Ashley Chesters, Lee Corfield, Mark Crossfield (@4golfonline), Paul Cutler, Joe Dean, Nick Dougherty, Luke Donald, Bradley Dredge, Scott Drummond, Paul Dunne, Simon Dyson, Greg Eason, Jamie Elson, Oliver Farr, Kenneth Ferrie, Oliver Fisher, Tommy Fleetwood, Mark Foster, Ewen Ferguson, Grant Forrest, Tyrrell Hatton, David Horsey, David Howell, Jack Hume, Simon Hurd, Andrew Johnston, Simon Khan, Nathan Kimsey, Tom Lewis, David Lynn, Nick Marsh, Dermot McElroy, Ross McGowan, Robert MacIntyre, John Morgan, James Morrison, Jimmy Mullen, Bradley Neil, Max Orrin, John Parry, Jim Payne, Eddie Pepperell, Van Phillips, Garrick Porteous, Iain Pyman, Robert Rock, Philip Rowe, Jamie Savage, Chris Selfridge, Jack Senior, Callum Shinkwin, Lee Slattery, Jordan Smith, Michael Stewart, Andy Sullivan, Graeme Storm, Connor Syme, Ashton Turner, Sam Walker, Anthony Wall, Danny Willett, Oliver Wilson, Tom Whitehouse and Chris Wood.

ME.

The Masters – Amateur Records

Posted on 07/04/2016 by Golf Bible

Last Updated 13th April 2026

Amateur Playing Records At The Masters

No amateur has ever won The Masters.

On three occasions an amateur has finished 2^nd: –
Frank STRANAHAN (USA) – 1947. A final round 68 saw Stranahan come through the field ultimately finishing 2-shots behind champion Jimmy Demeret.
Ken VENTURI (USA) – 1956. A final round 80 in windy conditions saw Venturi lose a 4-shot lead and finish second by 1-shot to Jack Burke.
Charlie COE (USA) – 1961. Like Stranahan Coe finished fast with a 69 and a record amateur score of -7. He ended up tied for second with Arnold Palmer with neither able to catch a faltering Gary Player (74 / -8 total).

Billy Joe PATTON (USA) finished 3^rd in 1954 but perhaps came closest to delivering an amateur Masters victory. A hole-in-one on the 6^th in the final round put him nicely in the lead but a bogey on 12 and a double on 13, when he went for the green in two and found water, saw him slip out of a play-off with Sam Snead and Ben Hogan by 1-shot.

In 1961, for the only time, three amateurs finished in the Top 15 – Charlie COE (USA, T2), Jack NICKLAUS (USA, T7) and Robert W. GARDNER (USA, T11).

In 1954 five Amateurs finished in the Top 20 – Billy Joe PATTON (USA, 3rd), Richard CHAPMAN (USA,11th), Ken VENTURI (USA, T16) and Charlie COE and E. Harvie WARD (both USA, T20)

The last Top 10 finish by an amateur was Charlie COE’s T9 in 1962.

Charlie COE (USA) holds most of the Amateur records at Augusta, including Most Low Amateur Honours (6 in 1949-51-59-61-62-70), Best Finish (T2), Top 10s (3), Most Cuts Made (8), Most Starts (19), Most Rounds Played (67) and Rounds At Par or Better (22).

In more recent times the best amateur finish has been Tied 13^th – Casey WITTENBERG (USA, 2004) and Ryan MOORE (USA, 2005) both achieved this result. Other notable recent finishes include Sam BENNETT (USA, 2023) Tied 16th and Matt KUCHER‘s (USA, 1998) and Bryson DECHAMBEAU‘s (USA, 2017) Tied 21^st results.

The reigning U.S. Mid-Amateur champion was first invited to compete at The Masters in 1989. In 2017 Stewart HAGESTAD (USA) became the first and to date only recipient of this invite to make the cut. His opening rounds of 74 and 73 (+3) saw him comfortably qualify for the weekend in tied 19th position. Hagestad went on to secure low amateur honours finishing tied 36th on +6. Other mid-amateurs (over 25) had previously made the cut at The Masters – Jim HOLTGRIEVE and Jay SIGEL in 1982 and 1988 respectively – but neither were playing at that time on the official Mid-Amateur champion’s exemption.

13 former amateur competitors have gone on to win The Masters as pros; these include Jack NICKLAUS (6), Tom WATSON (2), Tiger WOODS (5), Jose Maria OLAZABAL (2), Phil MICKELSON (3), Ben CRENSHAW (2) and Cary MIDDLECOFF, Charles COODY, Tommy AARON, Craig STADLER, Mark O’MEARA, Trevor IMMELMAN, Sergio GARCIA and Hideki MATSUYAMA with one each.

From this group seven low amateur Silver Cup winners have completed a memorable double by also winning The Masters. These are Cary MIDDLECOFF, Jack NICKLAUS, Ben CRENSHAW, Tiger WOODS, Phil MICKELSON, Sergio GARCIA and Hideki MATSUYAMA.

The 2026 Masters Journal

Hole-In-One’s By Amateurs

Amateur Ross SOMERVILLE (USA) recorded the first hole-in-one at the Masters.

The full list is:-
1934 – Ross SOMERVILLE (USA), 16th hole, 145 yards with a mashie niblick
1940 – Ray BILLOWS (USA), 16th hole, 145 yards with an 8-iron
1949 – John DAWSON (USA), 16th hole, 190 yards with a 4-iron
1954 – Billy Joe PATTON (USA), sixth hole, 190 yards with a 5-iron
1959 – William HYNDMAN (USA), 12th hole, 155 yards with a 5-iron

Amateur Scoring Records

Low 18 Holes score – 66 Ken VENTURI (1956, 32-34)

Low 36 Holes score – 135 Ken VENTURI (1956, 66-69)

Low 54 Holes score – 210 Ken VENTURI (1956, 66-69-75)

Low 72 Holes score – 281 Charles COE (1961, 72-71-69-69)

The Highest Round-by-Round scores are here:-
High Rd 1 score – 90 Chick EVANS (1960)
High Rd 2 score – 89 Chick EVANS (1960)
High Rd 3 score – 88 James FRISINA (1952)
High Rd 4 score – 95 Charles KUNKLE JR (1956)

Charles KUNKLE JR’s 95 is the highest official 18-hole score ever recorded at The Masters.

Low Front Nine – 32
Marvin WARD (1940 Rd 2), Billy Joe PATTON (1954 Rds 1 &4), Ken VENTURI (1956 Rd 1), Ben CRENSHAW (1973 Rd 2), Matt KUCHAR (1998 Rd 3), James DRISCOLL (2001 Rd 1), Sam BENNETT (2023 Rd 1).

Low Back Nine – 31
Casey WITTENBERG (2004 Rd 1), Romain LANGASQUE (2016 Rd 4).

Great British & Irish Amateurs At The Masters

C.G. STEVENS and C.T. WILSON were the first GB&I amateurs to compete in The Masters in the inaugural 1934 tournament. Stevens (82-81) withdrew after Round 2 whilst Wilson (80-83-80-79 = 322 +34) finished 59th.

Up until the 1970’s a number of GB&I amateurs were invited to play but the tournament wasn’t what it is today and therefore they declined, finding it hard to justify the time and expense.

Joe CARR (Ireland) was the first GB&I Amateur to make the cut at The Masters. A cut was only introduced in 1957. Rounds of 76, 74, 79 and 78 saw him finish 55^th in 1967. Carr was paired with defending champion Jack Nicklaus, who missed the cut after rounds of 72 and 79, on the opening two days.

Bobby Jones’ letter to Joe Carr in 1967 (Photo: Carr Family)

Peter MCEVOY (England) is the last GB&I Amateur to make the cut at The Masters. Rounds of 73, 75, 77 and 77 helped him to a 53^rd place finish in 1978.

Michael HOEY (Northern Ireland) and Matthew FITZPATRICK (England) have come closest to equalling McEvoy’s record. Both missed the cut by 1-shot, respectively in 2002 (75, 73) and 2014 (76, 73).

The lowest round shot by a GB&I Amateur at The Masters is a 1-under par 71 by James SUGRUE (Ireland, Rd 2 2020). Gary WOLSTENHOLME (England, Rd 1 1992) and Warren BLADON (England, Rd 2 1997) both have even par 72’s to their names.

In the modern qualification era only two GB&I amateurs have played in the same Masters. This was in 2014 when Garrick PORTEOUS (England) and Matt FITZPATRICK (England) competed, as the reigning British and U.S. Amateur champions respectively.

Non-USA Low Amateur Honours

The Masters has been played 90 times between 1934 and 2026, a few years being missed due to World War II. In all but 16 of these an Amateur has completed all four rounds. However, making the cut as an amateur is getting harder – 9 times over the last 20 years no amateur has made the cut.

The Low Amateur prize has been won by a Non-American only 7 times.

Manny ZERMAN (South Africa), who finished 59th on +6 was the first to achieve this feat in 1992.

Sergio GARCIA (Spain) and Matteo MANASSERO (Italy) have both won the Silver Cup. Garcia finished T38 (72, 75, 75, 73) in 1999 and Manassero T36 (71, 76, 73, 72) in 2010.

The other four overseas Low Amateur winners were: –
2011 – Hideki MATSUYAMA (Japan) -1 27^th
2013 – Guan TIANLANG (China) +12 58th
2014 – Oliver GOSS (Australia) +10 49^th
2019 – Viktor HOVLAND (Norway) -3 32nd

Romain LANGASQUE (France) made the cut in 2016 and in Rd. 4 shot 68, setting a new low score record for Continental European amateurs. However, Romain (+10) was beaten to the Silver Cup by Bryson DECHAMBEAU (USA) +5.

Prior to this Matteo MANASSERO had been the only Continental European amateur to break par in The Masters. He had a 71 in Rd 1 in 2009.

Youngest & Oldest

Guan TIANLANG (China) became the youngest player to participate in The Masters in 2013 – he was 14 years, 5 months and 17 days old. Guan went on to surprise the world by making the cut with opening rounds of 73 and 75 and by Sunday earning Low Amateur honours. Throughout the event he recorded no double-bogeys and had no three-putts.

Guan Tianlang (Photo: The Masters / Getty Images)

With regard to all Majors Young Tom MORRIS is the youngest ever champion – he was 14 years, 4 months and 25 days old when he played in the 1865 Open Championship.

Matteo MANASSERO (Italy) was the previous youngest Masters player when he competed in 2010 aged 16 years, 11 months and 23 days old.

Paul CHAPLET (Costa Rica), the Latin America Amateur champion and aged just 16, become the second youngest competitor in 2016.

The oldest amateur to play in the Masters was Chick EVANS (USA) who was 62 when he teed it up in 1953.

Prizes and Awards

The Low Amateur began receiving the Silver Cup in 1952. The Low Amateur also receives a gold medal and attends both the television and patron prize presentations.

Frank Stranahan’s 1953 Silver Cup (Photo: Green Jacket Auctions)

A Silver Medal has been presented to the amateur runner-up since 1954.

The Silver Cup and Medal prizes are only awarded if players make the cut and complete all four rounds.

In 1956 Amateur Ken VENTURI (USA) set the record for the Most Awards in a Single Masters – 7. He took home a silver medal for finishing overall second, the silver cup and a gold medal for being the Low Amateur, two crystal vases for leading after the first and second rounds, and two pairs of highball glasses for his eagle on the 13^th in Round 1 and at the 8^th in Round 2.

Recent Silver Cup Winners

2026 – Not awarded as no amateur made the cut.

2025 – Not awarded as no amateur made the cut.

2024 – Neal SHIPLEY (USA)

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2023 – Sam BENNETT (USA)

2022 – Not awarded as no amateur made the cut.

2021 – Not awarded as no amateur made the cut.

2020 – Andy OGLETREE (USA) finished tied 34th on 286 (-2).

2019 – Victor HOVLAND (NOR) finished tied 32nd on 285 (-3), just 10 strokes behind winner Tiger Woods.

Viktor Hovland (Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)

2018 – Doug GHIM (USA) finished tied 50th on 296 (+2). As the only amateur to make the cut Doug effectively secured the Silver Cup at the end of Round 2.

Doug Ghim Receives The Silver Cup From Fred Ridley (Photo: The Masters)

Par 3 Contest

The Masters Par 3 Contest has been won by an Amateur twice; in 1961 by Deane BEMAN and in 1964 by Labron HARRIS JR.

Amateurs have won the Crystal Pitcher prizes, awarded for the nearest the pin on each hole, on many of the Par 3 Contest holes.

Amateur Appearances

Including the 2026 Masters 470 different amateurs will have competed in the Tournament during it’s history.

11 amateurs competed in the first Masters, in 1934, along with 50 professionals.

The Most Amateurs in the Field record was set in 1966 when 26 competed.

The Fewest Amateurs in Field record was set in 1942 when just 2 competed.

Bobby JONES (USA), the amateur co-founder of the Masters played in the first 12 tournaments between 1934-48. His best finish was 13^th in 1934.

Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen 1934

Bobby Jones Tees Off On The 1st Hole At Augusta National

The Amateur Experience

Amateurs are given courtesy of the Club and course as soon as they have qualified for the Masters. Many visit and play Augusta on numerous occasions before Tournament week.

Dating right back to the start of The Masters in 1934 all of the amateur entrants have been invited, for a nominal fee, to stay in ‘The Crow’s Nest’. The Crow’s Nest is a communal accommodation that can sleep up to 5 set in the eaves of the Augusta National clubhouse. The Amateurs are the only competitors allowed to lodge on the grounds during Tournament week.

Ben Crenshaw takes you on a tour of a tiny, hidden corner of the Clubhouse. #themasters pic.twitter.com/gDkyEHrBvy

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 8, 2019

The Masters Video Tour Of The Crow’s Nest

Since 1948 an Amateur Dinner has been held in the clubhouse, mainly on the Monday evening, to honour that year’s amateur contestants. Originally suggested by Charlie Yates this Dinner actually started four years before the now far better known Masters Club (‘Champions’) Dinner. Unlike the Champions Dinner the Club selects the menu and pays for the event.

Bobby Jones attended his last Amateur Dinner in 1968 three years before he died.

Since 1994 the Amateur Dinner invitation list has been widened amongst the Club’s membership with around 100 guests attending nowadays. Guest speakers, including Sir Michael Bonallack and Mark O’Meara, have addressed the attendees.

Since 2015 the dinner has been held in The Founders Room which overlooks The Butler Cabin and the Par 3 Course.

The Amateur dinner has become an interactive experience in recent years with a video of each player being shown before each of them is invited to introduce themselves to the invited guests.

From 1959 the Masters Competition Committee started to look after the amateurs in the actual draw, pairing them with former champions, star players and if possible fellow countrymen. Nowadays the U.S. Amateur champion always plays with the reigning Masters champion in the opening two rounds.

ME.

Amateurs In The 2016 Masters

Posted on 03/04/2016 by Golf Bible

10th April 2016

UPDATE

Bryson DECHAMBEAU lived up to his star billing and won the Silver Cup. Rounds of 72, 72, 77 and 72 saw him finish on +5 and a creditable Tied 22nd.

Bryson DeChambeau Masters 2016

Bryson DeChambeau Receives The Silver Cup (Photo: Jon-Michael Sullivan)

France’s Romain LANGASQUE shot the lowest ever round by a European Amateur in Rd 4 – his 68, followed rounds of 74, 73, and 83. He finished on +10 for Tied 42nd. As the only other amateur to make the cut he won the Silver Medal.

Derek BARD (76, 77), Sammy SCHMITZ (81, 75), Cheng JIN (79, 78) and Paul CHAPLET (83, 82) all missed the cut.

______________________________________________

3rd April 2016

There will be six amateurs competing at this week’s Masters. The 2016 intake will take the total number of amateurs who have competed in the tournament to 415.

Masters 2016 Journal

The Masters Tournament – 2016 Journal

Listed below are all of the potential eligibility routes to The Masters for amateurs and the 2016 beneficiaries (where applicable): –

Current U.S. Amateur champion (honorary, non-competing after one year*)
Bryson DECHAMBEAU (United States) won the 2015 U.S. Amateur at Olympia Fields C.C. last August.

DeChambeau was just the fifth golfer in history to win the Individual title at the NCAA Division I Championship and follow it up with the U.S. Amateur Championship a few months later.

He has made a big noise in golf since becoming U.S. Amateur champion and it will be interesting to see how he goes at the Masters. He plans to turn pro at the RBC Heritage Classic at Hilton Head the week immediately after his Augusta experience.

Current Amateur Rankings – SPWAR 1 / WAGR 3.

Bryson DeChambeau US Amateur 2015

Bryson DeChambeau (Photo: USGA)

Current U.S. Amateur runner-up
Derek BARD (United States) lost the U.S. Amateur final 7&6 to DeChambeau but gained the consolation of an invitation to The Masters.

Bard is a Junior at the University of Virginia. He has won once this season at the U.S. Collegiate in October and more recently has had two Top 5’s in March; at the Palmetto Invite (71-65-71, -3 5th) and the Linger Longer Invitational (68-71-71, -6 4th).

Current Amateur Rankings – SPWAR 13 / WAGR 25.

Derek Bard

Derek Bard (Photo: USGA)

Current British Amateur champion (honorary, non-competing after one year*)
Romain LANGASQUE (France) won the 2015 Amateur Championship at Carnoustie last June.

The 20 year old Amateur champion seems to be going from strength to strength in recent weeks winning the Spanish Amateur, coming second at the Barclays Kenya Open on the European Challenge tour and then earlier this week defeating DeChambeau 4&3 in The Georgia Cup challenge match.

He also plans to turn pro straight after the Masters – few would doubt he is ready.

Current Amateur Rankings – SPWAR 5 / WAGR 7.

Romain Langasque Amateur 2015 Photo 2

Romain Langasque (Photo: Getty Images)

Current Asia-Pacific Amateur champion (since 2014)
Cheng JIN (China) won the 2015 Asia-Pacific at the Clearwater Bay G.&C.C. in Hong Kong last October. A first round 62 (-8) set him up for a famous victory.

Jin was 18 on 6th March but has been making a name for himself for a few years now. He won a PGA Tour China pro tournament in 2014 and has impressed when given invitations to play in both Asia and European Tour events in recent months.

He will become the second Chinese player to compete in The Masters and no one would be surprised to see him making the cut like Tianlang Guan did back in 2013.

Current Amateur Rankings – SPWAR 16 / WAGR19.

Cheng Jin Asia-Pacific 2015

Cheng Jin (Photo: APAC)

Past Asia-Pacific champions invited to the following year’s Master’s include: –
2009 Chang-Won Han (Korea)
2010 Hideki Matsuyama (Japan)
2011 Hideki Matsuyama (Japan)
2012 Tianlang Guan (China)
2013 Chang-Woo Lee (Korea)
2014 Antonio Murdaca (Australia)

Current Latin America Amateur champion (since 2015)
Paul CHAPLET (Costa Rica) won the 2016 Latin America Amateur in January at the Casa de Campo Resort in the Dominicon Republic.

Despite winning the Costa Rican National Junior Championship in both 2014 and 2015 16 year old Chaplet was something of a surprise winner of the 2016 Latin American Amateur. The second youngest player in the field he was ranked 834th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking at the start of play in January.

He will easily be the youngest player at this year’s Masters.

Current Amateur Rankings – SPWAR 380 / WAGR 441.

Paul Chaplet (Photo: LAAC)

Matias Dominguez (Chile) won the inaugural Latin America Amateur at Pilar G.C. in Argentina, thus gaining entry to the 2015 Masters.

Current U.S. Mid-Amateur champion
Sammy SCHMITZ (United States) won the U.S. Mid-Amateur (over 25’s) at John’s Ireland Club in Florida last October. A hole-in-one on a par 4 normally gets the job done. It certainly did for Schmitz (35) on the final hole of last year’s championship.

Schmitz was a 3-time All-American at St. John’s University before moving to Florida to pursue his pro ambitions. It didnt work out so he regained his amateur status and now works in the healthcare industry back home in River Falls, Minnesota.

Current Amateur Rankings – SPWAR 509 / WAGR 2,535.

Sammy Schmitz 2016 US Mid-Amateur

Sammy Schmitz (Photo: USGA)

The first 12 players, including ties, from the previous year’s Masters
Last year none of the 7 amateurs who competed made the cut so no one has taken advantage of a return trip.

The 2015 amateur scores were: –
Corey CONNERS (Canada) 80 69
Byron METH (United States) 74 76
Anthonio MURDACA (Australia) 78 73
Matias DOMINGUEZ (Chile)           76 76
Scott HARVEY (United States) 76 81
Bradley NEIL (Scotland)                 78 79
Gunn YANG (South Korea)             85 74

The first 4 players, including ties, from the previous year’s other Majors, the U.S. Open, the British Open and the U.S. P.G.A. Championship

No amateurs were able to take advantage of this exemption criteria last year although at The Open Championship at St. Andrews they were queuing up to try.

The low amateur at the 2015 U.S. Open was Brian Campbell (United States) +5 T27.

The low amateur at the Open Championship was Jordan Niebrugge (United States) -11 T6. Oliver Schniederjans (United States) and Ashley Chesters (England) -9 T12 as well as Paul Dunne (Ireland) -6 T30 were also noteworthy.

No amateurs compete in the U.S. P.G.A. Championship.

Prior to this year the Current U.S. Public Links champion also earned a berth. The U.S.G.A. decided to discontinue the Championship in 2015 and as a result Byron Meth was the last player to gain an exemption via this route.

* Honorary, non-competing after one year invitations are awarded to the U.S. Amateur and British Amateur champions. In other words they are invited to play in the tournament the following year after their Amateur victory (so long as they remain amateurs) but then are also invited annually to attend the tournament as guests of the Club.

ME.

The Home of Great British & Irish Amateur Golf