Left to right: David Morgan, Finn Watson, Nolan Haynes
Rising Sun, Md. — On a gray, rainy day at Chesapeake Bay Golf Club, over 100 golfers teed it up in pursuit of 12 qualifying spots and two alternate positions for the 125th U.S. Amateur Championship. With just two players finishing under par, the par-71 (6986 yds) layout proved to be a true test of grit and patience.
Ryan Coughlin of White Plains, N.Y., led the field with a standout 4-under-par 67, followed by Avery Mahoney of Canada, who carded a strong 3-under-par 68. Coughlin and Mahoney were the only two players to break par on the day.
Five players finished at even-par 71, punching their ticket to final qualifying:
Ryan Thomas – Shrewsbury, Pa.
James Key – Jupiter, Fla.
Jonathan Elkins – South Deerfield, Mass.
Matthew Bassler – Severna Park, Md.
Patrick McCormick – Bethesda, Md.
Eight players finished at 1-over-par 72, sending them to an exciting 8-for-5 playoff for the final qualifying spots and alternate positions. The playoff began on the 419-yard par-4 10th hole.
Playoff Participants (+1):
George Williamson – Sykesville, Md.
Finn Watson – Arlington, Va.
Nolan Haynes – Barberton, Ohio
Aaron Sorkin – Westminster, Md.
David Morgan – Naples, Fla.
Aaron Weston – Bethesda, Md.
Matthew Monastero – Leesburg, Va.
Ryan Moylan – Vero Beach, Fla.
Playoff Results:
Qualified: Williamson, Watson, Haynes, Sorkin, and Morgan advanced with pars on the 10th hole.
1st Alternate: Ryan Moylan (bogey on 10, par on 3)
2nd Alternate: Aaron Weston (bogey on 10, bogey on 3)
Cut: Matthew Monastero (double bogey on 10)
The 12 qualifiers will now advance to one of 19 final qualifying sites, including The Club at P.B. Dye in Maryland, for a chance to compete in the 125th U.S. Amateur Championship at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, Calif., this August.
Special thanks to Chesapeake Bay Golf Club, its staff, and members for hosting a first-class qualifier despite the rain.
MSGA Mission
To serve, grow, and advance the game of golf in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
