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| Will Betts plays his approach on No. 1 (par 5, 511 yards) on the Old Course. |
*Photo gallery
*Scorecards
*William Hyndman, III Player of the Year Award standings
Betts, Sawin share medalist honors in U.S. Amateur Qual. at Stonewall
ELVERSON, Pa. — Will Betts, a 21 year old collegiate crusher from Leechburg, Pa., and John Sawin, a middle-amateur pursuing a passion around the country, carded respective 3-under 137 totals to share medalist honors in a U.S. Amateur Qualifier administered by the Golf Association of Association of Philadelphia at a scenic Stonewall Wednesday.
Both players grabbed two of six positions available for the Championship proper. Spring Mill Country Club’s Christopher Crawford and youngsters Isaiah Logue of Fairfield, Pa. and Henry Shimp of Charlotte, N.C. advanced in regulation. Lancaster Country Club’s David Denlinger edged Manufacturers Golf & Country Club’s Oliver White on the third playoff hole to claim the final qualifying spot.
The U.S. Amateur will take place Aug. 11-17 at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga.
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| John Sawin |
The co-medalists Wednesday eyed Stonewall for different reasons. A schedule conflict with a qualifier in Western Pennsylvania brought Betts, an incoming junior at the University of Hartford, to the links-style layout. Sawin, a Havertown, Pa. native, selected Stonewall as a stop on his summer tour.
You see, by virtue of his victory in the Stocker Cup a year ago, the Merion Golf Club member became a guest on the nationwide invitational list. He quit his job as an investment banker for Barclays in California earlier this year. Since March, he’s traveled the coastlines and competed in a dozen tournaments, including the GAP Middle-Amateur Championship and Northeast Amateur.
“It seemed like a good season to step aside and explore what the right balance of competitive golf is,” Sawin, who resides in San Francisco, Calif., said. “Part of it is seeing the country and playing in all of these great tournaments, and the other part is figuring out what the right fit is for the next big push in my career.”
Betts showed his road warrior colors by traveling roughly four hours to Stonewall yesterday. He only played 12 holes on the Old Course (par 70, 6,930 yards) and walked nine on the North (par 70, 6,711 yards).
“It was only the back nine [at the North Course] that I hadn’t seen, which ironically I played the best,” Betts, Longue Vue Club, said. “Sometimes I think ignorance is bliss. It’s nice to kind of not know what’s out there a little bit. [Caddie] Keith [Fry] kind of got me around.”
A birdie bonanza on that aforementioned nine elevated Betts onto the medalist platform. He knocked a lob wedge 95 yards to eight feet on No. 14 (par 4, 417 yards). A chip-in birdie out of the collection area to the right on No. 15 (par 4, 446 yards) moved Betts to 2 under. He capped the scintillating stretch by extracting a 5-iron from 207 yards out of a flyer lie to 15 feet.
Sawin, 29, seemed a bit more comfortable on the qualifying leaderboard at that point. He emerged as the 18-hole leader after carding a 2-under-par 68 on the Old Course in the morning. A rousing eagle on the par 5, 544-yard 11th hole there sparked his subpar steamroller. Sawin powered a 3-wood 260 yards to 12 feet. He moved to 2 under with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 13 (par 4, 485 yards) and 14 (par 4, 392 yards) — drilling an 8-iron 170 yards to four feet on the first, a gap wedge 130 yards downwind to 10 feet on the latter.
He then set sail to the North Course, pointing to a birdie on No. 16 (par 4, 469 yards) as another accelerant. Sawin flushed a 5-iron from 195 yards at the flagstick and swept in a three-footer. A two-putt from 10 feet following a brilliant 6-iron resulted in a birdie on No. 18 (par 5, 524 yards). The par 5, 496-yard No. 3 displayed a similar scene thanks to a 7-iron set-up. Sawin rifled a 9-iron to six inches on No. 4 (par 4, 429 yards) to make it a back-to-back affair. Betts, too, unearthed birdies on the North Course’s front nine; a tap-in on No. 3, a 9-iron into kick-in range on No. 6 (par 3, 146 yards) and a 6-iron 185 yards to seven feet on No. 7 (par 4, 455 yards).
Betts will compete in his first U.S. Amateur. This marks consecutive appearances for Sawin.
“I learned a ton being there last year — about the environment, the way they set up the golf courses, what the weaknesses in my game were,” Sawin, a Princeton University alum, said. “Hopefully I can draw on that experience and do some damage this year.”
And by qualifying Wednesday, Sawin, who won the Association's Silver Cross Award in 2005, sweetened an already spectacular summer of golf.
“It’s been better than I could have ever imagined when I started this journey,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed the competitive aspect of it. I’ve really enjoyed the travel, and my golf game has been really sharp.”
Golf Association of Philadelphia
Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional golf association in the United States and serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. Its 150 Member Clubs and 57,000 individual members are spread across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. As Philadelphia’s Most Trusted Source of Golf Information, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.
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Qualifiers
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|
Name,
city, state
|
Score
|
|
Will
Betts, Leechburg, Pa.
|
71(O)-66(N)–137
|
|
John
Sawin, San Francisco, Calif.
|
68(O)-69(N)–137
|
|
Christopher
Crawford, Bensalem, Pa.
|
72(N)-67(O)–139
|
|
Henry
Shimp, Charlotte, N.C.
|
70(N)-70(O)–140
|
|
Isaiah
Logue, Fairfield, Pa.
|
69(N)-71(O)–140
|
|
*David
Denlinger, Lancaster, Pa.
|
71(O)-70(N)–141
|
| |
|
Failed to qualify
|
|
Oliver
White, Lower Gwynedd, Pa.
|
73(O)-68(N)–141
|
|
Dylan
Newman, New Rochelle, N.Y.
|
69(O)-73(N)–142
|
|
Steve
Skurla, Villanova, Pa.
|
72(O)-71(N)–143
|
|
Cory
Siegfried, Wayne, Pa.
|
71(N)-72(O)–143
|
|
Chris Lange, Jr., Newtown Square, Pa.
|
70(O)-73(N)–143
|
|
Eric
Williams, Honesdale, Pa.
|
76(O)-68(N)–144
|
|
Matthew
Crescenzo, Cheltenham, Pa.
|
75(O)-69(N)–144
|
|
Mike
Moffat, Warrington, Pa.
|
71(O)-73(N)–144
|
|
Jalen
Griffin, Ambler, Pa.
|
71(N)-73(O)–144
|
|
Francis
Berthiaume, Valleyfield, QC
|
70(O)-74(N)–144
|
|
James
Kania, Haverford, Pa.
|
78(O)-67(N)–145
|
|
Nelson
Hargrove, Haverford, Pa.
|
76(O)-69(N)–145
|
|
Dan
Arison, Norristown, Pa.
|
73(O)-72(N)–145
|
|
Joe
Markmann, Doylestown, Pa.
|
73(N)-72(O)–145
|
|
Ben
Feld, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
|
75(O)-71(N)–146
|
|
Grant
Skyllas, Wyomissing, Pa.
|
75(O)-71(N)–146
|
|
Michael
Carr, East Norriton, Pa.
|
73(O)-73(N)–146
|
|
Xander
McDonald-Smith, Rockaway Park, N.Y.
|
73(N)-73(O)–146
|
|
Aaron
Fricke, Denver, Pa.
|
72(N)-74(O)–146
|
|
Zachary
Herr, New Hope, Pa.
|
78(O)-69(N)–147
|
|
Kyle
Martin, Maple Glen, Pa.
|
77(O)-70(N)–147
|
|
Carey
Bina, Villanova, Pa.
|
75(O)-72(N)–147
|
|
Jacob
Reilly, Hershey, Pa.
|
74(N)-73(O)–147
|
|
Cole
Willcox, Malvern, Pa.
|
73(N)-74(O)–147
|
|
Robby
Rowe, Lititz, Pa.
|
73(O)-74(N)–147
|
|
Troy
Vannucci, Marlton, N.J.
|
71(N)-76(O)–147
|
|
Clancy
Waugh, North Palm Beach, Fla.
|
75(O)-73(N)–148
|
|
Gregory
Goodreds, Hatboro, Pa.
|
74(N)-74(O)–148
|
|
David
Shields, Erdenheim, Pa.
|
73(O)-75(N)–148
|
|
R.J.
Wren, Morgantown, Pa.
|
71(N)-77(O)–148
|
|
Matt
Cocco, Churchville, Pa.
|
76(O)-73(N)–149
|
|
Mark
Coassolo, Macungie, Pa.
|
75(O)-74(N)–149
|
|
Charles
Hess, Orefield, Pa.
|
72(N)-77(O)–149
|
|
Alex
Blickle, Wernersville, Pa.
|
78(O)-72(N)–150
|
|
Paul
Mauer, Eagleville, Pa.
|
76(O)-74(N)–150
|
|
Brian
Hale, Middle Island, N.Y.
|
75(O)-75(N)–150
|
|
Marc
Oliveri, Jr., Lancaster, Pa.
|
75(N)-75(O)–150
|
|
Dave
Liotta, West Chester, Pa.
|
74(N)-76(O)–150
|
|
Vinay
Ramesh, Newtown, Pa.
|
73(N)-77(O)–150
|
|
Patrick
Ross, Dunmore, Pa.
|
71(N)-79(O)–150
|
|
Maxwell
Marsico, Las Vegas, Nev.
|
77(O)-74(N)–151
|
|
Cole
Berman, Rosemont, Pa.
|
74(N)-77(O)–151
|
|
Gary
McCabe, Collegeville, Pa.
|
73(N)-78(O)–151
|
|
Joseph
Fabrizio, Jr., West Chester, Pa.
|
78(N)-74(O)–152
|
|
Sean
Fahey, Villanova, Pa.
|
78(O)-74(N)–152
|
|
Geoffrey
Cooper, Erdenheim, Pa.
|
77(N)-75(O)–152
|
|
Braden
Shattuck, Aston, Pa.
|
75(O)-77(N)–152
|
|
Kevin
Kramarski, Palmyra, N.J.
|
74(N)-78(O)–152
|
|
Scott
McLaughlin, Hatboro, Pa.
|
73(N)-79(O)–152
|
|
Ben
Cooley, Rydal, Pa.
|
72(N)-80(O)–152
|
|
Brian
Gillespie, Wayne, Pa.
|
72(N)-80(O)–152
|
|
Brock
Kovach, Wyomissing, Pa.
|
72(N)-80(O)–152
|
|
William
Thornton, Wyomissing, Pa.
|
72(N)-80(O)–152
|
|
Elliott
Grayson, Shelby, N.C.
|
71(N)-81(O)–152
|
|
J.D.
Hughes, Carlisle, Pa.
|
78(N)-75(O)–153
|
|
Paul
Acierno, Flourtown, Pa.
|
78(O)-75(N)–153
|
|
Josh
Goheen, Greely, ON
|
77(O)-76(N)–153
|
|
Brandon
Roche, Burlington, N.J.
|
77(N)-76(O)–153
|
|
Nino
Rosal, Camden, Del.
|
75(N)-78(O)–153
|
|
Bob
Dyer, Easton, Pa.
|
75(N)-78(O)–153
|
|
Jake
Van Arkel, Haverford, Pa.
|
73(N)-80(O)–153
|
|
Blaine
Lafferty, Marlton, N.J.
|
83(O)-71(N)–154
|
|
Daniel
Furman, Blue Bell, Pa.
|
82(O)-72(N)–154
|
|
Ryan
Worthy, Chester Springs, Pa.
|
80(O)-74(N)–154
|
|
Kevin
Sarlo, Burlington, N.J.
|
79(O)-75(N)–154
|
|
David
West, Exton, Pa.
|
77(O)-77(N)–154
|
|
Ryan
Walker, St. Davids, Pa.
|
75(O)-79(N)–154
|
|
Russell
Hill, Bordentown, N.J.
|
75(N)-79(O)–154
|
|
Justin
Elwell, Sewell, N.J.
|
75(N)-79(O)–154
|
|
Kevin
Conners, Downingtown, Pa.
|
74(N)-80(O)–154
|
|
Scott
Forrester, Cheltenham, Pa.
|
73(N)-81(O)–154
|
|
Nicholas
Geiman, York, Pa.
|
80(O)-75(N)–155
|
|
Brendan
Worthy, Chester Springs, Pa.
|
78(N)-77(O)–155
|
|
James
Buckley, Greenwich, Conn.
|
78(N)-77(O)–155
|
|
Alexander
Dupre, Drexel Hill, Pa.
|
77(O)-78(N)–155
|
|
Paul
Yun, Wayne, Pa.
|
75(N)-80(O)–155
|
|
David
Hicks, Cape May Court House, N.J.
|
80(O)-76(N)–156
|
|
Michael
Kania, Haverford, Pa.
|
80(O)-76(N)–156
|
|
Zachary
Melnick, Blue Bell, Pa.
|
76(N)-80(O)–156
|
|
Jonathan
Ortiz, Lansdale, Pa.
|
75(N)-81(O)–156
|
|
Michael
Rojas, Cliffside Park, N.J.
|
75(N)-81(O)–156
|
|
Moritz
Schoenheit, Philadelphia, Pa.
|
72(N)-84(O)–156
|
|
Josh
Isler, West Chester, Pa.
|
79(N)-78(O)–157
|
|
Jonathan
Radick, Richboro, Pa.
|
78(O)-79(N)–157
|
|
Kevin
Silvestri, Marlboro, N.J.
|
76(N)-81(O)–157
|
|
Alexander
Kane, Unionville, Pa.
|
83(O)-75(N)–158
|
|
Brendan
Hallinan, West Chester, Pa.
|
82(O)-76(N)–158
|
|
Matthew
Bastian, Media, Pa.
|
82(N)-76(O)–158
|
|
Thomas
Fisher, Horsham, Pa.
|
81(O)-77(N)–158
|
|
James
Braunsberg, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
|
78(N)-80(O)–158
|
|
Kevin
Haag, Hummelstown, Pa.
|
77(N)-81(O)–158
|
|
John
Foley, Limerick, Pa.
|
86(O)-73(N)–159
|
|
Mark
Hill, Media, Pa.
|
80(O)-79(N)–159
|
|
Shane
Stewart, State College, Pa.
|
80(N)-79(O)–159
|
|
Liam
McAnally, Downingtown, Pa.
|
77(N)-82(O)–159
|
|
Jordan
Lerner, Princeton, N.J.
|
85(O)-75(N)–160
|
|
Pete
Moran, Chester Springs, Pa.
|
83(O)-77(N)–160
|
|
Joseph
Visalli, Dover, Del.
|
81(N)-79(O)–160
|
|
Andres
Forese, Toms River, N.J.
|
77(N)-83(O)–160
|
|
Kevin
Frost, Lansdale, Pa.
|
77(N)-83(O)–160
|
|
Steven
Altieri, Skillman, N.J.
|
84(O)-77(N)–161
|
|
Michael
Quinn, East Fallowfield, Pa.
|
84(O)-77(N)–161
|
|
Johan
Van Schalkwyk, Haddon Heights, N.J.
|
83(O)-78(N)–161
|
|
David
Olexson, Jr., Easton, Pa.
|
79(N)-82(O)–161
|
|
Tim
Pici, Malvern, Pa.
|
82(O)-80(N)–162
|
|
Brandan
Bree, Kennett Square, Pa.
|
82(N)-80(O)–162
|
|
Anthony
List, Havertown, Pa.
|
81(N)-81(O)–162
|
|
Gerrit
Kocks, Miami, Fla.
|
81(N)-81(O)–162
|
|
Matthew
Cleary, Greenville
|
87(O)-76(N)–163
|
|
Luke
Liddell, Philadelphia, Pa.
|
83(O)-80(N)–163
|
|
Kenneth
Taras, Moorestown, N.J.
|
79(O)-84(N)–163
|
|
Adam
Bracy, Edgewater Park, N.J.
|
78(N)-85(O)–163
|
|
Adam
Mistretta, Livermore, Calif.
|
75(N)-88(O)–163
|
|
Daniel
Myers, West Chester, Pa.
|
87(O)-77(N)–164
|
|
Rodney
Anders, Telford, Pa.
|
85(O)-79(N)–164
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|
A.J.
Donatoni, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
|
84(O)-80(N)–164
|
|
Sean
Ebert, Furlong, Pa.
|
82(N)-82(O)–164
|
|
Liam
Fahey, Villanova, Pa.
|
80(N)-84(O)–164
|
|
Matthew
Kocent, Bala Cynwyd, Pa.
|
80(N)-84(O)–164
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|
Parth
Ahuja, Monmouth Junction, N.J.
|
85(O)-80(N)–165
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|
Timothy
Anderson, Horsham, Pa.
|
82(O)-83(N)–165
|
|
Tyler
Smith, Bath, Pa.
|
85(O)-81(N)–166
|
|
Brian
Fischer, Lansdale, Pa.
|
83(O)-83(N)–166
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Robert
Maguire, Pottstown, Pa.
|
81(N)-86(O)–167
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|
David
Sim, Media, Pa.
|
82(N)-87(O)–169
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|
Alex
Butler, Norristown, Pa.
|
86(O)-84(N)–170
|
|
Robert
Cummings, Moorestown, N.J.
|
84(O)-87(N)–171
|
|
Evan
Notaro, Bath, Pa.
|
91(O)-83(N)–174
|
|
Otis
Baker, Wayne, Pa.
|
85(N)-89(O)–174
|
|
Drew
Petri, New Hope, Pa.
|
90(O)-86(N)–176
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Davis
Jensen, Ardmore, Pa.
|
79(O)–NS
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Josh
Krumholz, Reading, Pa.
|
73(N)–WD
|
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Brandon
Jasinski, Reading, Pa.
|
98(N)–WD
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*advanced
in playoff
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Denotes
O-Old Course; N-North Course
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NS-no
show; WD-withdrawal
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