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Johnston Medals to Advance to U.S. Senior Amateur Championship; David Whittaker also Qualifies

USGA Rules Official Reed McGregor (left) and Medalist Rafe Johnston (right)

 

By Megan Terry, Programs Administrator

 

Two qualifying spots and two alternates were up for grabs at the 2017 U.S. Senior Amateur Local Qualifier at Promontory Club. The medalist and runner-up claimed the opportunity to visit Minneapolis, Minnesota, and play in the 2017 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at Minikahda Club.

Rafe Johnston earned medalist honors and the first qualifying position by carding an impressive even-par 72 on Promontory’s Painted Valley Course, one of the most difficult tracks in the state. Johnston posted back-to-back evens with birdies on the first and last holes of the round. He started and ended with a bang to advance to the championship.

David Whittaker clinched the second qualifying spot with 75 (+3), just one shot over Rick Lloyd, John Johnston and Patrick Murphy. Whittaker posted three over on the front nine with birdies on Nos. 4 and 8. He made a comeback coming in with birdies on 11 and 14 to card even and advance to the national championship alongside Rafe Johnston.

Due to Rick Lloyd leaving the course following his round, John Johnston and Patrick Murphy competed in sudden death to determine alternate order. Patrick Murphy finally secured first alternate with a par on Painted Valley’s par-4 No. 18 after the duo both made par on 18 twice previous. John Johnston was named second alternate.

CLICK HERE to view results.

CLICK HERE to view the championship website.