English boosts Walker Cup prospects with Southern Am win
PALM HARBOR, FL (July 16, 2011) – Georgia All-American Harris English broke out of a five-way jam at the top of the leaderboard to win the 105th Southern Amateur Saturday at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course.
With five players knotted at 6-under-par heading into the final nine, English birdied four of his next six holes to open a decisive 3-stroke lead over the elite international field.
After a brief lightning delay, English completed his closing round at a tournament low 65 for a 275 total.
“I didn’t want to stop while I was on a roll,” said English.
He had bunkered his approach to the 17th before play was halted, but resumed with an excellent blast to within a foot of the hole.
Three strokes back at 278 were Aussie Tarquin MacManus, Georgia Tech’s Richy Werenski and Alabama soph Bobby Wyatt.
Among perks for English winner is a playing spot in the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational next March, but only if he is still an amateur at that time. He said he may turn pro this fall.
ABOUT THE Southern Amateur
The Southern Amateur, which dates back to 1902, is
one of two competitions held by the Southern Golf
Association (the other is the Southern Junior). This
is a 72-hole stroke play championship with a cut
made after 36 holes. Entries are open to any male
amateur golfer who has a current USGA Handicap
Index® not exceeding 3.4 under the USGA Handicap
System. Non-exempt players must pre-qualify at
one of the qualifying sites held across the southern
U.S. in the two months leading up to the
championship.
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