Chris Williams: Looking back on amateur career

June 20, 2013 | by Benjamin Larsen of AmateurGolf.com

Golfweek Photo

Consistency was the key for Williams, who's making his pro debut this week on the PGA Tour

The circle of golf has taken another player.

Chris Williams, who wrapped up his impressive amateur career as the world's No. 2 player in the Golfweek/amateurgolf.com World Rankings, is officially a professional.

The University of Washington graduate and Idaho native is making his pro debut at this week's Travelers Championship, following in the footsteps of former top-ranked amateur Patrick Cantlay, who made the switch in Hartford, Conn. at last year's Travelers.

Williams played in his last event as an amateur last week, missing the cut at the U.S. Open. He gained entry by winning the 2012 McCormack Medal and the consistency shown in winning such a lofty award is the perfect representation of his amateur career.

As we wish Nike's latest signee all the best in the professional ranks, here's a look at some of the highlights of Williams' amateur career:

• Won, in succession the 2011 Sahalee Players and Pacific Coast Amateur titles. His 66-66 finish at the Pac-Am helped a rally over a loaded leaderboard.

• Won the individual title at the 2012 NCAA Southwest Regional and took T21 at the NCAA Championship. This year, he T14 at the East Regional and T32 at the NCAA Championship.

• In USGA competitions: Reached quarterfinals of 2 010 Public Links; Made match play at the 2011 Public Links and U .S. Amateur; Reached quarterfinal round at 2012 U.S. Amateur.

• Was a member of the 2011 USA Walker Cup team; Played for USA in the 2013 Copa de las Americas and the 2012 World Amateur Team.

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