Montague breaks amateur drought with State Open of Virginia win
7/20/2019 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: View results for State Open of Virigina, Independence Golf Club
An amateur hasn’t won the State Open of Virginia since 2011, but this year, the top of the leaderboard was packed with them.
In fact, amateurs made up four of the top five spots on the leaderboard. Amateurs Isaac Simmons and Scott Shingler were part of a three-way tie for third at 9 under with professional Josh Speight.
As it turns out, Montague and Lawrence go way back in this game. They grew up playing together at Hermitage Country Club near Richmond, Va.
“This is awesome, definitely the biggest win of my career so far,” Montague said. “Especially, after my first day, shooting 2 over, to come back Friday and Saturday and play as well as I did, it’s awesome. It feels really good. It hasn’t sunk in. But I’m sure it will.”
Both Montague and Lawrence, a redshirt senior at Virginia Tech, were impressive in the final round. Montague birdie four of his first five (and two of his last four) on the way to a final-round 66. Lawrence was 4 under in his final six holes for a closing 68.
For Lawrence, this is the second time in five years that he has lost the State Open in a playoff.
“It sucks to lose, but I couldn’t be happier for Jack,” Lawrence said. “He’s a great dude, and I’m so happy he could get this win.”
The victory comes at a pivotal time for Montague, who is set to begin his second season with the Cavaliers.
“It’s a big confidence booster for sure,” Montague said. “I feel like I’ve been pretty close to playing good golf a couple of times this summer. It’s just been a few things here or there. This week, it all kind of came together. It just shows me that I can compete. I’m real excited about it.”
Quotes, information courtesy of Chris Lang, VSGA
About the State Open of Virigina
The Championship is a 54-hole, stroke play event with the field limited to 144 contestants (69 eligible Professionals, 69 eligible Amateurs, the Defending Champion, and 5 Open Qualifier spots). There will be a cut to the low 60 players and ties after...
Most Popular Articles
2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Guide: Sites, Scores, and Who Advanced
Dec 5, 2025Second Stage is complete and Final Stage awaits at Sawgrass — follow every Q-School leaderboard and the players still chasing
2025 LPGA TOUR Q-Series: Final Qualifying Stage FINAL SCORING
Dec 8, 2025Helen Briem earns medalist honors, 31 players headed to the LPGA next year
2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Final Stage: Ewart Leads Five New TOUR Card Winners
Dec 14, 2025A.J. Ewart topped Final Stage at TPC Sawgrass, leading five players who secured PGA TOUR membership for 2026.
Australian Open at Royal Melbourne: Preview, amateur bios, and how to watch
Nov 30, 2025Rory McIlroy headlines one of the championship's top fields in years - at least four amateurs will have their chance at glory
Inside Gil Hanse’s Restoration of Baltusrol’s Upper Course: A Return to Tillinghast’s
Dec 11, 2025Renowned architect Gil Hanse reveals how he brought Baltusrol’s Upper Course back to life by honoring A.W. Tillinghast’s original