Top amateur golf moments of 2019, Nos. 16-20
12/8/2019 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff
Keeping the fire burning, a shock DQ, a new crop of future pro stars, a rare 3-peat, and deferring one dream to realize another
As 2019 draws to a close, AmateurGolf.com takes a look back at the 25 most interesting stories of what was another banner year for amateur golf.
Last week, we took a look at stories No. 21-25, which included a kamikaze U.S. Am qualifier, a surprising return to competition, a pair of aces, a teenage phenom, and some Masters bling.
The series continues with the top amateur golf moments of 2019, Nos. 16-20:
No. 20: Jackson adds to his collection with Tennessee Senior Am victory
Tim Jackson is a Tennessee golf Hall-of-Famer, a former Walker Cupper and a USGA champion, and he shows no signs of slowing down. The 60-year-old won the Tennessee Senior Amateur for his 23rd state title, and gave a revealing answer when asked what it is that keeps his competitive fire burning after all these years.
No. 19: Shock DQ: USA Women's Team disqualified from Spirit International
The Rules of Golf can be harsh, and a seemingly minor mistake can result in a punishment far worse than the crime. It strains the memory to think of the last time a team was disqualified in international team competition, but that's exactly what happened at the Spirit International as the favorites knocked themselves out.
No. 18: After 8 round qualifying marathon, 4 amateurs get LPGA Tour cards
LPGA Tour School is grueling: three stages, culminating with an 8-round, two-week grindfest that determines who will be on the big tour for the upcoming year, and who will have to work their way through the Symetra Tour. Four amateurs punched their ticket, but for some the decision loomed whether to stay in college or turn pro early.
No. 17: Same winner, different player: Brennan's Middle Atlantic legacy
With the depth of fields and the loss of the top players to the professional ranks, a successful title defense in a major amateur event is notable. To win three in a row is exceedingly rare, but Michael Brennan has a three-tournament winning streak going at the Middle Atlantic Amateur. And he's not going anywhere -- he's not even in college yet.
No. 16: Dream realized: Fassi wins NCAA individual title on home turf
Maria Fassi could have turned pro, but with the NCAA Championships being played on her home course, she stuck around while others left school for the LGPA Tour. After capturing a lot of fans but ultimately falling short in her duel with Jennifer Kupcho at Augusta National, she got hers amid the hog calls of "Wooo Pig Sooie".
The Top Amateur Moments series continues with another five stories each week until the end of the year. Stay tuned!
Last week, we took a look at stories No. 21-25, which included a kamikaze U.S. Am qualifier, a surprising return to competition, a pair of aces, a teenage phenom, and some Masters bling.
|
Tim Jackson is a Tennessee golf Hall-of-Famer, a former Walker Cupper and a USGA champion, and he shows no signs of slowing down. The 60-year-old won the Tennessee Senior Amateur for his 23rd state title, and gave a revealing answer when asked what it is that keeps his competitive fire burning after all these years.
|
The Rules of Golf can be harsh, and a seemingly minor mistake can result in a punishment far worse than the crime. It strains the memory to think of the last time a team was disqualified in international team competition, but that's exactly what happened at the Spirit International as the favorites knocked themselves out.
|
LPGA Tour School is grueling: three stages, culminating with an 8-round, two-week grindfest that determines who will be on the big tour for the upcoming year, and who will have to work their way through the Symetra Tour. Four amateurs punched their ticket, but for some the decision loomed whether to stay in college or turn pro early.
|
With the depth of fields and the loss of the top players to the professional ranks, a successful title defense in a major amateur event is notable. To win three in a row is exceedingly rare, but Michael Brennan has a three-tournament winning streak going at the Middle Atlantic Amateur. And he's not going anywhere -- he's not even in college yet.
|
Maria Fassi could have turned pro, but with the NCAA Championships being played on her home course, she stuck around while others left school for the LGPA Tour. After capturing a lot of fans but ultimately falling short in her duel with Jennifer Kupcho at Augusta National, she got hers amid the hog calls of "Wooo Pig Sooie".
The Top Amateur Moments series continues with another five stories each week until the end of the year. Stay tuned!
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