Sunnehanna Amateur: Committee hopeful but guarded
- Sunnehanna Amateur photo
The amateur golf landscape is being altered daily by the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, with tournaments being postponed or cancelled across the country and the world.
Related: List of amateur tournaments affected by the coronavirus outbreak
"Everybody is affected by this. Everybody. We’re going to get through it together," said John Yerger, Sunnehanna Amateur Tournament for Champions co-chairman, during a telephone interview with Mike Mastovich of the Tribune-Democrat.
The Sunnehanna is one of prominent the Majors of Amateur Golf on the summer calendar, and like many tournaments, its status is up in the air. Tournament organizers are hopeful that the tournament will be played, but are guarded and ever-watchful of developments.
The message on the Sunnehanna website reflects that duality:
"Presently we have every intention of playing this year’s Sunnehanna Amateur. We will continue to monitor the recommendations of public health officials and government. We have several months to make a decision if we would need to cancel. In the meantime, please be safe, look after yourselves, your family, friends and community. For everyone’s sake, let’s hope we are in a far better place in a few weeks."
In the same interview with the Tribune-Democrat, Yerger noted that with the tournament being held during U.S. Open week (June 18-21), the fate of the Sunnehanna is tied to what the USGA decides.
There is still plenty of time to make a decision on whether to go forward, but regardless of what happens, Yerger says that the focus should be on "the right now".
Again from the interview:
"Everyone’s focus should be on being good neighbors, good friends, good children, good fathers and mothers and looking after each other. That’s what this is about right now."
ABOUT THE
Sunnehanna Amateur
First played in July 1954, the Sunnehanna Amateur holds a distinguished place in golf history as the first country club-sponsored 72-hole medal (stroke) play event for amateurs in the United States. Its groundbreaking format helped set the standard for elite amateur competition and has since inspired numerous high-level tournaments across the country.
Hosted at Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the event is played on a classic 1921 A.W. Tillinghast design—a quintessential golden-age layout known for its strategic shot values, rolling terrain, and challenging greens. The course itself is as much a draw as the championship, offering a pure test of golf that showcases the talent of rising amateur stars.
With its rich tradition, elite fields, and iconic venue, the Sunnehanna Amateur remains one of the premier proving grounds for future professionals. Its alumni list includes many who have gone on to successful PGA Tour careers, making it a must-watch event on the amateur calendar, and one of the best tournaments to kick off a competitive summer in amateur golf.
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