U.S. Amateur champ James Piot set for PGA Tour debut at Bay Hill
March 1, 2022 | by Jim Young of AmateurGolf.com
see also: James Piot
Michigan State golfer to test himself against the best at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Reigning U.S. Amateur champion James Piot will make his debut on the PGA Tour this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Fla.
The Michigan State senior will join the traditionally strong field at Bay Hill, which features 31 players in the world's top 50, including world No. 1 Jon Rahm.
Piot, a native of Canton, Mich., won the 121st U.S. Amateur Championship last August at Oakmont Country Club by rallying from a three-hole deficit with the help of three birdies over the final eight holes to defeat Austin Greaser in a thrilling 36-hole final, becoming the first winner of the championship from the state of Michigan.
One of the many exemptions Piot received by winning the U.S. Amateur was an entry into the Arnold Palmer Invitational, renowned as one of the premier events on the PGA Tour calendar.
"It's really been a whirlwind for me," Piot told MSUSpartans.com. "I've had some great experiences since winning it, from throwing out the first pitch at a Tigers game and to being recognized on campus and at different events.
"This week, I'll just be another guy looking to make the cut, but to get the chance to play in an event this prestigious and with some of the best players in the world is something I've been looking forward to all year."
The Michigan State senior will join the traditionally strong field at Bay Hill, which features 31 players in the world's top 50, including world No. 1 Jon Rahm.
Piot, a native of Canton, Mich., won the 121st U.S. Amateur Championship last August at Oakmont Country Club by rallying from a three-hole deficit with the help of three birdies over the final eight holes to defeat Austin Greaser in a thrilling 36-hole final, becoming the first winner of the championship from the state of Michigan.
One of the many exemptions Piot received by winning the U.S. Amateur was an entry into the Arnold Palmer Invitational, renowned as one of the premier events on the PGA Tour calendar.
"It's really been a whirlwind for me," Piot told MSUSpartans.com. "I've had some great experiences since winning it, from throwing out the first pitch at a Tigers game and to being recognized on campus and at different events.
"This week, I'll just be another guy looking to make the cut, but to get the chance to play in an event this prestigious and with some of the best players in the world is something I've been looking forward to all year."
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