“This feels great. I just joined earlier this summer and it’s only been a couple of months, but it’s been an amazing summer,” said Mercer, 32, of Pittsburgh, Pa. “We had five Longue Vue guys playing this week, and I wanted everyone to play well, but to bring it home myself is special.”
Scores were higher across the board on Tuesday. Only Anthony DeGol, with a closing 3-under 67, managed to get under par on Tuesday. Mercer closed with 70, while Ellis had 72 and Bangor had 73, respectively.
Mercer, winner of the Western Pennsylvania Middle-Amateur in 2017 across the river at Green Oaks Country Club, jarred three birdies on Longue Vue’s front side to get his name into the mix. On No. 18, however, he missed a two footer for par that forced the playoff with Ellis.
“I just stepped up and knew I pulled it right away,” said Mercer.
In the final grouping, Ellis jarred a 15-foot downhiller from the back of the green to send spectators into a cheer, meaning a playoff was in order. However, the good fortune for Ellis would soon fade.
Back at that hole for the playoff, Mercer stepped up and found the left rough. Ellis’ tee shot darted right and lodged in and underneath tree. An unplayable was the only move, meaning Mercer had the advantage.
“Jimmy got a really bad break there in the playoff. It was unfortunate, but because of that, my mindset changed. It was like match play from then on,” said Mercer, a former collegiate player at Susquehanna University.
Mercer’s approach shot from 163 yards out found the center of the green, and from there, a three putt gave him the crown.
Quotes and information from the Pennsylvania Golf Association used in this report