The 39-year-old is first to hold four biggest amateur titles in D.C., Virginia simultaneously
In 2009, Haymarket’s Scott Shingler was named the Virginia State Golf Association Player of the Year. But 2009 can’t compare to what Shinger has accomplished in 2011.
With his victory Sunday over Jake An, 2 and 1, in the 36-hole final of the Metropolitan Amateur, Shingler has captured a rare local grand slam – the 2011 Virginia and D.C. Amateur titles along with the 2011 D.C. Mid-Amateur (25-and-over) and the 2010 Virginia Mid-Am championships.
Shingler is the only player in history to hold all four titles simultaneously. When he plays in the VSGA Mid-Am, starting Sept. 30 at Chantilly, he will try to become the first player to win all four titles in the same calendar year.
But there’s no guarantee Shingler will be an amateur in a few months. At age 39, Shingler is considering a second run at professional golf.
“That’s a long-term goal,” Shingler said. “I think I’m still too busy away from golf to consider that at least for a few more years.”
The former Potomac High standout took a job at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club after his graduation from George Mason University, playing Florida mini-tour events in the winter. In 2001 and 2002, Shingler played full time on the Golden Bear Tour, before returning home to marry his college sweetheart, Arshia.
With his wife finishing up dental school and launching a practice in Gainesville, Shingler took a job in IT sales and gave up golf. In a span of nearly four years, Shingler played a total of four rounds – each time at his company’s annual scramble.
“I missed playing, no question,” Shingler said.
In the fall of 2007, however, with Arshia’s pediatric dentistry practice flouring, she encouraged her husband to quit his job and pursue golf. In his first tournament back, he won the 2008 D.C. Mid-Amateur.
“Being away from golf, I thought about it so much, that I figured some things out,” Shingler said. “Now when I practice, I’m going out with a specific goal in mind. I’ve become so efficient with my time on the course. I can get a lot done in a short period of time.”
Playing the role of “Mr. Mom,” as he calls it, to three children age 5 and younger, gives Shingler limited opportunities to practice and play. Most of his on-course work is accomplished two days a week, when the kids’ grandparents baby-sit.
On Sunday, however, Shingler looked as practiced as his opponent, the 21-year-old An, also an aspiring touring pro, who works at 1757 Club. Shingler gave An few chances, not making a bogey until his 30th hole of the day. By that time, Shingler was 5 up.
On the first 18, Shingler fired a 67 (with the usual match-play concessions). On the front nine of the second 18, Shingler shot a 6-under 30. All this was accomplished on the challenging, 7,332-yard Norman Course at Lansdowne (75.5 rating/145 slope).
“I was happy with how I played,” An said. “To beat Scott, the way he was playing, I don’t know if anyone could have beaten him.”
With the help of his long-time swing coach Bernie Najar, a pro at Woodholme Country Club, the 5-11, 170-pound Shingler has developed a short, efficient, powerful stroke with few moving parts. Shingler’s length was apparent at No. 18, a 586-yard par 5, which he reached in two shots, including a 350-yard drive.
“When I see my swing on video, it doesn’t look like I’m swinging hard,” Shingler said. “But it feels like I’m swinging like Tiger Woods.”
With Shingler’s play of late, that statement is true in more ways than one.
