Unless a prodigy such as Tiger Woods circa 1995 is competing, the U.S. Amateur rarely creates much buzz. It is contested by nameless, faceless college players, known only to family and friends. But this year, the 111th edition of the Amateur, brings a cast full of young stars. Consider the following who were among the 64 who advanced to match play Wednesday at Erin Hills in Wisconsin.
UCLA sophomore Patrick Cantlay made the cut at the U.S. Open and shot a 60 at the PGA Travelers Championship. Beau Hossler, a 16-year-old from California, played at the U.S. Open at Congressional. England’s Tom Lewis shot a 65 in the opening round of the British Open. Russell Henley won a Nationwide Tour event this spring. Peter Uihlein is the defending champion. Scott Langley was the 2010 NCAA champion. Two-time U.S. Junior Amateur champion Jordan Spieth has contended twice at the PGA Tour’s Byron Nelson Championship. Harris English and 2011 NCAA champion John Peterson finished 1-2 at a Nationwide Tour event this summer.
– Kevin Dunleavy
