Jamie Lovemark just couldn’t resist.
On the monstrous ninth hole at Congressional Country Club, Lovemark had just layed up from 320 yards out. But that wasn’t enough. He had to see how far a 3-wood would go.
So Lovemark dropped a ball at his feet and asked his pro-am partners to stand back. Stroking his shot as solidly and as straight as he believed possible, Lovemark let out a satisfying yelp, urging the ball to the pin. When it dropped just short, in a bowl in front of the green, Lovemark shrugged.
He’s human after all.
When you’re 19 years old, stand 6-foot-4, and have matinee idol good looks, anything seems possible.
And that notion is solidified when you’re in 58th place after two rounds of the NCAA championship and shoot back-to-back 64s to win by two strokes. That’s what Lovemark accomplished last month at Golden Horseshoe in Williamsburg, Va.
Two weeks later, Lovemark received a sponsor exemption to the Rochester Charities Showdown and nearly became the first amateur to win a Nationwide Tour event. Staging another dramatic comeback, Lovemark rallied with a final-round 65, before losing to tour veteran Chris Riley in a playoff.
“It took a good two hours after I finished, just to hang around,” said Lovemark. “I watched the U.S. Open. I ate, sat, ate. I had a difficult time going back out there.”
Other sponsor exemptions are likely to follow this summer for Lovemark, who is from Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. He made the cut in two other pro tournaments — the 2006 Western Open and the Buick this January.
Lovemark was solid tee-to-green in his practice round Monday, but struggled on the greens. When he made his first birdie, on his 17th hole, his amateur partners gave him a mock cheer. Lovemark responded sheepishly, head down, tapping his shoes with his putter.
Playing with Bloody Mary-fueled businessmen is a new experience for Lovemark. So is dealing with reporters. On Monday Lovemark showed amazing patience with an enterprising intern who shadowed him every step during his round, asking him questions throughout, and even joining him on the green.
Lovemark handled it all in stride, just as he has in his brief flirtation with pro golf.
“Each professional event, I’ve gotten better and better,” said Lovemark. “I got second at Nationwide last week, so if I get better than second, I ought to win. That’s crazy, but, I guess, it’s an outside chance.”
AT&T NATIONAL
When » Thursday-Sunday.
Where » Congressional Country Club, Bethesda.
Purse » $6 million; $1.08 million to winner.
Tickets » $20 per day Tuesday-Friday; $25 Saturday-Sunday. $65 for weekly gallery pass. Active duty military personnel and children 12-and-under will be admitted free. Call 1-800-594-TIXX.
Parking » No public parking on site. Shuttle bus service will be available at several nearby lots in the area including Montgomery County Fairgrounds (Gaithersburg), Booz Allen Headquarters (McLean), Sam Eig Highway (Germantown), Fernwood Road (Bethesda).
