The University of Mississippi Athletics
Two Rebel Golfers Qualify for U.S. Amateur Championship
8/6/1999 | Men's Golf
Aug. 6, 1999
OXFORD, Miss. - A pair of Ole Miss Rebels have qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship, and three more have earned alternate status.
Jon Bartlett, a senior from Ocala, Fla., led the way with a 36-hole score of 141 at a qualifying round held at Ridgeway Country Club in Memphis, on Monday. Joining him is junior Phil Caravia of Belleville, Ill., who fired a 143 at a qualifier at Westwood Country Club in St. Louis, last Friday.
"This (two U.S. Amateur qualifiers) shows the quality of players that we have in our program, and also shows that the level of our program is better," says Ole Miss head coach Woody Cowart. "I am not surprised by Jon and Phil qualifying for the U.S. Amateur. With the experience that they gained by playing in last year's NCAA Championships, Jon and Phil both have more confidence in their games and have stepped up their levels of play."
Sophomore Ben Lowery from Jackson, Miss. shot a 142 in Memphis and was named an alternate. Teammate Robert Dreyfus, a senior from Meridian, Miss., is also an alternate after a 141 score in qualifying action in Madison, Miss. on Wednesday.
"Ben and Robert are good players and showing that in the U.S. Amateur qualifying," Cowart says. "For this upcoming season, we are going to have to fill a big void with the departure of Haymes (Snedeker), and I expect both Ben and Robert to use this experience to improve their games and make an impact on this year's team."
Snedeker, a former first team All-SEC golfer for the Rebels, also made alternate with a 146 at Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, Tenn.
Three hundred and twelve of the nation's top amateurs will be competing in the 99th playing of the Championship, held this year at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course from August 16-22. This course last played host to the U.S. Amateur in 1961, when Ohio State senior Jack Nicklaus took the crown.
