The University of Mississippi Athletics
Jonathan Randolph Qualifies For U.S. Amateur
8/4/2009 | Men's Golf
MADISON, Miss. - Ole Miss men's golfer Jonathan Randolph, who will be a junior this year, qualified for the 109th U.S. Amateur Championship Tuesday. The Brandon native shot 71-65—136 to win the sectional qualifier at Reunion Golf and Country Club and earn one of two available spots in the prestigious field.
This year's championship will take place Aug. 24-30 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.
Randolph was among several players to shoot 71 on Monday and said he knew it would take a low round to make it.
"I caddied for Kyle (Ellis - former Rebel) last year when I was injured. He shot 4-under and made it on the number," Randolph said. "There were 10 guys between 71 and 70 yesterday, so I knew I needed to play well to separate myself. The conditions were favorable for good scoring. I am excited. As a junior I made it to the U.S. Junior Championship in California. I know what it's like to play in a big tournament, (even though this one is bigger). It will be 300 of the world's best players trying to make it to match play."
The sectional field looked like a who's who of players from the nation's best conference, the SEC. Will McCurdy of Auburn finished second, while Randolph's teammate, Billy Brozovich (Greenville) tied for third and won a playoff against Alabama sophomore Hunter Slatton, to earn first alternate.
This marks the fourth year in a row for an Ole Miss player to qualify for the U.S. Amateur.
"I am really excited for Jonathan," head coach Ernest Ross said. "Making it to a national championship is a tremendous accomplishment. We look forward to following him the last week of August."
Randolph will be looking to conclude a successful summer, which began in June with him capturing the Mississippi State Amateur. Last month, Randolph tied for 13th at the Southern Amateur held in Cordova, Tenn.
Southern Hills has a rich history of major championships. To date, Southern Hills has hosted 14 major championships, including three U.S. Open Championships.
