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Preston Summerhays is starting to create an identity that goes beyond having one of the more recognizable last names in golf.
Two days after turning 18 years old, Summerhays (above) became the youngest victor in the Sunnehanna Amateur’s 67-year history while also matching Allen Doyle’s tournament scoring record of 14-under 266. The Arizona State University-bound golfer – he will head to Tempe, Arizona, in fall 2021 – adds to an impressive group to claim the prestigious title at Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, joining PGA Tour winners Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler and Webb Simpson.
“I had done some good things on the junior level, but I wanted to show everyone that I could compete on the amateur level,” Summerhays said. “To accomplish that goal and play really well at a strong event with a great course and a great field, it means a lot.”
The future Sun Devil – the son of noted swing instructor Boyd Summerhays and a nephew of former PGA Tour player Daniel Summerhays – delivered late heroics Friday much like he did in winning the U.S. Junior Amateur a year ago.
University of Texas freshman Travis Vick made a furious final-round charge, collecting six birdies and an eagle to tie Summerhays for the lead as he came to the 72nd hole. However, a closing bogey by Vick and two birdies by Summerhays made the final three-stroke margin larger than the drama of the moment.
Although he took a one-stroke lead to the final day, Summerhays held firm control of the tournament throughout the round. He improved each day, going 68-67-66-65 to outpace a talented field, making only four bogeys for the tournament. Three of those came at the par-3 fifth hole.
“Going into the first day, I didn’t really know what to expect so I thought, ‘OK, let’s just play smart golf and keep the ball under the hole,’ ” Summerhays said. “As the week went on, my putting got a little bit better and I started hitting my wedges really good. That’s what you have to do on that course, because if you have mid- to long irons then you can’t really attack.”
He’ll now make the trip to the Western Amateur starting Monday at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana, before two big USGA events – the U.S. Amateur at Bandon Dunes/Bandon Trails and the U.S. Open at Winged Foot. He was invited into the U.S. Open field by virtue of his 2019 U.S. Junior Am title.
Summerhays might not have played the Sunnehanna if the U.S. Junior went on as scheduled last week at Hazeltine. The event was canceled along with all other USGA championships besides the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur.
In other notes from the tournament, Oklahoma University coach Ryan Hybl raced to a first-round lead after firing a 5-under 65. He ended on that number three rounds later, finishing in a tie for 15th.
Staff and Wire Reports