State Amateur Fast Approaching

With the 110th NJSGA Amateur Championship just days away, the field of 99 golfers has been determined and the event is shaping up to be an impressive championship. “We have a strong field with all of the usual big names plus a number of qualifiers who shot low scores at our qualifying sites,” said Mike McAneny, Tournament Director for the NJSGA. The final qualifier wrapped up on May 31st at Royce Brook East where 73 or better was required to make the field. In fact, the qualifying scores at all three sites were some of the lowest in recent memory. At Old York two weeks ago, it took 74 to qualify and at White Beeches last week 76 was the number. At all three qualifying sites, the medalist shot under par and altogether seven players posted qualifying rounds under par.

It’s a good thing the field is strong because the golf course certainly is a strong test. The State Amateur is being played at Trump National Golf Club – Bedminster on the New Course, a long and demanding Tom Fazio II design. There will be length, fescue, water, small greens, and firm conditions to deal with at Trump. “The golf course will be very challenging,” McAneny said. The New Course “debuted” less than a year after it opened with the 2009 U.S. Junior Amateur Championships, the USGA national championships for boys and girls under the age of 18.

Defending champion Brian Komline is in the field as well as Amateur champions from five of the last seven years. A number of other NJSGA champions are competing as well as several college players and recent graduates.

Spectators are welcome to follow the State Amateur action at the course. There is no fee or ticket requirement. You also can follow the action online through Live Scoring on the NJSGA website. The first round of the 72-hole stroke play event begins at 7:30 am on Tuesday, June 7th, followed by the second round on Wednesday, June 8th. The field will be cut to the 40 low scorers plus ties after the second round, and play will conclude with 36 holes on Thursday, June 9th.

Click here for the starting field pairings and times.