Randolph, Cavaliere advance to 2021 U.S. Amateur at Oakmont Country Club
ORADELL, N.J. – Trevor Randolph and Christian Cavaliere secured spots in the 2021 U.S. Amateur Championship at Oakmont Country Club on August 9-15 after qualifying at Hackensack Golf Club on Monday, July 12 in Oradell.
Randolph, 48, put together a stellar 7-under par 65 in the opening round, coming up just one stroke short of the course record. The four-time NJSGA Mid-Amateur Champion had a blemish-free round, and then turned in a 2-under 70 in the second round of the day to earn medalist honors.
“I’ve had success in them before, but I knew I had to be patient. When I was out of position, which wasn’t often in the first round, I just hit for the middle of the green," said Randolph. "I made some putts, and my only bogey was a three putt. I hit every green and fairway in the first round. In the second round, I didn’t miss many greens, and when I did, I holed out from the bunker, and I got up and down a lot.”
After nearly a two-hour weather delay, the final few groups wrapped up action.
Cavaliere, a former Boston College golfer edged Andy Butler in a playoff to earn the second qualifying spot. He carded a 4-under par 68 in the opening round and followed up with a 3-under par 69 in the second round of the day.
“The 36-hole qualifiers are always a grind,” Cavaliere expressed. “You just have to stay in it the whole day, give yourself an opportunity in the morning and then see where you’re at. This was especially long because of the delay, but I put myself in a good position. I didn’t do a lot in the second round to get to where I wanted to be, but I was fortunate to be close enough. After the delay I made a great putt on 18 to get into the playoff and it just feels great.”
Former Villanova student-athlete Butler is the first alternate in the field. Chris Gotterup of Little Silver took the second alternate position.
“I’ve been playing great and have been shooting a lot of under par scores, so it’s not a surprise to me that I played well,” Randolph explained. “Anytime you qualify for a USGA event, it’s special.”
