Area golf fans have the special opportunity to see some of the best young amateur golfers compete on a world-class golf course, for the oldest amateur championship in our nation’s history beginning Monday, June 25 on Pinehurst No. 2 as the 118th Men’s North & South Amateur gets underway.
Last year, William Nottingham took his only lead of the day with a short birdie putt on the 17th hole, and hung on to win this prestigious tournament on the final day of match play.
Nottingham from the bunker on the 5th hole of Pinehurst No. 2.
Runner up, James Anstiss of New Zealand, held a 2 stoke advantage on 2 different times during the round, but Nottingham’s short game proved to be the difference.
Nottingham, whose father, John, was his caddie for the entire tournament, plays on the Clemson University golf team.
Nottingham and his father lining up a putt on the 10th hole.
The North and South is an invitation-only event with 88 of the best amateur golfers selected by the Pinehurst Resort and Club vying for the Putter Boy trophy. “We look at various ranking systems and players resumes to determine the best possible field” said Brian Fahey, Director of Tournament Operations.
Competing this year for the first time will be A.J. Beechler, the Pinecrest High School standout who won back-to-back North Carolina High School Athletic Association Sandhills 4A Individual Golf Championships. A.J. will be entering Eastern Carolina University this fall on a golf scholarship.
Nottingham and his parents on the 18th green.
The week-long event is open to the public, and free of charge. Spectators are allowed on the course and can even walk along with the golfers as they play each hole.
Feature photo: Nottingham and New Zealander James Anstiss walk on to the 17th green. Moments later Nottingham would sink his short put to take the 1-stroke lead, and eventually win the tournament.
Article and photos by John Patota, Sandhills Sentinel Contributor.
