J.R. narrowly misses out on a qualifying spot into the U.S. Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills C.C. in Bloomfield Hills, MI. He shot rounds of 69, 70 (-3) and placed 4th with only 3 spots available, which left him as 1st alternate. His tee to green statistics were a little below average but he managed his game well and he is steadily building confidence with each tournament round.
La Cumbre C.C. in Santa Barbara, CA is always a beautiful site for U.S. AM qualifying and J.R. was very excited to get started at this wonderful venue. Knowing that the field would be playing 36 holes, he was prepared for a lengthy, discipled and patient day of golf. In his previous event, the Southern California Amateur Championship, the field played 36 holes on the first day which turned out to be a great 'warm-up'.
J.R. began the day well, hitting driver down the middle of the par-5 10th fairway, a five-iron to the middle of the green and two putted for birdie. He felt some nerves on the first tee but the nerves have now shifted from 'fearful' to 'free' and it is evident in his style of play. He is beginning to execute the par-5 holes much more efficiently, 2 putting for birdie on four occasions and playing them in a combined 5-under par. This is a good sign of improvement in ball striking and increased confidence in his decision making.
The remainder of the course got the best of J.R. as he was only able to make three other birdies against five bogeys leaving him with the 36 hole total of 139 (-3). The opportunities were there as he failed to convert on more than ten opportunities for birdie or to save par inside of 15ft from the hole. He considers his putting to be one of the strongest elements of his game but he carded 31 putts in each round and this was the true difference maker in the end.
His next event is U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship qualifying on August 8th at Silver Creek Valley C.C. in San Jose, CA. Between now and then, he will be training to improve all aspects of his game with a majority of his attention focused on short game, putting and flexibility. Wish him luck as he continues to compete and pursue his golfing dreams!
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