UTC’s Hodge Earns Spot in U.S. Amateur

UTC sophomore Jonathan Hodge qualified for the U.S. Amateur on Tuesday, shooting rounds of 67-71 at Willow Creek in Knoxville. The day before, teammate Bryce Ledford nabbed first alternate in a U.S. Amateur qualifier at Muskegon (Mich.) Country Club after rounds of 73-70.

The amateur will be played Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. on Aug. 21-27. Hazeltine has a rich USGA history, having played host to the U.S. Open in 1970 and 1991. Ledford starts play in the Western Amateur Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, teammate Ben Rickett is making some noise across the pond. On Tuesday, he advanced to the round of 32 in the English Amateur at Burnham and Berrow Golf Club with a 3 and 2 victory over Will Roebuck.

“Who would have ever thought UTC would have players in the U.S. Amateur, the Western Amateur and the English Amateur at the same time?” Moc coach Mark Guhne said. “We’ve put an emphasis on our guys playing in important tournaments, and I think we’ve had a great summer.”