CAA Golfers Compete at US Amateur

8/19/2015 9:30:25 AM

Kelly McCarthy

The CAA was well-represented in Olympia Fields as five student-athletes and an assistant coach competed in the 115th U.S. Amateur Championship. Two rounds of stroke play were held on two qualifying courses at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois. The Olympia Fields North Course is a 7,234-yard, par-70 venue while the South Course is 7,037-yard, par-70. The field of 312 golfers was trimmed to just 64 at the end of two rounds.

James Madison junior Ryan Cole had an impressive opening round, shooting an even 70 to finish the day tied for 30th. After a weather-impacted second round, Cole shot a 76 to finish at +6 (146) for the tournament.

College of Charleston junior Will Rainey just missed the cut, finishing with a five-over 145 (75-70). Cougars assistant coach Henry Smart finished one stroke behind at 146 after shooting a 77 in the opening round followed by a 69 (-1) in the second round. Rounding out the CofC representatives was Josh Lorenzetti who finished with a 155 (80-75). The Cougars were one of just 24 NCAA golf programs to have three or more representatives take part in the U.S. Amateur.

Elon senior Jonathan DiIanni and Delaware sophomore Kieran Purcell both finished with a two-round score of 149 (+9). DiIanni had a 74 in the opening round and a 75 in the second while Purcell shot a 75 in round one and a 74 in round two.

Two other CAA golfers, Elon’s Charlie May and Jake Leavitt, were named as alternates after their performances during their respective qualifying tournaments earlier this summer.

Not to be outdone, William & Mary senior Alessandra Liu qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur at the Portland Golf Club in Oregon which was held earlier this week. Liu put together two strong rounds and just missed the cut, finishing at +5 (149). She opened the event by shooting an even-par 72 in the first round.