It wasn't easy but this was "My House". Qualifying for the California Stae Amateur Championship has never been an easy task. When Marc Braga - The Director of Golf asked we on the tournament committee if SJCC should host the qualifying, we all answered yes. What a great way to show case the club.
I had once qualified for the State Am. a championship contested over for the last 85 years. The year was 2000. The venue was Black Horse Bayonet. The U.S. Open was the reason for the change of venue. You see, the lure of the Cal State Am has always been the fact that it is contested at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. If you were to ask me, I would be happy to qualify if the event were held at a miniature golf course. This year marks the first year the State Am is not scheduled at Pebble.
Yesterday, I qualified for my second ever California State Amateur. For me this is a major. Probably one the top five golf accomplishments in my life. (1) Mid-Am, (2) Club Championship, (3)Club Masters, (4)MAGA. (5) State Ams.
The Qualifier
I was paired with three other fellows, one who I know from Santa Clara Basketball and a past introduction from my good friend Brick. As it turned out, Steve Duffy qualified as well, but not with all the last minute excitement as it took me. Steves 72 was good enough for a 14th place finish and one shot clear of the PLAYOFF! - yep thats right, I shot 73. 16 spots were available, unfortunately, 20 of us were at 73 or better. I was one of the four 73's having to go into a playoff.
The Playoff
Long story short. One birdie one triple bogie. It essentially left two of us in the playoff left. I made a miraculous bogie from an impossible position and the fourth player three putted for double. Stae Am here I come! Better yet, I think I will ask my oldest daughter Kyleigh to caddie for me.
Now what? Do I practice? Go on a diet? - Here is the deal. I want match play. Getting to match play will be difficult. I didn't qualify to play two rounds at MPCC and go home. I wan't to win the California State Amateur Championship. If not, why am I going?
The Event
June 19th-23rd
