Six Players Qualify for U.S. Amateur Championships

July 28, 1999

U.S. Amateur Qualifying (Eisenhower Golf Club)
Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS - Six players are headed for Pebble Beach, Calif., after Sunday's 36-hole U.S. Amateur Qualifier held on both the Blue and Silver Courses at Eisenhower Golf Club in Colorado Springs.

Matthew Zions of Castle Rock fired a 66 in the second round for a total of 138 to earn the U.S. Low Qualifier medal. Nigel Spence of Fort Collins came in two strokes back at 140 to earn the second spot. Leif Olson of Golden and Daniel Visosky, a cadet at the Air Force Academy playing at his home club, both shot 141's to earn the third and fourth spots respectively.

The fifth spot was captured by Brandon Tompkins of Fort Collins, who came in at 142. John Pitt of Wilmington, N.C. and 1998 CGA Match Play finalist Ben McConahey of Littleton tied for the final qualifying spot at 143, and Pitt birdied the first playoff hole to earn the position. McConahey is the first alternate, Gary Kephart of Colorado Springs is the second alternate, Brett Tobyne of Lakewood is the third alternate, and Michael Urbatchka of Sheridan, Wyo. is the fourth alternate.

The 159-player field is the largest in Colorado to compete in a U.S. Amateur Qualifier. Matt Call of Coal Creek Golf Course will be joining the qualifiers at the U.S. Amateur Championship at Pebble Beach GL in Pebble Beach, Calif. from August 16-22. Call has been awarded exempt status by the USGA for his participation in the 1999 U.S. Open Championship.

Qualifiers:
Matthew Zions, Castle Rock, CO - 138
Nigel Spence, Fort Collins, CO - 140
Leif Olson, Golden, CO - 141
Daniel Visosky, Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO - 141
Brandon Tompkins, Fort Collins, CO - 142
John Pitt, Wilmington, NC - 143


Alternates:
Ben McConahey, Littleton, CO - 143
Gary Kephart, Colorado Springs, CO - 144
Brett Tobyne, Lakewood, CO - 144
Michael Urbatchka, Sheridan, WY - 144