Goshen, Connecticut (September 18, 2023) – On a rainy and soggy day at Torrington Country Club two teams fired 9-under 63s to qualify for the 9th U.S. Amateur Four-Ball set to be played from May 25-29, 2024 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club.
The first tandem to come in at 9-under were Graham and Jack Boatwright. A solid start saw the Boatwrights play the first seven holes in 2-under however it was their play in the middle portion of the round that ended up being the difference maker. Beginning with a birdie by Graham on the par-4 8th they played Nos. 8-13 in 5-under. During the stretch, Graham, a former Brooklawn Country Club member now living in Chicago birdied four times while Jack, who lives in Fairfield and still plays at Brooklawn CC, carded three birdies.
Still needing more Jack added a birdie on the par-5 16th before Graham, a University of Clemson graduate, added on final birdie on the par-4 closing hole.
Also punching their ticket to the Philadelphia Cricket Club were former Miami University (OH) teammates Benjamin Peacock and Brett Tomfohrde.
Peacock jump-started their day with a birdie on the par-4 first before Tomfohrde rattled off three birdies in the next four holes to quickly move the duo to 4-under. Tomfohrde added birdies on Nos. 8, 12, and 13 to push the old college teammates to 7-under and in position to make a late move.
Peacock had started his day with a birdie but with four holes remaining he had yet to find a second birdie as Tomfohrde did all the heavy lifting. However, that changed in a big way as Peacock recorded birdies on Nos. 15 and 16 and after pars on the final two holes they were able to post 9-under and earn the second of two qualifying spots.
Two teams finished with 8-under 64s and earned alternate spots. Less than a week after reaching the Round of 32 in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Brad Tilley (Brooklawn CC) and partner Pat Wilson earned the first alternate spot while Matthew French and John Steinberg both of Connecticut earned the second alternate slot.
Hero Image courtesy of Chicago District Golf Association
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut State Golf Association functions as an extension of the USGA and provides stewardship for amateur golf in Connecticut. Founded in 1899, it is the country’s oldest state golf association and conducts over 60 Championships, Qualifiers, and One Day Tournaments throughout the year.
