Sunnehanna Amateur: Will Murphy tops Sam Burns in playoff
Will Murphy
JOHNSTOWN, Penn. (June 14, 2014) -- Will Murphy fired a final-round 69 and defeated Sam Burns in a three-hole aggregate playoff to win the 2014 Sunnehanna Amateur.
At Sunnehanna Country Club, Murphy, who plays at South Carolina, took home his second marquee victory of the year, adding the prestigious Sunnehanna Amateur title to his win at the Azalea Invitational earlier this spring.
Heavy rain on Friday meant that the leaders had to finish their third rounds early Saturday morning. After all players had completed 54-holes, Murphy was a shot behind Burns, entering the final round. He matched Burns at the end of regulation thanks to a final-round of 1-under 69.
Burns, who'll play his college golf at LSU, carded rounds of 65-71-68-70, to take solo second in his best finish in a major amateur event. His opening round was the tournament's lowest.
Xander Schauffele of San Diego finished 67-69-68 to finish tied for third place alongside four-time U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Nathan Smith. (Smith was the lowest mid-am finisher in the field, while reigning US Mid-Am champ Mike McCoy finished a solid T10.)
USC's Rico Hoey was fifth, finishing a shot ahead of Charlie Danielson, John Oda and Steven Ihm, the defending champion.
ABOUT THE
Sunnehanna Amateur
First played in July 1954, the Sunnehanna Amateur holds a distinguished place in golf history as the first country club-sponsored 72-hole medal (stroke) play event for amateurs in the United States. Its groundbreaking format helped set the standard for elite amateur competition and has since inspired numerous high-level tournaments across the country.
Hosted at Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the event is played on a classic 1921 A.W. Tillinghast design—a quintessential golden-age layout known for its strategic shot values, rolling terrain, and challenging greens. The course itself is as much a draw as the championship, offering a pure test of golf that showcases the talent of rising amateur stars.
With its rich tradition, elite fields, and iconic venue, the Sunnehanna Amateur remains one of the premier proving grounds for future professionals. Its alumni list includes many who have gone on to successful PGA Tour careers, making it a must-watch event on the amateur calendar, and one of the best tournaments to kick off a competitive summer in amateur golf.
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