LOGIN  |  JOIN  |  INFO  |  BENEFITS
Southwestern Amateur: Leow, Banke lead Men, Whiston paces Women
Nicole Whiston (Tennessee Women's Golf photo)
Nicole Whiston (Tennessee Women's Golf photo)

The long-awaited Southwestern Amateur has returned. The 2021 historic stop at the Desert Mountain Outlaw Course showcased the continued strength of the men's championship along with the tournament's new women's division.

Wednesday’s first-round teed off with the men’s division and resulted in a runaway tie at eight-under between Arizona State sophomore James Leow and Arizona grad transfer Christian Banke. The in-state PAC-12 rivals fired incredible rounds of 63, with Leow pouring in six birdies on his back nine and Banke’s early eagle on the second hole jump-starting his round.

The pair’s incredible first day left plenty to chase after, amounting to a five-stroke lead ahead of a three-way tie for second between Brandon Hoff, Tony Chen and Blake Lorenz.

The Southwestern Amateur introduced its very first women’s division with a world-class field that also put up low scores in the triple digit desert heat.

University of Tennessee junior Nicole Whiston took the solo lead mid-afternoon with a first round two-under 69, carding the only round under 70 on the women’s leaderboard. Ami Gianchandani and Ching-Tzu Chen are Whiston’s closest challengers, tied for second at 1-under 70. Gianchandani’s two eagles shone in her first round campaign.

Round 2 of the 72-hole event gets underway Thursday.



Results: Southwestern Amateur
1SingaporeJames LeowSingapore70063-70-69-70=272
2TXTucker AllenTolar, TX50070-71-67-67=275
T3INKeegan BronnenbergMuncie, IN40069-71-69-69=278
T3CAChristian BankeDanville, CA40063-72-70-73=278
T3ALRyan EshlemanVestavia Hills, AL40071-70-65-72=278

View full results for Southwestern Amateur

ABOUT THE Southwestern Amateur

72-hole stroke play championship for national-level amateurs with a handicap index of 1.4 or better. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 36 and ties. The SWGA Selection Committee will select players to compete based upon exemptions, playing resume and rankings.

The SWGA reserves the right to invite amateurs of national and international reputation, as well as other amateurs "of note", to enter into the tournament. Applicants are urged to submit their entries with golf resumes of accomplishment in major tournaments and other competitive record information.

View Complete Tournament Information

Latest in 

Amateurgolf.com, Inc.
6965 El Camino Real 105-631
Carlsbad, CA 92009

Instagram X Facebook YouTube