Sunnehanna Amateur: Leng, Herendeen, Jones, and Laopakdee all share the lead
Max Herendeen (Illinois Athletics Photo)
Max Herendeen,
Jay Leng,
Connor Jones, and
Pongsapak Laopakdee are all 5-under and share the lead through 36 holes of the 2024 Sunnehanna Amateur at Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown, Pa.
The four leaders all sit one shot ahead of nine golfers at 4-under in the crowded leaderboard. Through the first two rounds, 37 golfers are under par and within four shots of the lead.
Basically, through the first two rounds, this is anyone's tournament still. Jones is the highest-ranked player of the four, as he is No. 32 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com U.S. Rankings.
The round of the day belonged to Matthew Manganello, who followed up a first-round 4-over 74 with a second-round 7-under 63 to jump up to T14 and 3-under on the leaderboard.
First-round leader Ben Warian shot a second-round 1-over 71 after a first-round 5-under 65 to sit with the gaggle of players at 4-under and T5.
The Sunnehanna Amateur was inaugurated in July 1954. It was the first country club-sponsored 72-hole stroke play competition for amateurs in the United States. The tournament is played on a classic A.W. Tillinghast design.
Only one other amateur tournament in the United States can boast contestants such as Chick Evans, Arnold Palmer, Julius Boros, Art Wall, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Rickie Fowler: the United States Amateur. Its medal-play format has been emulated by countless amateur tournaments across the country.
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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