Nick Rubino made a birdie on his final hole to win the 2024 Rice Planters Amateur Championship

The Rice Planters Amateur is more than just a tournament—it's a launchpad for future greatness. Held annually at Snee Farm Country Club since 1973, this storied event has seen the likes of Tom Lehman, Davis Love III, Stewart Cink, and Brooks Koepka walk its fairways before making their mark on professional golf.

As the 53rd edition gets underway, this year’s field is a fitting tribute to the legacy of founder Dick “R.P.” Horne, who passed away in 2024. It’s a blend of decorated college golfers, rising international stars, and mid-amateurs, all playing for pride, a trophy, and a place in history.

📊 Scoring Intelligence (2022–2024)

• Winning Scores: 205 (2022), 206 (2023), 207 (2024) — expect a winner near -10.
• Top 20 Cut: Typically between -2 and -4 — players need to average around 71 or better to contend.
• Low Round Fireworks: A 63 (Gene Zeigler, R3 2023) and multiple 66s show scoring is possible — but rare.
• Moving Day Impact: The eventual winner almost always posts a 67 or better in R2 or R3.
• Back-to-Back Threat: George Langham has gone T2 and T3 the past two years (208 both times).

Look for breakout rounds late, and don’t be surprised if the eventual champion surges from behind on Friday’s final nine.

⛳ Course Breakdown: Snee Farm Country Club

Snee Farm Country Club is a hidden Lowcountry gem designed by George Cobb, the architect behind Augusta National’s par-3 course. Opened in 1970, the layout is a blend of strategic shot values, Southern charm, and deceptive simplicity. Measuring just under 6,800 yards at par 72, it places a premium on placement, not power.

The routing is tree-lined but fair, with small, elevated Bermuda greens that demand confident approach play and excellent touch. Water hazards and forced carries appear late in the round, including on the picturesque par-3 16th and drivable par-4 17th—two holes that have shaped many past champions.

What makes Snee Farm shine is its balance of risk and restraint. Birdie runs are possible—especially on the front nine—but double bogeys lurk when players miss on the short side or misjudge the wind. The closing stretch (holes 15–18) is among the most dynamic in Southeastern amateur golf and guarantees drama during the final round.

• Signature hole: No. 16 — a mid-iron par 3 over water to a narrow green
• Toughest hole: No. 14 — a long par 4 with trouble right and a sloped green
• Scoring stretch: Holes 5–7 and 15–17 offer birdie chances

Snee Farm rewards creative shotmakers and confident putters—traits you’ll find in every past Rice Planters champion. As one former winner put it: “You don’t overpower Snee Farm. You out-think it.”

🔑 Schedule & Format

• Monday, June 16: 8:00 a.m. Qualifier | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Registration
• Tuesday, June 17: 9:00 a.m. Snee-AM Pro-Am | 3–7 p.m. Registration
• Wednesday, June 18: Round 1 (College Game-Day)
• Thursday, June 19: Round 2
• Friday, June 20: Final Round | 5:00 p.m. Trophy Ceremony

🌍 Global Field with Local Heroes

This year’s competitors represent six countries and over 60 universities. Headliners include:

• Lucas Acevedo – Michigan State standout
• Tip Price – Clemson local and 2024 ACC All-Freshman
• Patrick Kahanek – Big East Champion, Seton Hall
• Cameron Jackson – 2025 Australian Amateur runner-up
• Snee Farm locals: Rich Brazeau, Chris Mullins, Michael Montgomery

📅 Coverage Hub

🟡 Qualifier – Monday, June 16

• Medalist: TBD
• Advancing: TBD

🔵 Round 1 – Wednesday, June 18

Watch for fast starts and College Game-Day flair.

🟠 Round 2 – Thursday, June 19

Moving day leaderboard shifts expected.

🔴 Final Round – Friday, June 20

The champion is crowned around 5 p.m. Full recap to follow.

📚 Past Champions

• 2024: Nick Rubino – 207
• 2023: Garrett Cooper – 206
• 2022: Aidan Kramer – 205 (playoff)