Alabama teammates hold Sunnehanna lead
Justin Thomas
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (June 14, 2012) -- Alabama teammates Justin Thomas and Bobby Wyatt set the pace Thursday in the Sunnehanna Amateur, posting 5-under 65s at Sunnehanna Country Club.
Thomas, a rising sophomore from Goshen, Ky., for the recent NCAA runners-up, was cruising along after five consecutive birdies on Nos. 8 through 12 before stumbling with a double bogey-7 at the 595-yard, par-5 15th. He birdied the 18th.
Wyatt, a rising junior from Mobile, Ala., offset two bogeys with an eagle at the 15th and five birdies.
Michael Kim of Del Mar, Calif., and Johannes Veerman of Sugar Land, Texas, are tied at 66.
Nathan Smith, the defending champion from nearby Pittsburgh, struggled to an opening 74.
The 72-hole tournament concludes Sunday.
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.
View Complete Tournament Information