Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — When you think of the Sunnehanna Amateur tournament for champions some of the worlds best golfers come to mind.
Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Arnold Palmer. The list of famous golfers who played in this tournament goes on.
On Wednesday, the Sunnehanna Amateur began where the next great generation of golfers look to begin their journey
At 8:30 a.m., two former champions teed off to begin the first round of the Sunnehanna Amateur.
Preston Summerhayes, the 2020 champion, started strong by making birdie on the first two holes. He finished even on the first round.
Nathan Smith, the 2011 champion and 2025 US Walker Cup Captain, found his first birdie on the par 3, 4th hole. Smith finished high on the leader board at 2 under in the first round.
Following in the group behind them was Murraysville's Palmer Jackson, who finished 4th in last year's amateur. On the long par 4 6th hole, palmer two-putted for par. he also finished the day even.
Many former players returned for this year's amateur including Chad Wilfong from Charlotte, North Carolina. He first played in the tournament 20 years ago. Wilfong said from the talent to the volunteers and those who have played in this tournament in the past, this has always been a first-class event.
"Everything about this tournament, the golf course is amazing it always has been...top notch in my opinion. And one of the more difficult golf courses we play. But just the people...I think the people in the area are what makes this such a good event."
This year more is at stake for the field of 105 golfers. This amateur is the first stop of 7 in the Elite Amateur Golf Series. So players are not only looking to win this weekend but they are also looking to win the Elite Amateur Cup.
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