Incoming freshman Connor Nolan joined 2017 graduate Brooks Thomas qualifying for the United States Amateur in August
photo by GoMocs.com
Earlier this week, May 2017 graduate Brooks Thomas claimed a spot in the 2017 United States Amateur. Incoming freshman Connor Nolan was not to be out-done.
Nolan one-upped his alum winning his qualifier at La Purisima Golf Course in Lompoc, Calif. He shot 1-over 145 over the grueling 36-hole qualifying.
He opened with a 73 which put him tied for sixth, outside the top 3 needed to advance. That was followed with an even-par 72 to tie for qualifier medalist honors with Nate Whitson.
That second 18 began with two bogies and two birdies over the first eight holes. Ten consecutive pars shot him into the coveted top 3 position. It was a solid effort on the stingy La Purisima tract as Nolan carded six birdies and 23 pars against seven bogeys.
The U.S. Amateur is August 14-20 at famed Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., in suburban Los Angeles. Thomas is the first Mocs student-athlete to reach the field since Steven Fox’s win at Cherry Creek C.C., in 2012. That Thomas’ qualifying took 37 holes mirrors Fox’s win with an extra hole as well.
The Mocs qualified for the NCAA Championships at Riviera in spring of 2012. Nolan signed with the Mocs in November with more information here .
Mark Guhne said, "I was already excited Connor signed with us last fall. I followed him at the U.S. Junior Amateur at the Honors Course and that was a strong impression he made on us then. It just keeps growing as he continues to mature on the golf course. This is a significant accomplishment at this point in his career.
“We almost had three as our transfer Luke Long (from SIUE) just missed after leading his qualifier after 18 holes. It’s a continuation of a great summer. Stephan Jaeger earned his PGA Tour card for 2018 on the Web.com Tour and Jonathan Hodge is right there. Will Porter is playing really well in Scotland. Luke and Stuart Thomas qualified for the Southern Amateur next week. Our Fins (A.J. Lintunen/Dominic Jones) are having strong summers. There’s a lot to get excited about.”