Ross Steelman, who will join the Georgia Tech golf program this fall as a transfer from Missouri, won the U.S. Amateur qualifier at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome.
Steelman, who will be a sophomore, shot a pair of 66s to finish at 12-under 132. After a double-bogey on the ninth hole of his final round, Sreelman finished with four birdies over the last five holes.
There were five spots available at Georgia’s second qualifier. Douglas County High graduate Austin Fulton, a senior at Mississippi State, shot 68-65 to finish in a three-way tie for second at 11-under 133. He shared second place with Nick Robillard of Birmingham, a junior at Alabama-Birmingham, and J.M. Butler of Louisville, a sophomore at Auburn,
Beck Burnette of Blairsville, a junior at Lee University, birdied the 17th hole to shoot a 66 on the final day and earn the final spot without a playoff. Burnette shot 68 the first day and finished at 10-under 134.
Chris Devlin of Birmingham was first alternate at 9 under, and Tech senior Connor Howe was second alternate at 8 under.
Adam Bratton, a rising sophomore at Tech, qualified for the U.S. Amateur at the qualifier in Chesterton, Ind. He shot rounds of 65-75 and won a three-way playoff for the final spot with an eagle on the first extra hole.
Already in the U.S. Amateur field are Tech graduates Noah Norton, Bo Andrews and R.B. Clyburn.
The 121st U.S. Amateur will be held Aug. 9-15 at Oakmont Country Club. A golfer from Tech has won the past two national amateurs – Tyler Strafaci in 2020 and Andy Ogletree in 2019.
Echelon’s Ward takes Head Professional Championship
David Ward of the Echelon Golf Club in Alpharetta amassed 42 Stableford points and won the Georgia PGA’s Head Professional Championship at the Atlanta Country Club. Ward won a playoff over Brian Oliver of the Stone Mountain Golf Club.
Todd Ormsby of Highland Country Club in LaGrange was third with 41 points, and Brett Donnelly of the Druid Hills Golf Club was fourth with 40.
Phil Taylor of the Ansley Golf Club won the senior division with 36 points.
Thomas awarded Millsap Fellowship
Dalton native Brooke Thomas is the recipient of the inaugural PGA Works Paul Millsap Fellowship for the Georgia PGA Section and Foundation. Thomas is a graduate of Dalton State. Her primary responsibilities will be supporting and executing philanthropic activities for the Georgia Section, including PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and junior programs such as the PGA Junior League and Drive, Chip and Putt.
The Millsap Fellowship is designed to prepare individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds for careers in the golf industry. It is a year-long paid fellowship.
Top 100 Instructors list includes nine from Georgia
Nine Georgians have been named to Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers list for 2021-22.
Scott Hamilton of Cartersville Country Club, Justin Parsons and Gale Peterson of Sea Island Golf Club, Mike Perpich of RiverPines Golf in Johns Creek, Joe Plecker of The Landings Club in Savannah, Jon Tattersall of Tattersall Golf in Atlanta, John Tillery of the Golf Club at Cuscowilla in Eatonton, Andrew Rice of The Club at Savannah Harbor and Shaun Webb of Athletic Motion Golf in Cartersville.
Peterson has been on the list since 1996, and Perpich made his debut in 2001. Peterson and Hamilton are among those whose instruction is available through the VI Sports mobile app and software.
PGA professional Barkley dies at 88
Bill Barkley, a PGA Master of Golf Instruction, died in Oveido, Fla., at age 88. Barkley owned and operated Rivermont Golf and Country Club in Johns Creek from 1972-87.
He appeared on Golf Channel and wrote stories for Travel and Leisure Golf, the Senior Golfer and USA Today. He enjoyed starting junior programs, instructing elderly and disabled golfers, and hosting outings for charity.
