By Jack Reyering, The Miami Student
Miami University golfer Jack Sparling claimed his spot in the 2015 U.S. Amateur Tournament when he placed first in the U.S. Amateur qualifier on July 15 at Lancaster Country Club in Columbus, Ohio.
The senior golfer won the tournament by 2 strokes, finishing at 3 under par. One week earlier, he had placed 14th at the Ohio Amateur qualifier.
"I had the lead after the first two rounds [at the Ohio Amateur]," Sparling said. "But I tried to force it in the final round. I tried to stay much more relaxed this time and ended up winning it."
Sparling thinks he has a slight advantage for the Amateur tournament. He is familiar with the course at Olympia Fields Country Club - the site of the competition.
"My dad knows the course very well," Sparling said. "That will be helpful when I practice over the next month."
The U.S. Amateur is the oldest golf championship in the United States and features amateur golfers from all around the country.
Sparling has been keeping busy over the summer. In addition to playing in qualifiers and keeping his game sharp, he is taking a summer course and working as a caddie. Now he moves to the U.S. Amateur. Sparling's ultimate goal is to win, but he is proud just to be in the field.
"I'd like to win it," Sparling said. "But I really just want to work hard and give it my best and keep getting better. I'm excited."
Sparling is the first Miami golfer to compete in the tournament while still a member of the team since Michael Drobnick in 2010.
The U.S. Amateur runs August 17-23 in Olympia Fields, Illinois.
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