July 20, 2016
Three players earned spots into this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship after a wild day at par-72 Bayonet/Black Horse GC in Seaside.
Leading the field in the 36-hole qualifier was medalist Kevin Velo of Danville, who came in at 9-under 135 after posting solid rounds of 68-67. Velo’s day included a pair of eagles and 10 birdies to go against just five bogeys.
The second and third automatic spots went Bradley Knox of Menlo Park (137) and San Ramon’s Louie Chen (138). Knox followed up an opening 71 with a brilliant 66 that featured seven birdies and just one bogey. Chen, meanwhile, went from a 73 to a 65, carding eight birdies and just one bogey.
Chen would join recent NCGA Amateur Stroke Play champion Robby Salomon and Grady Smith of San Luis Obispo, who also shot 138, in a three-way playoff for the third and final automatic spot. Chen emerged the winner after two holes.
The first alternate spot went to Smith. The second alternate spot went to Salomon. Along with winning the NCGA Stroke Play, Salomon was coming off a win at last weekend’s Bayonet/Black Horse Amateur. He’d win both of those events in extra holes.