July 9, 2018
Joe Highsmith took medalist honors in the U.S. Amateur qualifier at Green Valley CC on Monday. Highsmith, who hails from Lakewood, Washington and is committed to play golf for Pepperdine in the fall, fired a morning 66 to take the first round lead, followed by a 67 in the afternoon for a 9-under 133 total and three shot victory. He had twelve birdies and three bogeys on the day.
Finishing in second place and also advancing is Noah Norton from Chico, CA, shooting rounds of 68-68 for a 6-under 136 total. Norton recently completed his freshman year as a member of the Georgia Tech golf team.
Ryan Burnett from Lafayette, CA took the final qualifying position by posting a 3-under 139 total. Burnett will play college golf for North Carolina starting this fall.
The first alternate position went to former NCGA champion Rick Reinsberg after shooting 2-under 140. Matt Heitel shot 1-over 143 to take the second alternate spot.
This year’s U.S. Amateur will take place August 13-19 at nearby Pebble Beach Golf Links.