Pizetoski Qualifies For U.S. Amateur
07/09/2014 | Men's Golf
MONROE, N.C. -- Continuing a spectacular year, Richmond rising senior men's golfer Danny Pizetoski (Davidson, North Carolina) earned a spot in the 2014 United States Amateur Championship by way of tying for medalist honors at the Section Qualifying at the Monroe Country Club this week.
Pizetoski finished at nine-under par (69-66 – 135) after a six-under final round on Tuesday. The qualifier was conducted by the Carolinas Golf Association on behalf of the United States Golf Association.
“I knew that a pretty low score was needed to qualify, and that could be had at Monroe Country Club,” said Pizetoski of his tournament.
“In the first round, I wasn't able to take advantage of the par-five holes, which was frustrating for me but I wasn't too disappointed when I saw that I was only one shot out of the qualifying spot after the first round. I still knew, however, that I needed a low second round to have a chance, since only three people qualify and there would be a charge from a couple of players. I was able to take advantage of the par fives in the second round along with making a couple of big up-and-downs to keep my round going. I ended up putting up a number that was just good enough to tie for the medalist honors. I am really excited to play at Atlanta Athletic Club in the US Amateur in August.”
Pizetoski, along with two other low scorers in Monroe, earned spots in the Championship, which will take place at the Atlantic Athletic Club, August 11-17.
“I'm really proud of Danny for qualifying for the US Amateur,” said Richmond head golf coach Adam Decker. “What a fantastic accomplishment. He has continued his outstanding play from this past school year. I know Danny is not satisfied with just qualifying, and wants to contend for the championship. I look forward to following his play in Atlanta.”
Pizetoski was the medalist at the 2014 Atlantic 10 Championships, the first individual A-10 Conference champion in program history, earning an individual berth to the NCAA Regionals. He represented the Spiders at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois in mid-May. He is also the first Spider to win three tournaments in a school year.
“I have been scoring well this year, which helps to do well in these tournaments,” added Pizetoski. “While I'm not doing every part of my game perfectly, I'm able to put it all together to put up good numbers. Also, my mindset in each tournament has helped me to do well… to not get frustrated when I hit a bad shot or have a bad round, because I know that I can still hit the shots that I need to in order to play well the next day.”
Pizetoski is the second Spider golfer to qualify for a USGA event, joining rising junior David Germann, who qualified for the USGA Public Links Championship a few weeks ago. The Public Links Championship begins next Monday, July 14.
Players Mentioned
