Cole Ekert Post Low Round At US Junior Amateur SQR
HARRISON, N.J. (June 14, 2021) -- Hawk Pointe Golf Club couldn't contain Cole Ekert, it barely slowed him down. Outside of a bogey on the 18th hole, Ekert posted a sublime scorecard, finishing at a tounament best -7 for the day. His 65 led the way as three others - Thomas Finn, Dean Greyserman and John Hiller- joined Ekert as qualifiers for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. The Championship will be held between July 19-24 at the Country Club of North Carolina.
"I'm excited to qualify and it was great to shoot as low as I did," said Ekert. "I would have liked the last hole back, but I can't really complain too much."
The Chatham, New Jersey native mentioned post-round that this isn't the first time he has gone low at Hawk Pointe. Ekert had posted a 66 in a previous round at the course.
"You could say I like playing this course," said Ekert.
Amongst a strong field of golfers, Finn and Greyserman left their marks with matching -4 rounds. Finn notched his 68 early, posting the mark to beat for most of the day as he finished in the first group. Greyserman was towards the back of the field and fired a 32 on the front nine before closing his second nine in even par.
The final qualifying spot went to John Hiller. He birdied two of his last five holes to close the round strong and get into the clubhouse at -2. It took until the last group before Hiller found out he qualifed without needing a playoff.
The two alternate spots up for grabs did require extra golf, as there was a three for two playoff between Arav Patel, Louis Giovacchini and Win Thomas. Giovacchini was elminated on the first playoff hole and Thomas pared the second while Patel birdied. Thomas gained first alternate position, with Patel claiming the second alternate position.
Next Wednesday, Bonnie Briar Country Club will host another sectional qualifier for the U.S. Junior Amateur.