Alumnus to Play in U.S. Amateur Golf Championship

Will Smith ’10, a former captain of Westminster’s First Boys’ Golf Team, will be playing in the 110th U.S. Amateur Golf Championship August 23-29 at Chambers Bay, the spectacular municipal links course located on the lower Puget Sound in University Place, Wash. He earned the spot, after a 36-hole local qualifier at Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, Conn. (146).

“I certainly was not expecting to shoot those scores and earn one of the three qualifying spots,” said Will. “There were about 70 players, all of whom were able to participate in the qualifier because of their handicap (it must be a 2.4 or lower to enter the tournament).”

Will says he didn’t do much to prepare for the qualifier. “I was lucky enough to get onto the course a couple of times in the weeks leading up to it, once with the assistant professional at Wee Burn — thanks to the help of a friend,” said Will. “That was really helpful, as he gave me tips on the various subtleties of the course.”

Will finds his current golf triumph ironic. “Two years ago, I was on the practice range and putting green every day for hours on end, trying to earn successes such as this,” he explained. “I never achieved those goals that year, and that's what led me to pursue a different course: soccer. This year, I went to the driving range all of six times, playing nine holes probably five times. I went into the qualifier completely carefree, and it seriously paid its dividends.”

Will, who will be playing soccer at The College of William & Mary in the fall, received permission from his William & Mary soccer coach to miss some preseason soccer practice to play in the golf championship. “I'm thrilled to know my coach can recognize an opportunity like this,” said Will.

Will plans to go to Washington to participate in the practice rounds for the championship August 21 and August 22. The first round runs from August 23 to August 24. Following that and pending further success, the match play begins August 25, starting with the round of 64.

But Will won’t be the only Martlet on the course. Max O'Connor ’11, a fellow teammate from First Boys’ Golf, caddied for Will in the qualifier and will be joining him in Washington. “He was an integral part of the day, keeping me relaxed and laughing throughout the stressful 36 holes,” said Will. “I hope we will be producing more news to write about.”