ATHENS — Gainesville native and University of Georgia standout golfer Spencer Ralston posted a 10-under-par (66,68) 134 to earn medalist honors and advance to the U.S. Amateur Championship in a 36-hole qualifier at Jennings Mill Country Club.
Ralston got off to a blistering start during his first round and finished with eight birdies on Monday. He followed it up with three birdies in round two and an eagle on the 523 yard Par-5 11th hole on Tuesday.
Also qualifying was Trevor Phillips of Inman, South Carolina, who fired a 6-under-par (70,68) 138. Spencer Ball of Suwanee, who recently finished T11 at the Georgia Amateur Championship, posted a 5-under-par (70,69) 139 to qualify.
There were four players tied at 4-under-par 140 so a playoff was needed to determine the final two qualifying spots and alternate positions. They were Alex Shead of Appling, Matthew Smith of Seneca, South Carolina, Davis Thompson of Saint Simons Island, and Luka Karaulic of Dacula.
Smith birdied the first playoff hole to secure a qualifying spot. On the second playoff hole Shead, Thompson, and Karaulic all made par so they went back to hole first hole for the third and final playoff. Shead made birdie to lock up the final qualifying spot. Thompson made par and will be the first alternate while Karulic made bogey and will be the second alternate.
