Wednesday, August 22, 2001
Golfers take the greens at Amateurs
By Kelly Morris
skiff staff

The TCU men’s fall golf season is not even under way yet, but four golfers this week take the greens in Atlanta, Ga.

Seniors Andy Doeden and Steve Sheurt, junior Adam Rubinson and sophomore Stephen Polanski played in the 101st U.S. Amateurs Championship which began Monday at the East Lake and Druid Hills Golf Courses. After making the 64-player cut Tuesday, Doeden is currently tied for 35th and will play his first round of match play today.

Head Coach Bill Montigel said he couldn’t be prouder.

“This is the greatest number of returning golfers we have ever had qualify for this tournament,” Montigel said. “It is a huge honor for the players and TCU. The U.S. Amateur Championship is the most prestigious amateur event, and with four of our guys qualifying for it, it speaks very highly of the golf program at TCU.”

Last year, Doeden, sophomore J.J. Killeencq and graduate Aaron Hickmancq qualified for the Amateur Championship. In 1995, TCU had fivecq golfers qualify, but two of them had already graduated. No one qualified two years ago.

On Monday, Doeden led the way for TCU shooting a one-over par 71 that tied him for 78th place. Rubinson tied for 159th shooting a four-over 74, while Shuert notched 227th place and Polanski tied for 272nd.

After Tuesday’s round, the field was cut to 64 golfers. Sheurt, Rubinson and Polanski failed to make the cut in their first U.S. Amateurs. With a two round score of 147, Rubinson finished tied for 110th place. Sheurt tied for 143rd and Polanski finished tied for 190th.

Even though he did not make the cut, Rubinson said it was comforting having other teammates qualify with him.

“We’re just having a good time together and having fun,” Rubinson said.

Doeden did make the cut shooting a 1-under par 71 at the 6,561-yard Druid Hills course. He will play the first round of match play today at the East Lake Golf Course which measures 7,091 yards.

And after losing in the first round of match play last year, Doeden said he hopes to improve upon his finish.

“I lost in the first round of match play last season, but I learned a lot there,” Doeden said. “I think the knowledge I gained will play a big part this year.”

Two years ago, no one qualified for the tournament. With four qualifiers this year, the Frogs tied Georgia Tech with the most tournament participant, shows the program is on the rise, Montigel said.

“We’ve come a long way,” Montigel said. “Last year we did a little better, but now I think we have the program back where we want it. This tournament will give us a great edge to the season.”

Kelly Morris
k.l.morris@student.tcu.edu

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