95th West Texas Amateur Set for July 21-23

Diamondback National Golf Club in Abilene is set to host the 95th West Texas Amateur, which will take place July 21-23.

This is the fourth TGA championship and second West Texas Amateur to be held at Diamondback National. The club previously hosted the 2002 Texas Father-Son, 2003 Texas Senior Four-Ball, and 2012 West Texas Amateur.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Diamondback National Golf Club this year to stage one of our foremost championships,” said Owen Kinney, TGA Tournament Coordinator. “We are grateful to the club for their continued commitment to amateur golf and we know the members and staff are eager to provide a truly memorable experience for the players.”

Opened in 1999, Diamondback National Golf Club was designed by Abilene resident and 1971 Masters champion Charles Coody, along with Williams, Gill & Associates. Situated on 220 acres of rolling terrain, the par-71 layout, which can stretch to nearly 7,000 yards from the back tees, features dramatic rock outcroppings, extensive native areas, and Lytle Creek coming into play on nearly half the holes.

“Diamondback National is a great layout and can be very challenging, especially when the wind picks up,” Kinney said. “The course will be an excellent test for the players and will certainly make for an exciting championship.”

The 95th West Texas Amateur features three divisions: Championship, Senior (age 55 and older) and Super Senior (age 65 and older). The 144-player starting field consists of 84 players in the Championship Division, 42 in the Senior Division, and 18 in the Super Senior Division. The three divisions will compete from different sets of tees and yardages, with separate champions recognized in each division.

The championship will be contested over 54 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 72 scorers and ties, with a pro-rated representation from each division.

Starting times and pairings for the first and second rounds will be posted on the TGA website no later than July 18. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available online once the action gets underway from Diamondback National Golf Club.

At last year’s West Texas Amateur, Casey Carnes of Schertz won the Championship Division with rounds of 68-71-67 on the Old Course at Odessa Country Club. His 10-under-par 206 total was good for a three-shot margin of victory over Nolan Otto of Big Spring. Kelly Eng of Austin finished at 5-under 211 to capture the Senior Division by one stroke over Joe Sconiers of Iraan. Mike Peck of Irving closed with a 4-under 68 in the final round (1-under 215 total) to win the Super Senior Division by five shots over Lelan Chiles of Granbury and Michael Puls, also of Irving.

First played in 1925, the West Texas Amateur is one of the oldest continuously held amateur events in the U.S. The championship has had a rich history of notable winners including Texas Golf Hall of Famers Don Cherry, Coody, John Grace, Billy Maxwell, and Hal Underwood.

94th West Texas Amateur Set for July 15-17

The Old Course at Odessa Country Club will be the host site for the 94th West Texas Amateur, which will be played July 15-17.

Odessa Country Club has a long-standing tradition of supporting the amateur game and has been the venue for numerous TGA championships over the years. The club most recently hosted the 87th West Texas Amateur in 2015, won by Mark Jones Jr., and the 73rd Texas Senior Amateur in 2010, won by John Grace.

“We are thrilled to return to Odessa Country Club, which has been such an integral part of TGA and West Texas Amateur history,” said Chris Untiedt, TGA Senior Tournament Director. “We look forward to working with the club once again and conducting another exciting championship for the best amateur players from around the state.”

The Old Course at Odessa Country Club was built in 1939 by Texas Golf Hall of Fame architect John Bredemus. The par-72 layout, which measures 6,898 yards from the back tees, features an artful mix of left and right doglegs, strategic bunkering, and well-contoured green complexes. When the wind blows, as it frequently does in the High Plains region, Bredemus’ classic design provides a challenging test that places a premium on steady course management and confident shot-making.

The West Texas Amateur features three divisions: Championship, Senior (age 55 and older) and Super Senior (age 65 and older). The starting field limit is 144 players, with 84 spots allotted to the Championship Division, 42 in the Senior Division and 18 for the Super Senior Division. The three divisions compete from different sets of tees and yardages, with separate champions recognized in each division.

The format for the championship is 54-hole individual stroke play. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the lowest 72 scores and ties, with a pro-rated representation from each division.

At last year’s championship, played on the South Course at Abilene Country Club, Garrett Leek of Brock finished at 11-under-par 205 to win the Championship Division by one stroke over Jansen Smith of San Angelo. Mike Booker of Houston carded a blistering 8-under 64 in the second round on his way to winning the Senior Division at 9-under 207. Craig Urban of Abilene ended at 2-over 218 to capture the title in the Super Senior Division.

Live scoring updates and daily recaps from the 94th West Texas Amateur will be available on the TGA website once the action gets underway from Odessa Country Club.

JT Pittman Wins 92nd West Texas Amateur

Briefly: JT Pittman of Monahans won the 92nd West Texas Amateur after a final round 2-under-par 70 at Bentwood Country Club. The Midland College sophomore finished at 8-under overall and two strokes better than the field. Lewis Stephenson of Burleson won the Senior Division by two strokes after firing a 6-under 66 in the final round. Doug Hopton-Jones of Mansfield won the Super Senior Division by three strokes after rounds of 75-73-73.

Leaderboard:
1) JT Pittman                      Monahans          68-70-70 | 208
2) Jansen Smith                 San Angelo         74-69-67 | 210
3) Michael Heidelbaugh   Dallas                   72-67-73 | 212
T4) Robert Johnson           Abilene                71-71-72 | 214
T4) Collin Clark                   Midlothian          66-76-72 | 214
T4) Bryce Waters                Midland              71-73-70 | 214
T7) Kevin Liberto                Cypress                70-75-70 | 215
T7) Jack Anderson              Round Rock         72-70-73 | 215
T7) Will Adams                    Odessa                  70-77-68  | 215

Final Results

Golf Course: Founded in 1978, Bentwood Country Club is the centerpiece of a master-planned community located near the shores of Lake Nasworthy. Designed by Billy Martindale and Jeffery Blume, the golf course has all the elements of a classic parkland layout, including narrow fairways, numerous water hazards, prominent bunkering and large, undulating green complexes. When the wind blows, as it frequently does, Bentwood Country Club provides a stern challenge for even the most accomplished players. Final Round was contested at 7,051 yards.

Weather: The temperature reached 95 degrees with steady winds at 8 mph out of the south.

Winner’s Info: Pittman fired a 2-under 70 in the final round to post 8-under for the championship and win by two strokes. The Midland College sophomore remained at the top of the leaderboard throughout the entirety of the championship and carded red numbers in all three of his rounds. Although Smith gave it a good run carding a 5-under-par 67 in his final round, Pittman maintained his composure and never lost the lead. He carded five birdies and fired 1-under-par 35s on each nine in his final round. This is Pittman’s first West Texas Amateur win.

“I really tried not to think about anybody else, I just tried to just play the golf course one shot at a time and make as many birdies as I could,” Pittman said. “A lot of great players have played against me this week, hats off to them, they all played great, but I am glad I got the win.”

Lewis Stephenson won the Senior Division after two rounds in red figures. Stephenson was seven shots behind the leader to start the final round. He rolled in nine birdies on his way to a stellar 6-under 66. This was Stephenson’s first West Texas Amateur title. He also won the 2018 Texas Senior Amateur.

Doug Hopton-Jones won the Super-Senior Division by three strokes and at 5-over 221. The 2019 defending champion adds this win to his 2019 and 2002 West Texas Amateur titles.

In Contention: Jansen Smith of San Angelo posted a 6-under 210 for the championship and finished solo second. Michael Heidelbaugh of Dallas finished at 4-under 212 to take third. Robert Johnson of Abilene, Collin Clark of Midlothian and Bryce Waters of Midland tied fourth at 2-under 214.

What’s Next: The 2020 season continues with the Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play at Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler July 23-26. You can view the entire Texas Golf Association calendar here.

More Info: The Texas Golf Association extends its sincere appreciation to the staff and members of Bentwood Country Club as well as our volunteers for their integral part in making the 92nd West Texas Amateur a memorable and successful event. For more information on the West Texas Amateur, click here.

JT Pittman Takes the Lead at 92nd West Texas Amateur

Briefly: JT Pittman of Monahans leads the 92nd West Texas Amateur after a 2-under-par 70 in Round 2. He holds a one-shot lead at 6-under 138 overall. Brad Wayment of Trophy Club carded a 1-under 71 and remains atop the Senior Division by one stroke, and Ed Turner of Dallas leads the Super Senior Division by three after rounds of 74-71.

Leaderboard:
1) JT Pittman                       Monahans            68-70 | 138
2) Michael Heidelbaugh     Dallas                   72-67 | 139
T3) Robert Johnson            Abilene                 71-71 | 142
T3) Jack Anderson              Round Rock         72-70 | 142
T3) Collin Clark                   Midlothian            66-76 | 142
T6) Brian Boles                   Lubbock                72-71 | 143
T6) Jansen Smith               San Angelo           74-69 | 143
T6) Caleb Hicks                  Arlington               76-67 | 143
T6) Tyler Uhlig                    Magnolia               71-72 | 143

Round 2 Results | Final Round Pairings

Golf Course: Founded in 1978, Bentwood Country Club is the centerpiece of a master-planned community located near the shores of Lake Nasworthy. Designed by Billy Martindale and Jeffery Blume, the golf course has all the elements of a classic parkland layout, including narrow fairways, numerous water hazards, prominent bunkering and large, undulating green complexes. When the wind blows, as it frequently does, Bentwood Country Club provides a stern challenge for even the most accomplished players. Round 2 was contested at 7,067 yards.

Weather: The temperature reached 95 degrees with steady winds at 12 mph out of the south reaching gusts of 21 mph.

In Contention: JT Pittman of Monahans followed his 4-under 68 in Round 1 with a 2-under 70 on Saturday. The Midland College sophomore went out in 2-over 38, but rallied on the back nine. Pittman birdied four of his last nine holes to regain the lead and holds a one-shot advantage heading into the final round.

“In the past 36 holes, there have been some ups and there have been some downs, but all in all it has been a solid 36,” Pittman said. “I had a double today which hurt a lot, but I came back strong and made some birdies on the back nine.”

Michael Heidelbaugh of Dallas fired a 5-under 67 and is solo second at 5-under 139 overall. The incoming Texas A&M freshman carded six birdies and an eagle in Saturday’s round. Robert Johnson of Abilene, University of New Mexico junior Jack Anderson, and University of Texas at San Antonio senior Collin Clark are tied third at 2-under par. Four players in the Championship Division are tied sixth at 1-under par.

In the Senior Division, Brad Wayment of Trophy Club held his lead going into Sunday’s final round. Wayment carded six birdies in Round 2 bringing him to 4-under through 36 holes. Mike Lohner of Southlake remains one shot back after a 2-under-par 70. Lohner went out in 37 on the front side, and played strong at the turn with a 3-under 33 on the back. Jerry Slagle of Southlake and Ed Brooks of Fort Worth are tied third at 1-over par. Three players are tied fifth at 2-over par.

In The Super Senior Division, Ed Turner of Dallas carded four birdies to shoot a 1-under 71 in Round 2. Turner leads with 1-over par through 36 holes. Doug Hopton-Jones of Mansfield remains three shots back after a 1-over 73. Jim Grubbs of Austin and Lynn Cormier of Missouri City are tied third at 6-over-par. Kent Samuel of The Woodlands and Dickie Williams of Montgomery are tied fifth at 10-over par.

What’s Next: Final Round tee times start Sunday at 7:30 a.m. off No. 1 & 10 tees at Bentwood Country Club.

More Info: For more information on the 92nd West Texas Amateur, click here.

Collin Clark Leads 92nd West Texas Amateur

Briefly: Collin Clark of Midlothian leads the 92nd West Texas Amateur after an opening round 6-under-par 66. Brad Wayment of Trophy Club leads the Senior Division following his 3-under 69, and Jim Grubbs of Austin leads the Super Senior Division after a 1-over 73.

Leaderboard:
1) Collin Clark                  Midlothian         66
2) JT Pittman                   Monahans          68
3) Mason Mikeska           Waco                   69
T4) Will Adams                Odessa                70
T4) Cole Grossl                 Keller                  70
T4) Kevin Liberto             Cypress               70
T4) Jake Leatherwood     Snyder                70
T4) Seth Bearden             Crowell                70

Round 1 Results | Round 2 Pairings

Golf Course: Founded in 1978, Bentwood Country Club is the centerpiece of a master-planned community located near the shores of Lake Nasworthy. Designed by Billy Martindale and Jeffery Blume, the golf course has all the elements of a classic parkland layout, including narrow fairways, numerous water hazards, prominent bunkering and large, undulating green complexes. When the wind blows, as it frequently does, Bentwood Country Club provides a stern challenge for even the most accomplished players. Round 1 was contested at 7,055 yards.

Weather: The temperature reached 104 degrees with steady winds at 7 mph out of the south reaching gusts of 13 mph.

In Contention: Clark, University of Texas at San Antonio senior from Midlothian, carded eight birdies for his tournament-leading 66. His short game played a pivotal role in his success during today’s round.

“I putted really well today,” Clark said. “I rolled in a lot of long ones and made the par putts when I needed to.”

JT Pittman of Monahans carded a 4-under 68 and sits two shots off the lead. Mason Mikeska of Waco is in solo third after a 3-under 69. Five players in the Championship Division are tied fourth at 2-under-par and four shots off the lead.

What’s Next: Round 2 starts Saturday at 7:30 a.m. off No. 1 & 10 tees at Bentwood Country Club.

More Info: For more information on the 92nd West Texas Amateur, click here.

West Texas Amateur Set for July 17-19

DALLAS – The 2020 West Texas Amateur will be played July 17-19 at Bentwood Country Club in San Angelo.

Founded in 1978, Bentwood Country Club is the centerpiece of a master-planned community located near the shores of Lake Nasworthy. Designed by Billy Martindale and Jeffery Blume, the golf course has all the elements of a classic parkland layout, including narrow fairways, numerous water hazards, prominent bunkering and large, undulating green complexes. When the wind blows, as it frequently does, Bentwood Country Club provides a stern challenge for even the most accomplished players.

Scheduled for 54 holes of individual stroke play, the West Texas Amateur features three divisions: Open, Senior (55 and older) and Super Senior (65 and older). The starting field limit is 144 players, with 84 spots allotted to the Open Division, 42 in the Senior Division and 18 for Super Seniors.

At the 2019 championship, played at Midland Country Club, Jackson Markham of Dallas won the overall title with a final round 2-under-par 70. His 3-under 213 total over three days was good for a one-stroke victory over Travis Woolf of Fort Worth. After ending regulation play tied at 4-under 212, Chuck Palmer of Dallas bested Ed Brooks of Fort Worth in a sudden-death playoff to win the Senior Division. Doug Hopton-Jones of Mansfield won the Super Senior Division by two after rounds of 73-74-72.

First conducted in 1925, this year marks the 92nd playing of the West Texas Amateur, making it one of the oldest amateur competitions in Texas. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will be available here once the action gets under way from Bentwood Country Club.

ABOUT THE TGA: Founded in 1906 as the governing body of amateur golf in Texas, the TGA is an official representative of the United States Golf Association and the only licensed distributor of USGA GHIN Handicaps. We serve all golfers across Texas with elite competitive championships and recreational playing opportunities for men, women, seniors and juniors. The TGA is represented by hundreds of public and private facility Member Clubs throughout the state. It is our honor and responsibility to promote, protect and grow the game of golf on all levels. To learn more, click here.