Former Mercer Standout Qualifies for U.S. Amateur
MACON, Ga. – Former Mercer golfer Bill Jones III fired a second-round 66 on Wednesday to take home medalist honors in a local U.S. Amateur Qualifier held at the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta. With his first-place finish, Jones is now eligible for competition in the 2010 US Amateur Championship.
Jones employed his five-under round of 66 on Wednesday to overtake first-round co-leaders Carter Newman and Glenn Northcutt. Newman is currently a member of the 2010 NCAA Champion Augusta State men’s golf team while Northcutt graduated from Auburn in 2009 after a four-year golfing career with the Tigers.
Jones’ 66 came in conjunction with an opening-round 69 as the Covington, Ga. native outpaced the field of 144 competitors at the event. Jones’ two-day total of 135 gave him a one-stroke edge over both Newman and Northcutt.
Newman and Northcutt joined Jones as three of six golfers to qualify for the annual U.S. Amateur Championship. The 110th edition of the event is scheduled for August 23-29 at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash.
Jones graduated from Mercer in May of 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in business.