McCardle to play in USGA amateur championship tournament

Eric McCardle qualified for the 112th United States Golf Association amateur championship by winning the sectional qualifier in Boulder City, Nev., July 30 and 31.

The Oak Harbor High School graduate competes in the USGA amateur championship starting Monday, Aug. 13, at Cherry Hill Country Club outside of Denver. He will play 36 holes of stroke play over the first two days, then the top 64 qualify for match play beginning Wednesday. The winner receives an automatic berth into the Masters and U.S. Open tournaments.

The USGA amateur tournament will be televised on the Golf Channel during the week and by NBC on the weekend.

In the sectional qualifier at the Boulder Creek Golf Course, McCardle, who currently lives in Las Vegas, shot an eight-under 134 (66-68) with nine birdies and one bogey on the par-71 course to win by three strokes.

As well as winning the sectional meet, McCardle captured the Whidbey Golf and Country Club Invitational and the Nevada State Amateur Qualifier earlier this summer. He also placed third in the Nevada State Pro/Am (playing with former OHHS teammate Phil Reedy), fourth at the Nevada Men's Amateur and fifth at the Clark County (Nevada) Amateur.

McCardle currently sits in second place in the running for the Nevada State Player of the Year, Scratch Division.  He is only 15 points out of first place with several tournaments left.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

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