Four Cougars qualify for US Amateur

PROVO, Utah – Max Brenchley, Zac Jones, Cole Ponich and Tyson Shelley have punched their tickets to the US Amateur at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota on August 12-18.

Qualifying for the US Amateur is often an aspiration for collegiate golfers. BYU has four players who will be competing for the national title in mid-August. 

The USGA modified the qualifying format for the 2024 championship. Players must first compete in one of the 45 18-hole local qualifying sites across the world to advance to the 18-hole final qualifier. The USGA also extends exemptions to champions of major amateur tournaments from across the world as well as the top 100 World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). 

Jones is No. 76 in the latest World Amateur Golf Rankings, which earns him an exemption to Hazletine. Ponich earned his spot by winning the 126th Utah State Amateur Championship on July 13. Both Brenchley and Shelley finished in the top three at The Country Club in Salt Lake City to earn their spot in the field. 

“I’ve never played Hazeltine but hear it is amazing,” said Brenchley. “I’m excited to see how USGA has it set up and see the shape it will be in. It will be fun to play a course that has hosted so many great tournaments.”

Shelley, entering his senior year, birdied holes one, three and nine, which helped him kick off a 1-under front nine. He parred holes 10 through 17 and then bogeyed the 18th for a final score of even 71.

“My goal every year is to qualify for the US Am and it just feels great that I was able to accomplish that goal this year,” said the senior.

Jones accomplished a successful junior season. He finished first at the Arizona NIT, where he recorded a collegiate career low of 8-under 64 in the final round of the tournament, helping his final score of 18-under 198. He punched his qualifying ticket based on his WAGR, where he placed 76. 

Ponich won the Utah State Amateur mid-July 2 and 1, which earned him an automatic invitation to Hazeltine.

The US Amateur will tee off on August 12. For more information about the event, visit USGA's website.