Qualifiers battle desert heat to earn spots in U.S. Amateur

Adam Candee

Tuesday, July 20, 2004 | 9:20 a.m.

Forget the dozens of opponents fighting for one of three spots in August's U.S. Amateur. The most difficult foe that local amateurs playing in Monday's qualifying tournament at Southern Highlands faced was 106-degree heat beating down on them for 36 holes.

About nine hours after they teed off, Matthew Kodama, Drew Scott and Jonathan Taruc survived a brutal July day to earn berths in the country's amateur showcase. Kodama won the tournament by shooting 69 and 73, posting the only sub-70 round of the day on his way to a one-shot win over Scott.

"It was hot," Kodama said. "It was a really long day. I'm happy to be done."

Taruc shot 73-71 to hold off UNLV standout Travis Whisman and John Mosier by two strokes. A Bishop Gorman graduate and Nevada-Reno sophomore-to-be, Taruc is thrilled to be invited to Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

"I'm looking forward to it," Taruc said. "It's the biggest amateur event of the year."

All three qualifiers said the keys to the day were keeping the ball away from the difficult rough and managing some very fast greens. Scott, a Green Valley graduate who now plays at San Diego State, said that a realistic attitude helped him get through the day.

"You can't go out and try to shoot a 65 because it's not going to happen," Scott said.

Scott tied Whisman for the best second round of the day with his 2-under 70, and many of the day's better players brought their scores down on their second trip around the course despite the searing afternoon temperature.

"It's always easier on the second 18 (holes), I think," Scott said. "You know the pins, you know how the course is feeling and you know how you're playing."

Ryan Carter, Kenny Ebelo and Kevin Marsh all tied for sixth place at 3-over 147. Joe Wieser finished ninth at one stroke behind that group, while Michael Feuerstein and Jason Pridmore rounded out the top 10 at 5-over 149.com