Seymour’s Ramsey Fires Two under Par 70 in Qualifier

Andrew Ramsey recently shot a two under par 70 on the 6,700 yard Egwani Farms golf course in Alcoa to qualify for the Men’s Tennessee State Amateur Championship at the Honors Course in Ooltewah, TN near Chattanooga.
It was the lowest 18 hole score he has posted since his Seymour High record breaking performance in the district at River Islands in the fall of 2008 when he shot a four under 68 and won the tournament.
The medalists were Davis Bunn, Eric Rose and Elliot Wickenden at 69. Ramsey finished in fourth place but only lost by one shot. “A two foot missed putt on 17 cost me the win. I was so mad. I reached the 18th green in two shots (a par 5) and two putted for a birdie. I think I was the only player to reach it in two all day” Ramsey reflected. The field included 75 of the top players in the state of Tennessee, including several top 2009 high school graduates who signed with division one schools. In the spring, Ramsey signed with the Walter State Senators on a full scholarship for golf and academics.
Although he has played in many top elite national junior tournaments over the years, the Tennessee State Amateur may be his biggest because it is his first adult competition against the most talented players in the state at any age. “I’m very excited about playing in the Tennessee State Amateur Championship especially at the Honors Course” said Ramsey. The Honors Course is one of the highest regarded golf courses in the world. It currently ranks 32 in the U. S. ahead of the likes of Wing Foot, Baltustrol, Inverness and many others. The course has hosted the NCAA Division 1 Championship, USGA Men’s Amateur, the Southern Amateur and many others. Tiger Woods won the individual NCAA Championship there several years ago. The Honors was created to host amateur events only. It is over 7,000 yards, par 72 and designed by Pete Dye, world renowned golf course architect. Ramsey’s two under par 70 included 11 greens in regulation, 27 putts (10 one putts) and 5 birdies. “Nine was the turning point. I birdied it to put me back to even (36 on the front). I hit my last 8 greens in regulation with birdies on 13, 14 and 18. I hit the ball and putted much better on the back nine (2 under par 34)” said Ramsey.
Asked about how he felt about his performance Ramsey responded, “It felt good to beat so many good players and earn their respect. I am very excited about playing in the State Championship.” The tournament starts August 4th and ends August 7th. It is a four day tournament. “The only negative is that playing in the tournament will knock me out of a planned trip to the beach with my girlfriend and her family that I was really looking forward to” laughed Ramsey. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to achieve goals.