This week the Nationwide Tour held the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational at The Ohio State University – Scarlett Course in Columbus, Ohio. The first teams All-Americans in division one collegiate golf were invited to play to get some experience on the professional level. We have seen in the past, but it was not expected this week. Two amateurs rose to the occasion and placed first and second.

Harris English and John Peterson, recent graduates of the University of Georgia and LSU (respectively) went head to head all week long just as they did throughout their collegiate career in the SEC. Peterson held the lead for all three days and even heading into the final round. But it came down to one hole, No. 18. Peterson went into the hole, with a one-stroke lead, at 13-under-par. English was in second at 12-under-par with Kyle Reifers already in the clubhouse at 12-under.  The tides turned hitting their shots into the green. It went down as Peterson made bogey and English made birdie, a two-shot swing. English came away with the victory becoming the third amateur to win on the Nationwide tour

Like I said earlier, this wasn’t the first time we have seen an amateur win a professional tournament this year. Another Bulldog, Russell Henley won the Stadion Classic at UGA earlier this year.

This also solidifies his spot on the prominent Walker Cup team that will take place in September. All three of these players, English, Peterson and Henley will be at the Porter Cup this week to compete for the title; all of whom are real contenders to win.

There were others amateurs that played this week both at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational and at the RBC Canadian Open. Rising senior at Oklahoma State Peter Uihlein placed in tied for ninth, who played for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, on the PGA Tour, Patrick Cantlay continues his very successful summer. He once again placed tied for ninth, which has made that four top-25s in his first four starts. This was his best finish on the Tour so far. Both of these talented amateurs will also be stars on the Walker Cup team.