If you suspect that this installment has anything to do with the nuances and secrets of the Niagara Falls country club course and its featured event, you’ve been misled. The ins and outs of the Porter Cup has to do with the players that are suddenly in the event, and the others that have withdrawn and are now out.
In early July, a number of area writers and television folk gathered in Lewiston to receive media kits and receive an update on the tournament from the organizing administration. Player profiles were handed out, but scribes were cautioned that the field of players would be a fluid entity, up to the opening tee balls of the tournament. This fluidity played out the week of July 15-19, when players sent in regrets and the organizers sent out more invitations.
The most notable withdrawal is Michael Kim. One of the golden three of the Cal-Berkeley Bears, Kim was named to the Walker Cup team last week by the USGA. His reason for withdrawal, however, stems from his success at the USGA Amateur Public Links championship, whose final round is being contested today. Kim played two stroke-play rounds earlier in the week, shooting 69 and 68 and qualifying fifth. Over the course of the next three days, he won five individual matches to reach the 36-hole final, where he currently sits 1 hole down after the morning 18. The drain of 9 or so rounds in 6 days was enough for Kim to say enough, I need a break. Fortunately for Porter Cup fans, his two teammates (Max Homa and Michael Weaver) will play next week at Niagara Falls country club.
Other late withdrawals include Corey Conners from Ontario (extended an invitation to play in the Canadian Open), Irish youngster Gavin Moynihan, and mid-ams John Engler and Kevin Marsh. Other late additions are Michael Boss, Bo Andrews, Charlie Bull, Michael Boss, Wyndham Clark and Bryson Dechambeau.
