Bobby Leopold Wins Playoff to Earn Spot in U.S. Amateur
Bobby Leopold is headed back to the U.S. Amateur.
The defending Rhode Island Amateur champion survived a playoff against Ben Day at Connecticut National Golf Club to get to his 21st career USGA event.
“The U.S. Amateur is the pinnacle of all amateur events in the world so qualifying for the U.S. Amateur is really special. I’ve come close so many times [recently] so it felt like it was my time to make it happen,” Leopold told the Connecticut Golf Association after the round.
This is Leopold’s first trip to the U.S. Amateur since 2015, when the tournament was held at Atlanta Athletic Club.
The U.S. Amateur is set for August 15-21 at The Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey.
Leopold Survives
Tied after regulation at 5-under with Ben Day a playoff was needed to determine the final spot. On the first extra hole, the par-5 first, Leopold’s drive found a fairway bunker.
Knowing that Day would likely get up and down for birdie Leopold played aggressively electing to hit a 5-iron despite being close to the lip of the bunker.
The gamble paid off as the ball landed just short of the green.
With Day within 15 feet for birdie, all Leopold was looking to do was roll his chip close to set up a birdie try.
Leopold ended up chipping in for eagle to win the playoff and lock up a spot in the U.S. Am.