Nathan Smith Grabs Record Fifth POY Award
Nathan Smith poses with the R. Jay Sigel trophy
BROOMALL, Pa. – Highly decorated Nathan Smith compiled yet another stellar season in claiming his record fifth William C. Fownes, Jr. Amateur Player of the Year award. Smith captured the inaugural award in 2003, also winning in 2007, 2009, and 2015. Highlights of the year included a record fifth win in the R. Jay Sigel Amateur Match Play Championship at the Country Club of Scranton, and a Runner-Up finish in the Pennsylvania Middle-Amateur Championship at Fox Chapel Golf Club.
On the national front, the Pittsburgh native competed in U.S. Open sectionals, the U.S. Amateur, and qualified for match play in both the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball at Pinehurst (Quarterfinalist with partner Todd White), and U.S. Mid-Am at the Capital City Club in Atlanta.
“It was a great year, I felt good about my game and played well. Anytime you can win this award or win a state event it was a great year. There are so many great players in our state, and I enjoyed playing with many of them this season,” said Smith.
Smith added, “I loved the venues I had the opportunity to play this season. We’re so spoiled. Fox Chapel and White Manor were in incredible shape. Country Club of Scranton was in great shape for the R. Jay Sigel Match Play and everyone there couldn’t have been nicer. The chance to play matches against two great friends in the semifinals (Sean Knapp) and finishing in the monsoon in the final against Dave Brown is something I’ll remember forever.”
In addition to his five Fownes awards, Smith is also a 9-time Western Pennsylvania Golf Association Player of the Year, including a current streak of four in-a-row.
W.C. Fownes, Jr. was the quintessential amateur golfer who led by example and whose good influence - personal and institutional - was extensive. W.C. Fownes' major golf credits include being a Pennsylvania Amateur and U.S. Amateur Champion, Walker Cup organizer, player and team captain, and USGA president.
The William C. Fownes, Jr. Amateur Player of the Year Award is given to the player that exemplifies the highest standards of excellence on the golf course in skill, sportsmanship, and etiquette in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Nathan Smith – What’s in the Bag?
Driver – TaylorMade R11
Woods – Callaway Epic
Hybrid – Titleist
Irons – Callaway Epic
Wedges – Titleist Vokey SM6
Putter – Odyssey #5
Ball – Titleist ProV1