Senior Player of the Year Award

 

Van Sickle Honored with W.C.Fownes, Jr.  Award

Mike Van Sickle a 22 year-old from Wexford Pa., and a recent graduate from Marguette University has been honored with the 2008 William C. Fownes, Jr. Award. The Fownes Award, based on the Pennsylvania Golf Association Player of the Year Point Standings, is presented to the player that exemplifies the highest standards of excellence on the golf course in skill, sportsmanship, and etiquette in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 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.

 Van Sickle's season started out with an Amateur Championship win at the storied Old Course at Saucon Valley Country Club, in Bethlehem, Pa. He then followed that up 2 weeks later with a second come-from-behind win in the Open Championship. He is the first amateur in the 92-year history of the Open Championship to repeat as champion. Mike competed on a national stage multiple times in 2009. He tied for 4^th in the Northeast Amateur Invitational, at Wannamoisett C.C in Rumford, Ri. Van Sickle also finished 3^rd at the Porter Cup held at Niagara Country Club. He lost on the first sudden death playoff hole to finish in 2^nd place in the Southern Amateur Championship at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, in Orlando, Fl. He then capped off his fantastic season with a win at the All-American Classic at El Paso Country Club, in El Paso, Tx. Van Sickle now holds the 10th place in the Golfweek/Scratch Players World Amateur Rankings.

 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE CHAMPIONS

R. JAY SIGEL AMATEUR MATCH PLAY: Arnold Cutrell, Greenburg, Pa.

THE ART WALL, JR. MAJOR: Sean Knapp, Oakmont, Pa.

GEORGE DRESSLER AMATEUR PUB-LINKS: Jud Gemmill, E. Petersburg, Pa.

SENIOR AMATEUR PUBLIC LINKS: Andy Tompos, Lititz, Pa.

BETTER-BALL: Eric Williams and James Gardas

SENIOR BETTER-BALL: Paul Schlachter and Joseph Cordaro

SUPER-SENIOR BETTER-BALL: King Knox and Jim Sherratt

JUNIOR BOYS: Gregor Orlando, Erie, Pa.

JUNIOR TEAM:Commonwealth National Golf Club

Connor McNicholas, TimAnderson, Peter Eiler, Matthew Teesdale

AMATEUR: Mike Van Sickle, Wexford, Pa.

SENIOR AMATEUR: Roc Irey, Furlong, Pa.

SUPER-SENIOR AMATEUR: Phil Saylor, Johnstown, Pa.

OPEN: Mike Van Sickle, Wexford, Pa.

MIDDLE-AMATEUR: William Smith, Newville, Pa.

SENIOR TEAM: Ronald Yarnell, Alan Over, Andy Tompos, Bill Brenner

 

Created in 1909 with the intention of promoting the interests of golf throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Golf Association (PGA) is the authoritative body of amateur golf in the state. The Association’s focus is to promote growth, preserve traditions and protect the integrity of the game through its competitions and member services. The Association’s individual members and 300 Member Clubs are spread across the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

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