Harman Captures The 2003 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship

Brian Harman of Savannah, Ga., during the U.S. Junior Amateur final Saturdasy at Columbia Country Club. (John Mummert/USGA)

Audio Interview with Brian Harmon

Chevy Chase, Md. – Brian Harman, 16, of Savannah, Ga., became the third left-handed golfer in history to win a USGA title with his 5-and-4 victory over Jordan Cox, 15, of Redwood City, Calif., Saturday at the 2003 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at the 6,586-yard, par-70 Columbia Country Club.

 

The victory was particularly sweet for Harman, who in the quarterfinals at the 2002 Junior Amateur was leading Charlie Beljan by one hole going into the 18 th . Harman hit his tee shot into the water and eventually lost in 21 holes. Beljan went on to win the championship.

 

“The choke has been avenged,” said Harman.

Saturday's Championship Notes

Championship Final Photo Gallery

2003 U.S. JUNIOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP FACT SHEET

July 21-26
Columbia Country Club
Chevy Chase, Md.

PAR AND YARDAGE – Columbia Country Club will play at 6,575/6,586 yards and par is 35-35—70.

THE ARCHITECT – The golf course at Columbia Country Club was designed by noted golfer Walter Travis and opened in 1910.

ENTRIES – The championship is open to amateur golfers who will not have reached their 18^th birthday on or before July 26, 2003, and who have a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 6.4. Entries closed June 4.

ENTRIES – A total of 3,216 entries were accepted in 2003. In 1999, a record 4,508 entries were accepted for this championship, beating by 420 the previous record of 4,088 set in 1998.

THE SCHEDULE –

• Saturday, July 19 – Practice Rounds
• Sunday, July 20 – Practice Rounds
• Monday, July 21 – First round, stroke play
• Tuesday, July 22 – Second round, stroke play

• Wednesday, July 23 – First round, match play
• Thursday, July 24 – Second and third rounds, match play
• Friday, July 25 – Quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, match play
• Saturday, July 26 – Final round, match play (18 holes)

FREE ADMISSION – Spectators are invited to attend the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship free of charge. Spectators are invited to walk the fairways behind the players, but no cameras are allowed during the days of competition.

USGA TOLL-FREE INTERVIEW HOTLINE – The 2003 winner will be featured on the USGA Audio Hotline on Saturday, July 26. Call (888) 321-8742. The interview will be broadcast quality and about four minutes in length.

USGA ON THE WEB – Log on to the USGA Internet site at www.usga.org for the latest and most complete U.S. Junior Amateur Championship information.

REAL-TIME SCORING – A web site will be provided with the most up-to-date scoring information during the championship. During stroke play and the first round of match play, scores will be posted after nine holes. During the balance of match play, scores will be posted hole-by-hole for each match.

DEFENDING CHAMPION – Charlie Beljan of Mesa, Ariz., made a 2-foot birdie putt on the 20^th hole in the final match at Atlanta Athletic Club’s Highlands Course to earn the 2002 U.S. Junior Amateur.

Beljan has turned 18 since his victory and is thus ineligible to defend his title.