Aug. 11, 2008

Story submitted by Gary Belt, Men's and Women's Golf Coach, Northwood University-Texas

Lucas Bogdan, a junior golfer at Northwood University has reached a new level personally and as a Knight's golfer.  Bogdan traveled to Redmond, Oregon last week to compete in the United States Golf Association's (USGA) sectional qualifying tournament for the right to play in the U.S. Amateur Championship.  The 36-hole qualifying tournament featured a field of 80 players with the four lowest players advancing to the Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina. 

Bogdan blistered Jupiter Golf Club with an eagle and seven birdies to shoot 69-70 (-5) to finish third.  The junior from Abbotsford, British Columbia is the first Knight to advance to play in the Championship.  "I'm excited," said an elated Bogdan.  "I went out and just enjoyed the experience," he added. "I didn't take my game too seriously and my mind was focused on just going out having fun."  Two summers ago as a high school senior, Lucas qualified for the Canadian Amateur Championship in Nova Scotia.  "This is so much bigger," he added.  The U.S. Amateur Championship is the oldest USGA tournament dating back to 1895.  Past champions have included Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

The tournament will be played at Pinehurst #2 and #4 on August 18 - 24 in North Carolina.  Pinehurst hosted the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Open Championships.  312 of the best amateur players from around the world will play 36-holes on Monday and Tuesday to determine the 64 players who move on into the match play tournament.  The grueling Championship will test the players endurance.  The individuals who advance to the 36-hole finals on Sunday will play nine rounds in seven days.

"This is a fantastic accomplishment for Lucas," said Northwood Coach Gary Belt.  "I'm so excited for him.  When you have a player who achieves something at such a high level, it further legitimizes the program, our players, and Northwood as a whole," Belt added. "It shows our players are good enough to play against anyone in the nation."

Bogdan was selected to the NAIA All-Freshman team in 2007 and earned NAIA 2nd-Team All-American honors in 2008.

To learn more about Northwood University-Texas and the men's and women's golf program click here.