Godfrey Nsubuga made history this week as the first Ugandan golfer to qualify for the U.S. Amateur Championship. The qualifier he participated in took place at the par-71 Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club in North Carolina.
Nsubuga, the defending champion of the Uganda Open and currently a freshman at Winston Salem State University in North Carolina, was exempted from playing in the local qualifier. Instead, he competed in the one-round final qualifiers, where only 13 participants from the entire state of North Carolina advanced.
Nsubuga tied for 7th place with three others, each scoring 68 in the final qualifying rounds held from July 17, spanning 19 sites across 15 states.
“I am happy to have qualified for this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship. It’s a dream come true for me and I believe it’s a proud moment for Uganda. The journey here has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way, especially my family, coaches, and teammates at Winston Salem State University,” Nsubuga said.
Nsubuga tied with Canada’s Phil Arci, Georgia’s Payne Sells, and Tennessee’s Jackson Herrington. Daniel Boone of North Carolina led the qualifier with a score of 64, followed by Tennessee’s Blades Brown as runner-up with 65. In third place, North Carolina’s Carson Bertagnole and Connor Warren, along with South Carolina’s Jack Wieler and Virginia’s Adam Hooker, all tied with a score of 67.
“Competing against such talented golfers was tough, but tying for 7th and securing my spot feels amazing. I can’t wait to represent Uganda on such a prestigious stage. This opportunity means the world to me, and I’m determined to make the most of it.” Nsubuga added.
The U.S. Amateur Championship is set to occur at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, from August 12 to 18, 2024. This marks the second occasion that the tournament will be hosted at this venue.
