WPGA - Nathan Smith plays well in south, including The Masters

2003 WPGA Player of the Year Nathan Smith, Brookville, who won the 2003 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship, has recorded two fourth place finishes in top amateur events in Florida and South Carolina.

He tied for fourth in the Gasparilla Invitational, February 27-29, at Palma Ceia G & CC in Tampa with 70-72-71--213, two shots from a three-way playoff won by Richard Kerper. He then finished fourth in the Azalea Invitational, March 25-28, at CC of Charleston, SC, with 67-70-67-67--273, three strokes behind winner Webb Simpson.

At The Masters, paired with Arnold Palmer, Smith opened with 78 but rallied in the second round. A par on the final hole would have resulted in his making the cut. Unfortunately, Smith double bogeyed the hole, three putting from 25 feet. His 78-72--150 is one of the best showings by a USGA Mid-Amateur champion in The Masters.

Nathan Smith, Brookville