WPGA - Nathan Smith has banner year on "Amateur Tour"

When Nathan Smith finished fourth in the Sunnehanna Amateur this June, his showing, one of the best ever by a Western Pennsylvania area golfer, was just a prelude. The 2003 USGA Mid-Amateur champion followed up with t-12 in the Northeast Amateur, in Rumford, Rhode Island, t-5th in the Porter Cup, Niagara Falls, New York, and advanced to match play, the "Sweet Sixteen" in the Western Amateur at Benton Harbor, Michigan, finishing t-2 in stroke play qualifying. Smith's showing in these four major competitions is the best overall record in one season by an area golfer.

Unfortunately for Smith, the Porter Cup and Western showings were after the USGA named its Walker Cup team. Smith is scheduled to compete in the USGA Amateur Championship at Merion GC, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, later this month.

Nathan with his father, Larry, at the 2003 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship. Nathan won the championship and had the honor of being paired with Arnold Palmer in his final Masters.