Shipley, four back, and Ellis, two back, at Sunnehanna Amateur
By Mike Dudurich • June 15, 2023
WESTMONT – Jimmy Ellis is a hard-working golfer who would love to win a bunch of golf tournaments on the biggest stages possible as he makes his way through his golfing mid-life.
He’ll tell you he loves competing, mixing it up with whoever he was up against at the moment.
Like the company he’s been keeping the last few days at the 82nd Sunnehanna Amateur at Sunnehanna Country Club in Westmont.
Ellis showed that in the first two rounds this week when he posted a pair of 69s and finds himself in a tie for 23rd at four-under par. But, oh what might have been.
In 36 holes, he’s made five bogeys. Too many of those came from three-putts.
“I just can’t afford to 3-putt around here. You have to two-putt and move on. You can’t give away shots to these kids, not if you expect to win,” he said.
There are two rounds left in one of the nation’s most legendary amateur events and while he’s 23rd on the leaderboard, Ellis knows the issue hasn’t been decided in this one.
“Today was very similar to yesterday,” Ellis said after signing his card. “I had an eagle from the middle of the fairway on 12 today, holed a pitching wedge. Made nine pars on the front side.
“Then I get to 10 and miss an 8-footer for birdie. I 3-putted 12 and 17. If we could have …”
Could -haves don’t cut it against elite national amateurs and Ellis knows it.
“Do I think I can still win? Sure I do, but you look at the scoreboard and you see there’s work to be done,” Ellis said. “I’ve never been in contention in an event like this. Things like the Pennsylvania Open or Pittsburgh yes, but this is a big step up.”
How did the other members of the WPGA do Thursday?
Neal Shipley – He posted his second round of 68 and is in 14th position. Shipley has made 9 birdies through 2 rounds.
Tanner Johnson – He made three birdies and three bogeys to improve by 2 shots over his first round.
Nathan Smith – Even one the game’s all-timers have tough tournaments and this has been one of those. The four-time USGA Mid-Amateur made 9 bogeys and one double over two days on a layout he conquered a few years ago.
Palmer Jackson – He made 6 bogeys and 3 birdies for a 73. He thought he had some things worked out in the first round, but as he said, “there’s still work to be done.”
Jimmy Meyers – Seven bogeys and two unlucky “7s” sunk chances Meyers had. He improved by a couple after two rounds.
Gregor Meyer – Four bogeys and a double made it a tough slog for Meyer, who’s in at 151 after 36 holes.
Brady Pevarnik – Two double-bogeys and five bogeys make coming back from an opening-round 77. He finished with a 156 total after two rounds.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and 34,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.