Contributed
(July 31, 2010)

Huntingdon senior men’s golfer Chase Blaich has earned an opportunity to compete in the 2010 U.S. Amateur Golf Championships, which will be held at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash., from Aug. 23-29, following a two-round total of 144 at a qualifying event at the par 72, 7,159 yard Camp Creek Golf Club earlier this week.

Blaich, who posted rounds of 73 and 71 in the qualifier, earned a one-stroke victory over Scott Strohmeyer of Tuscaloosa, Ala., who carded a two-day score of 145. Strohmeyer, who is a sophomore golfer at the University of Alabama, also earned one of 310 spots in the tournament as a result of his finish.

“This is truly a testament to Chase’s work ethic,” Huntingdon Director of Golf Matt Mahanic said. “He works hard every day and is a leader both on the course and off for our team. This is an incredible honor for him and an excellent opportunity for him to represent Huntingdon College at such a prestigious tournament.”

 Blaich, who is from Defuniak Springs, Fla., earned both PING First-Team All-America honors and All-South Region honors during his junior season. He finished the 2009-10 season with a scoring average of 74.96 strokes per round, eight top-15 finishes, three top-10 finishes and two top-5 individual finishes. He also had 22 of his 25 rounds played count toward the team score.

By qualifying for the U.S. Amateur, Blaich becomes one of three known Huntingdon golfers to participate in the event, joining Scott Warzecha in 1985 and 1987, as well as Joe Durant in 1988.

Former teammate Chad Lovelady served as Blaich’s caddie in the event at Camp Creek, while Mahanic will carry his bag in the U.S. Amateur Championship.