Acworth Golfer Pushing to Advance in U.S. Amateur Championship

When Blaine Woodruff and Denny McCarthy played together in a practice round at Wisconsin's Erin Hills Golf Course, they found out quickly that the course would take its toll on a golfer not on his game.

Fighting a balky putter, Woodruff slipped to a 5-over par round of 77 Monday afternoon on the opening day of the U.S. Amateur championship in Erin, WI. However, Woodruff managed to turn around a sour day with a birdie on the lengthy 675-yard, par-5 finishing hole.

“It’s certainly better making that putt (than the alternative),” Woodruff said. “All day I kept leaving putts on the lip, but I finally got one to go in.”

The Acworth native credited some of his troubles to his inexperience with lengthy tracks. The 7,760-yard layout of Erin Hills proved unfamiliar.

“I’ve played courses like this, but nothing this long,” Woodruff said.  “I’m looking forward to Blue Mound Country Club tomorrow. I know my legs are, too.”

Despite his score, Woodruff enjoyed the company of McCarthy on the links.

“Denny’s a really good guy and I’ve played a lot of golf with him,” Woodruff said. “I think it was good pairing for both of us.”

McCarthy, a native of Rockville, MD, shot a 1-over 73. Walking the course with a friend like Woodruff kept his spirits high.

“I played in a U.S. Junior qualifier with Blaine a few years back, so we were familiar and enjoy playing with each other,” McCarthy said. “You have to feel comfortable out there, especially on a course like this because it never gets easy.”

Woodruff and McCarthy will be pushing to reach the top 64 Tuesday to play in the match play competition. The winner of the event will be decided in a 36-hole final match Sunday at Erin Hills.